Reading my previous article “ Why wouldnt your lost pet come to you” you would have read that guardians should even treat their own dogs like a “stray dog” when they go missing.

 

The problem with panicked dogs is that most guardians’ first reaction is to call their dog to try and get the dog to come to them. This is a big mistake! Never call a stray dog.

• Don’t make eye contact;

• don’t pat your leg;

• and don’t walk towards the dog.

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f your dog has a skittish temperament, he would find himself in “fight or flight” mode and will run in fear. The moment that the first would-be rescuer pats their leg; moves towards the dog; and says “Come here, rover, come here,” the dog often will associate that body language with fear and adrenaline, and will take flight.

 

So, the dog is running because people are looking at him, going towards him, calling him, and he is getting more and more afraid. When you add into the mix the guardian, or rescuer, who is anxious just freaks the dog out further.

 

From a communication point of view doing the exact opposite would be more effective. What you want to do instead is use a calmer method and try to do something to calm and attract the dog.

 

Here are some things a guardian or rescuer could try:

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Pretending to eat food off the ground.

 

Have a crinkly bag like a potato chip bag or perhaps a zip lock pet food bag with treats inside.

 

Keep this bag in your car. The main point of this exercise is that it needs to make noise when you crinkle it.

 

When you see a stray dog, get out of your car and watch the dog out of the corner of your eye.

 

Try not to make eye contact.

 

Start crinkling the bag and say something like “mmm yummy food” as you are dropping the food onto the ground.

 

Kneel down and act as if you are picking up the pieces that you dropped on the ground.

 

In many cases, the dog would have stopped and should be watching you because you are no longer wanting to chase after him and making him feel threatened. You are using common body language of eating and enjoying food, you are kneeling down and should not be seen as a threat.

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The stray should now be coming to you instead of running away.

 

Have a slip lead with you that you can easily slip over the stray dogs’ neck throwing food on ground by dog so he is distracted and slowly walk him to car.

 

He might do a crocodile roll but, keep feeding him on the ground and try to be as calm as possible.

 

A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER WITH RABIES STILL DOING THE ROUNDS:

Your safety is important. Be aware that maybe this stray may not be vaccinated so take all precautions necessary.