A 12 Step Checklist To Keep Your Shy and Fearful Dog Safe From Bolting Through An Open Door
While on a home visit with one of our fearful shelter dogs, the potential adopter shared that he was especially concerned about the dog panicking and bolting out of the house. He had reason to be cautious, since a relative’s dog did just that and didn’t make it across a busy road. The sorrow and heartache in his eyes stays with me still, and I couldn’t honestly offer him reassurances that it would never happen again with another dog.
What we did speak about were various safety measures that could be put in place to lessen the chances of a new dog bolting out of the house, as well as some good manners to work on in order for a new dog to gain access to the great outdoors.
This week, I will share 12 management techniques that will increase the odds that you and your dog stay safe while exiting the house.
Attach a lightweight drag line to your new dog, and leave it on for the first few weeks. The drag line allows you to calmly and gently keep hold of the dog in challenging situations without having to reach forward to grab her collar. Many shy and fearful dogs are wary of a person’s close proximity and hands moving towards them, and the drag line allows the dog to keep some distance while both dog and person stay safe.
Control access to all points of entry and exit, all the time. Use baby gates to stop your dog from lining up at the door until she is leashed and calm, preferably a room away from the door itself.
Use an x-pen as an “airlock” around the door you use most frequently. If it’s possible, use one x-pen inside the house and one outside the house in case your dog tries to bolt when the door opens. The x-pen should only open if the dog is leashed and calm and giving you her attention.
Teach your family members the rules too. Make sure all family members and friends know that they must exit and enter cautiously, and quickly and firmly close the door behind them. If the door must remain open for any length of time (for groceries, visitors, etc.) your dog must be separated from the door by at least two rooms with baby gates or closed doors (ask me how I know…)
Maintain your exterior doors. Make sure that the hinges are oiled and the pins snug, the strike plate aligns with the latch and that the deadbolt is not engaged. Keep rugs and mats away from the threshold so they don’t inadvertently cause the door to remain unlatched.
Install a latchable gate across the top of your exterior stairs in the same style as your exterior railings.
Double and triple check that your doors and windows are closed and locked. It’s o.k. to be obsessive.
Leave windows open only an inch or two on the bottom to ensure that your dog will not be able to launch herself through the opening.
Consider investing in a G.P.S. tracker that attaches to your dog’s collar.
Never leave your dog outside alone. Dogs should only be tethered outside with direct, continuous supervision. Use two points of contact such as a harness and a martingale attached to the leash in case one piece of equipment fails. If the dog likes flopping down on her back and wiggling around on the grass, attach the leash to the front clip of the harness, because there is less chance that the clip of the leash can open if it gets snagged on the grass (again, ask me how I know…)
Protect them from unexpected noises. If your dog becomes anxious about fireworks, thunder or wind, do your best (and I know it’s hard) to give your dog a bathroom break well before before the festivities or weather starts. If possible, stay with your dog in an interior room with the shades down, some extra super duper treats (for both of you) great music or a funny movie playing, and make yourselves comfortable during the event. Keep your dog away from any exterior doors or windows until well after the noise outside subsides.
Talk to your vet or veterinary behaviorist about your options if your dog becomes so panicked that her only instinct is to flee.
Management is only the first step in keeping your dog safe from bolting through an open door. Next week, we’ll discuss how to teach your dog that she has the power to control her access to entering and exiting the house, even without opposable thumbs!
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Javier Brosch
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