With nearly half of Australian households owning at least one dog, local experts are reminding owners that a few simple precautions can make the difference between a pet staying safely at home or ending up lost, injured or in the pound.

From checking fences and gates to keeping registration details up to date, Campaspe Shire Council, local dog behaviour experts and a Goulburn Valley containment specialist are encouraging owners to be proactive about dog safety.

Campaspe Shire Council Director Community and Culture Jo Bradshaw said responsible pet ownership benefited not only animals but the broader community.

"Educating the community about dog safety and responsible pet ownership helps create safer, healthier neighbourhoods for both people and pets," Ms Bradshaw said.

"Responsible pet ownership reduces the risk of dogs becoming lost, injured or involved in incidents with other animals or members of the public."

Ms Bradshaw said dogs escaped for many reasons, including fear, boredom and simple opportunities created by damaged fences or unsecured gates.

"Loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks or construction works can frighten dogs, causing them to panic and look for a way out of their yard," she said.

"In other cases, dogs escape because they have the opportunity to do so. Damaged fencing, gaps under fences, or gates that have been left open or are not securely latched can provide an easy escape route."

She encouraged owners to regularly inspect fences and gates, provide dogs with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consider additional containment measures for pets known to jump or dig.

If a dog does escape, Ms Bradshaw urged owners to act quickly by contacting Campaspe Shire Community Rangers, while residents who find a wandering dog should only attempt to secure it if it is safe before contacting the council.

Highly knowledgeable on dog behaviour, Mairin McCubbin from Carmar said preventing escapes started with understanding why dogs leave home in the first place.

"The most important part about keeping your dog safe and secure is making it want to stay with you," Ms McCubbin said.

"If your beloved dog feels safe, fed, comfortable and cared for it will definitely lessen the chances of them wanting to escape."

She said dogs commonly tried to escape when they felt scared, uncomfortable or bored, particularly during storms, fireworks or other stressful situations.

Ms McCubbin said owners should also think about their dog's breed and natural instincts when planning fencing and containment.

"Tailoring your yard security to your specific dog breed is crucial," she said.

"Different breeds require different solutions based on their instincts."

She also advised owners to avoid chasing a dog that has escaped.

"Your pet knows your voice. Walk calmly and talk in your normal calm voice around where you normally walk your dog," she said.

"If you find a lost dog, never chase it, as this triggers their fight-or-flight response and drives them further away."

Lancaster electrician and K9 Containment by Hidden Fence Regional owner Hayden Sharman understands the frustration of escaping dogs better than most.

Before starting his business, he and his wife struggled to keep their own bloodhounds contained despite trying multiple fencing solutions.

"We tried everything... and the dogs just kept getting out," he said.

After installing a hidden fence system, Mr Sharman said the results were immediate and inspired him to help other pet owners facing the same challenges.

"It's a game changer," he said.

"The amount of dogs that we've seen on our community pages between Echuca, Shepparton and Kyabram, it's insane."

Mr Sharman said every property and every dog was different, but the most important thing was finding a containment solution that suited both.

"If we install the system, we guarantee containment," he said.

"For us, it was about taking away the same stress that we had and helping other people keep their dogs safe."

Mr Sharman said the hidden fence works by creating an underground boundary around a property. Dogs wear a collar that warns them as they approach the boundary and, if they continue, delivers a safe static correction to train them to remain within the designated area.

While approaches to containment may vary, all three agree on the fundamentals. Secure fencing, regular exercise and enrichment, current registration and microchip details, and acting quickly if a dog goes missing all play a vital role in keeping pets safe.

For owners, those simple steps can help prevent an anxious search, avoid unnecessary trips to the pound and, most importantly, ensure their four-legged family members stay where they belong.

Note: Owners should always check local Victorian regulations regarding the use of electronic collars.

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Saturday, 19th February 2033

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