A Sheltie will go into survival mode when lost and is extremely difficult to find and catch, if we are lucky to be able to locate them at all. Please take these safety precautions seriously, for the well-being of your Sheltie and to spare yourself and your family a lifetime of heartbreak. A lost Sheltie search is a lot of work and is physically and emotionally exhausting. 

The top reason Shelties are lost is they were allowed off-leash in an unfenced area. No amount of training will guarantee that your Sheltie will make the right decision 100% of the time, and your Sheltie depends on you to keep them safe. The Minnesota Sheltie Rescue adoption contract requires that our dogs MUST BE ON-LEASH AT ALL TIMES when in an unfenced area (even at home), for the LIFETIME of the dog. Supervise your dog when outside, even in a fenced area..

Supervise your dog at all times when using a tie-out. A dog has no protection from people or other animals coming toward them when on a tie-out, and dogs have been known to chew through a tie-out in a very short period of time.

Check your fence for gaps between slats, at the bottom of the fence, and between posts, gates and the house, especially as weather changes and ground settling could result in fence shifting. Remove objects near the fence that may provide an escape route over the fence when snow accumulates. Check that gates are closed before releasing your Sheltie into your fenced yard. Install a lock or carabiner on gates. A gate left open or blown open is a common way for Shelties to go missing.

Use a Martingale/Greyhound/No Slip collar or harness when walking your Sheltie, or better yet, double-leash to collar AND harness. They can easily back out of a regular collar, and this is a common way that newly acquired Shelties and Shelties in the care of a friend, relative or petsitter are lost.

Check your dog’s collar, harness, leash, and ID ring and ID frequently for wear. Minnesota Sheltie Rescue dogs should continue to have the MNSR TAG attached to the collar post-adoption. Contact us if you need a replacement. Update ID when your contact information changes, and add ID with petsitter’s contact information when you are away.

For added security, have your dog microchipped and register the chip's number. If your dog is stolen or lost and later found, they can be reunited with you via the microchip, and can provide proof that you are the dog’s family.

Check locks on doors and windows frequently to ensure that your dog is safely confined when you leave the house, and to prevent escape when jumping against a door or screen, even when you are home. This has happened when dogs panic during a storm.

Use a leash, crate/kennel or baby gate, or place your Sheltie behind a closed door when family and guests are coming/going from the house to eliminate the chance the dog may slip out.  Be especially vigilant with your Sheltie and opening doors if there are kids living in the home or visiting. This is a common way that Shelties are lost.

Use a dog seatbelt or crate in the car. Securely clip the leash to the dog and have a secure hold prior to opening the car door.

Always stay with your dog in the vehicle or bring them inside with you. Carjackings are a common occurrence, even of locked vehicles, even when unattended for only a few minutes. Do not leave your dog tied up outside shops, gyms, classrooms, offices, training facilities, etc.

Print these safety precautions for anyone who will care for your dog in your absence.

Keep an action checklist in a visible location, along with the current phone numbers of emergency contacts for individuals and organizations (MNSR) you will need to call in case of an emergency. Also keep a copy in your vehicle for when you are traveling.

Keep a current local street map handy. It can greatly assist your search in case you need to coordinate a search unit.

Keep current color photos of your dog in case you need to make flyers. Also take photos that clearly show all your dog’s markings so you can provide documentation that you are the dog’s family. Update photos annually. You need to photograph your dog's head and body from different angles (top, front, head shot, side-on, standing, etc.).

Write a simple and clear description of your dog and store it in your computer's memory-along with the most recent set of photographs-in order to create posters/flyers.

Make a contact list of all area animal control facilities for immediate retrieval. Update this list annually in case the facility changes locations. This can also assist you to immediately publicize the disappearance online through multiple online services.

Follow Lost Shelties MN for more safety tips.