Exasperating as it can be when a dog goes AWOL ‘absent without a leash’, the fact is there are a few rules to bear in mind. Main one, don’t panic. Second, make sure there is a door or gate open for the prodigal’s return. Do not yell at it when it finally returns, usually tongue hanging out, and lands in a heap at your feet. No doubt glad to be home.
APAA, Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, receives many calls from frustrated owners. “Gone!” Tearfully reciting the liturgy ‘the gate left open’; ‘ran off when out’.
“Some dogs do, however, loiter a lot longer than they should.” Jenny Clarke, APAA president, has been through her fair share of the waiting game. “In the end, common sense does kick in.” How so? “Go home, they’re not stupid. They’ll follow knowing where dinner and bed is!”
Tragically some do go for longer. Behavioural training helps. Managing dogs is the secret. “You are the master. They have to obey the rules.” Taught with gentle kindness and patience helps. Treats by the pocket load.
“A member’s dog suddenly decided to change a peaceful cohabitation by taking off over a huge wall. Repeatedly.” First of all, boredom was the menacing outcome. But checking back, the dog had more to contend with, visitors, workers, and good dog-friendly traffic.
“The final straw was the dog returning after eight or 10 hours with heavy stomach, and sometimes with a huge lump of meat.” Someone obviously took to the dog and seemed to be encouraging it to stay, for whatever reason.
Now, re-training is in progress, reinstalling the original rules and disciplines when the abandoned dog first arrived. “Also, the AWOL attitude brought with it, new behaviour, less wanting to guard the premises as before, lacking attention and becoming erratic.”
Having re-established old routines and rewards, heightening walls and fences, the dog seems to have settled back into her routine. “She was becoming quite independent and almost wild at times.”
The owner is now smiling. “But with time and patience, we have progressed!” Good.
Luckily support is always at hand with ‘Here to Help’, APAA’s well-earned motto. There are also numerous helpful websites with tried and trusted methods of getting pets back on track. “Sometimes it helps to do some research into the animal’s background. Dogs don’t suddenly change, unless there is an onset of illness, but this is easily checked with a quick inspection of the animal by a vet.”
APAA’s charity shops in Alvor and Silves have been making record sales. Business has been booming. Thanks to Josephine’s recent make-over in Alvor. All the goodies are well priced for your purse! Home-made jams, preserves and chutneys too.
By APAA
