Dog Training Help Blog

For many people their dog is an integral member of the family.  The dog gets their own bed, their own meals and they get a lot of love and in a great home.  For some of us, our dogs may even be our “children”.  Therefore, it can be important to use the proper dog identification tag in case our little friend turns up missing.

When a dog goes missing it can be a stressful and difficult time for everyone.  Putting up posters and offering a reward are both great tools to aid in the search.  However, there is something very important that you can do yourself when first purchasing a dog or bringing it home from the shelter.  Buying a dog identification tag and placing it on the dog’s collar ensures that if your dog does wander off, whoever finds it will know exactly who it belongs to and how to get in touch.

A dog identification tag is a small metal or plastic tag that contains important information about the dog.  On the dog identification tag should be the owner’s name and the owner’s telephone number.  Many people also choose to include the animal’s name on the dog identification tag so that whoever finds it can call it by name.  This can be very reassuring to the animal to hear something familiar and it can help it to feel less frightened until it’s reunited with you and your family.

As you prepare to bring your new puppy home you’ll be purchasing a few things.  These include dishes for food and water, the correct food, a collar and perhaps even a few dog chew toys.  This is therefore the perfect opportunity to pick up a dog identification tag as well.

Many popular pet supply stores, such as PetSmart, are a great source for finding a dog identification tag.  They will have several different styles to choose from and in many cases they will also have an engraving service within the store.  You can have your dog identification tag engraved with your personal information (much like a military “dog tag”).  Once you bring your new dog home it will be able to wear the tag around its neck from the first moment it arrives.  This can be very good to have on a new dog as it is in a different environment and could get lost easier if allowed to wander.

You can also find a dog identification tag that’s a bit more extravagant if you want.  There are retailers who specialize in catering to people who like to cater to their pets.  In a boutique like this it’s not uncommon to find a dog identification tag that includes gemstones or is crafted from gold.  Think Paris Hilton and her dog.  Although these may be a bit too pricey for many people, they are out there for those who want to indulge and show off their love for their pets.

Regardless of your budget, purchasing a dog identification tag is a great investment in your new found friend.  Knowing that if your dog becomes lost the person who finds it only has to look at its tag and call you to come pick it up gives you a nice sense of security.  And your pet will be glad you bought one too!