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Cities are dangerous places for dogs, and since it's our job as their owners to keep protect them, we should do everything in our power to keep them safe. Whether you currently have a pet who has run away before, or have just gotten one and you want to make sure he stays put, be sure to follow these steps.

[1.] Spay or neuter your pet as soon as the vet says it's ok.

If your dog isn't fixed, he is biologically driven to mate. If there aren't any dogs immediately available for him to mate with, he will manifest his frustration by humping inanimate objects, humans, or other pets, and he will be more likely to run away in search of a dog to mate with. Fixing your pet doesn't just keep him from running away; spaying and neutering helps control pet overpopulation and can also help your furry friend live longer.

[2.] Make sure you exercise your dog adequately every day.
Anytime you need a little fresh air, you can open the door and walk out. The most your dog can do is whimper at the back door. Giving your dog walks once or twice a week really isn't enough to meet his needs. Try to imagine if you couldn't leave the house for that long. Most dogs need lots of exercise, especially breeds like greyhounds and huskies. If this need isn't fulfilled, they can develop a wide range of problems, including excessive spinning, chewing, and yes, undesired bids for freedom.

[3.] Show your dog his boundaries.
When you first get a dog, you should walk him several times around your back yard. If he strays past a certain point, correct him with a sharp tug on the leash. When you first start letting him out, always make him wear a leash and supervise him. As they get more comfortable with their surroundings, many dogs will come to understand where their territory stops, and will usually stay within those bounds.

[4.] Add other precautions if necessary.
Though becoming familiar with their boundaries is enough for some dogs, it isn't sufficient for others. High energy dogs especially might be too excitable to be trusted off leash when there are squirrels and bunnies roaming about. In these cases, you should seriously consider investing in a fence. If you don't like the look of a wooden or metal fence all the way around your yard, there are low-voltage underground invisible fences designed especially for dogs.

By providing a healthy and happy home for your dog and being sure to meet all his needs, you are doing everything you can to keep him home safe and sound. But you should always be prepared, because unfortunate accidents can happen. Make sure your dog always wears a collar with current tags. If you desire, you can even have your vet insert a small microchip between your pet's shoulder blades. This way even if he loses his collar, he will still be identifiable by veterinarians or animal shelters.

Learn more about this author, Aisling Ash.
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