UPDATE: We lost our precious Chico on July 17, 2020. See our Journey of Remembrance Video

Have you ever had a runaway dog?

Have you ever had to run trying to stop a runaway dog? When Chico was younger, he would bolt out the door and run down the street as fast as he could. He’s too old to run now and sticks like glue to us.

I used to wonder, what are you running away from? Don’t you know here is where you get food and water and a warm bed to sleep in and all the love you could possibly want?

There was more than once that the neighbors saw me running down the street as fast as my legs would carry me screaming at the top of my lungs, “CHICO, CHEEEEECO! STOOOOOPPP!

There were also a couple of times that the gate was left open by a utility worker.

Once, I didn’t notice for awhile that the gate had been left open and that he had gotten out. I didn’t know how long he’d been gone. I hate that gut-wrenching feeling of dread, thinking you might not be able to find him.

We had (we’ve moved since then) a creek nearby and lots of wildlife around and I was imagining all kinds of horrible things that could happen to him. Then I saw the animal control truck! I started running behind it as fast as my legs would take me chasing the van! All of a sudden, I realized that Chico was right beside me chasing it too. He was having a great time playing the chase game with me! Oh, the things we pet parents have to go through sometimes.

Thankfully, all my dogs are microchipped. It is the best protection and the best chance of finding your dog again, should it happen to you.

If only I had known then how to stop a runaway dog then! He ran because I chased him! It was a fun game for him. I discovered what really works to stop your Chihuahua in his tracts! Here are a few unique things that you can try next time your dog happens to get away from you:

5 Ways to stop a runaway dog:

• Stop and drop
• Stop and roll in a ball
• Open a car door
• Bend down as if inspecting something interesting
• Run in opposite direction

Why they will stop your runaway dog:

• Stop and drop works because your dog isn’t expecting this and he becomes curious and comes back to investigate.
• Stop and roll in a ball works for the same reason.
• Does your dog love a car ride? Then open the car door. He’ll come running back because he doesn’t want to miss his chance for a car ride!
• Bending or crouching down as if you are inspecting something also works because dogs are curious creatures and he’ll want to know what’s so interesting.
• Run in the opposite direction. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, that is what worked for me. Chico saw me running in the opposite direction and he wanted to play the chase game with me.

So, I hope your dog never tries to get away, but if he does, try these suggestions, they really work! And it will save both your legs and your lungs! Not to mention possible disaster!