Advice, answers, tricks and tips for anyone who shares or is considering sharing their life with these special companions. Packed with photographs.
Emergency! Dog on the Loose!
Nicole Wilde | Fri, 06/22/2007 - 07:33
Regardless of how careful we are to keep a watchful eye, doors secured and gates closed, life happens. Dogs get loose. Even the most responsible owner may one day find herself with heart pounding, frantically chasing her beloved fur-kid down a busy street, pleading with the dog to stop and come back.
Of course, having your dog reliably trained to come when called under any circumstances is ideal, and is a goal that is well worth working toward. But in the meantime, here are a few tips and tricks for a “dog on the loose” emergency situation:
- Unless you’re an Olympic athlete, or your dog is very slow, old, out of shape, or short-legged, stop chasing him! You’re never going to catch him. Instead, try reverse psychology: run in the opposite direction, making lots of fun, happy, high-pitched sounds. “C’mon, Buddy! Catch me! Wheeee!” Try clapping your hands or slapping your thigh as well. If your dog chases you, run all the way back into your house and close the door after you are both safely inside.
- If you have another dog, leash him up and go retrieve your rambunctious runaway. Chances are your dog-on-the-loose will come closer with your other dog present, and hopefully either get close enough to leash, or at least follow you both home.
- If your dog enjoys car rides, hop in the car, pull up alongside him as though nothing is wrong, and issue an invitation in a happy voice: “Wanna go for a ride?”
- Granted, this one is sneaky, but it works, assuming you have a bond with your dog: fall down and pretend to be hurt. Whimper like a hurt puppy! Your dog will immediately drop the keep-away game and come running over as if to say, “Time out! Are you okay?” You will then have one chance to grab him before he’s on to you!
Whichever method you use to get your dog to return, resist the urge to reprimand him once he’s there. You might feel angry at the time, but you want your dog to be glad he came back; if you scold him, what are the chances he’ll want to come back the next time?
In the meantime, keep training that excellent recall so that if your dog ever bolts again, emergency measures won’t be necessary.
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