Roaming dogs are a real issue in the Philippines. Dogs who are allowed to roam increase the spread of disease such as rabies and parasites such as mange. If they haven’t been spayed they are free to mate with other stray or roaming dogs which increases the dog population problem. Furthermore, roaming dogs are a major cause of traffic accidents and decrease the social economic status of a town or area. 

What is a roaming dog?

A roaming dog is considered to be a dog who is owned, maybe by an individual, family or community, but is allowed to roam in the community and doesn’t have an enclosed space. Whilst giving a dog freedom to explore and socialise with who they choose might seem kind, in reality it is dangerous for themselves, other dogs and people in their community. 

How to humanely house a dog

Dogs should not be allowed to roam, they make great family pets and should be kept on or in their owner’s property. Walking dogs should be done on a lead unless they are in an enclosed space or come back easily when called. They should be under their owner’s supervision at all times.

Urban areas

A dog would live happily in an urban household with an enclosed garden or back yard whilst its owners were away from home during the day (for example to go to work) as long as it had access to water and shelter from the rain or sun. Alternatively if a dog lived in a flat or if weather conditions were too extreme for a dog to comfortably stay outside, it should be kept indoors.

Rural areas

A large garden can offer plenty of exercise and enrichment for a dog. It shouldn’t be allowed to wander into other homes or gardens. If you live on a farm it’s important not to let your dog wander off your land (and indeed not to let other dogs come onto it). Creating a pen or run for the dog to live in, with a kennel provides a safe enclosed space for your dog when it’s not working with its owner.

Crating a dog

Some owners may not like their dog to have access to the home when they are not around. This could be if the dog were to chew the furniture or steal food for example. One way to overcome this is to keep a dog in a single room (with access to water) where they can’t damage anything. Another might be to crate a dog within a room. With practice, dogs can learn to wait comfortably in a suitably sized crate whilst you are away from home. However, they should only be left in a crate for a maximum of 4 hours.

Walking a dog

Dogs need exercise every day. The amount of exercise needed depends on the breed and age of a dog and whether it has any health problems. Typically dogs should have a walk in the morning and evening when it is cooler.

Walking a dog should always be done on a lead. It gives the owner greater control and keeps the dog safer, particularly in busy areas. Walking off lead should only be done in an enclosed space such as a dog park, if an area is not too crowded with no traffic and if the dog quickly returns to the owner when it is called. 

Be a responsible pet owner

At IWCT, we have seen so much hurt and suffering caused by dogs being allowed to roam. From car accidents to vicious attacks and to severe cases of mange and unwanted puppies. You can do your bit to help control the dog population in the Philippines by spaying your dog and preventing it from roaming. 

With less dogs on the streets, your local area will be cleaner, more hygienic, safer and raise the profile of your community which could attract more trade and more wealth.

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