GL: Pet Chip

[Ralph Yost]

I have an address dog tag that has our phone # on it. It makes it easy
for anyone to contact us if they had the dog in their possession.
I have an alternate tag that I use on the dog if we leave the dog with
my daughter at her house. That tag has her contact info.
My dog does have the ID chip in her. It was inserted by the breeder
before we bought her.
http://www.alphacompservices.com/ralph/PWD/Default.htm

I also do not let her run loose except in a fenced in yard. She is well
trained and would heal at my side even if I didn't have the leash on
her. However, I don't think its worth the risk to take this chance. Dogs
can get distracted and be less obedient for many reasons, especially if
they see another dog, cat, rabbit, etc.

Another suggestion is to always have a harness on the dog to assist in
retrieving the dog if she were to fall overboard. You want a harness
that will allow you to reach down with the boat pole and hook it.
http://tinyurl.com/6l95eb

R.

-----Original Message-----

Ralph is correct.  The chip has been tried in show dogs for at least ten
years now.  In fact the AKC at one time entertained using the chip
system to verify that the dog entering the show ring was in fact the dog
that was entered in the show. Not that anyone would think of cheating
but it is rumored that several dog have finished their Championship
several times, but
I digress.   The problems are as Ralph stated.  There was some talk that
all
Animal Shelters would have a chip reader in case your dog showed up at a
shelter.  But as best as I know it is the VHS - BETA wars revisited.  I
don t think any system has won that war.  So in reality training the
dog to mind is your best bet.  Keep in mind that the chip does no good
if the dog doesn't listen and runs out in front of a car.  Proper dog
training, having a lead and collar on your dog at all times when ashore
and an ID collar are the real answers.

Vinny