IMPORTANT
DO NOT CHASE OR CALL THE MISSING PET
“The things that seem intuitive to you are the exact opposite of what actually works to bring your pet home,” said Denise Harris, a co-founder of the Ellicott City-based nonprofit Lost Animal Resource Group or LARG. “You’re panicking. You’re going to run out there and send search parties out and scream your dog’s name and chase it — and chasing is the worst thing you can do. People have big hearts and think they’re helping, but they’re not.”
DO'S & DONT'S
Things to bring with you:
Slip lead (collars can fall off and if you are unable to grab their collar this is very handy)
Treats/other smelly food
DO NOT JUST GRAB THE DOG.
Sudden movements could scare them and even a normally friendly dog could bite.
DO NOT RUN AFTER A DOG.
Giving chase is only going to cause them to bolt. If it’s a playful dog you could instead try running AWAY from them. Sometimes they will give chase. You can also try sitting or laying down or even just turning so your side is facing them. You want to do everything you can to convey you are not a threat. Even if it’s your dog and they know you, in a stressful situation they might not see you as their owner, but simply a scary person trying to grab them.
DO NOT SNEAK UP ON THEM.
If you scare them they could bite or bolt. Make a small noise like clearing your throat to make them aware that you are there.
DO KEEP YOUR SURROUNDINGS IN MIND.
Be mindful of roads or potential hazards nearby and be careful not to scare them into the road. This is another reason chasing the dog is dangerous. You never know where they will run.
DO MOVE SLOWLY AND SPEAK SOFTLY TO SCARED DOGS.
Whistling and calling to them could scare them away. Check out this fantastic video on how to use calming signals.
DO LET THEM COME TO YOU.
If you push them, there is a good chance they will bolt. Try turning sideways and tossing them a couple treats.
Sourced from Copper Country Humane Society