How do you safely capture a lost dog?

July 2nd, 2009 by Lisa Spector

Does anybody have any advice about what to do when you find a non-aggressive lost dog? With July 4th approaching and Humane Societies in the U.S. reporting that there are more lost dogs on this day than any other of the year, this would be valuable information. Late the other night, I found a wandering Beagle. I had dog food in the car and he came within inches of the food and then went roaming off. I tried to follow him but lost him. I called emergency services and they said they'd keep an eye out for him. Luckily it was a very quiet area without traffic, but I don't know how far he went and the sweet dog keeps entering my mind. He was friendly, but he was intent on following his nose and I really hope it lead him to his family. I'd like to be more prepared on July 4th, just in case it happens again. Last July 4th I found a wandering dog and fortunately I was able to put a leash on him and the story has a happy ending. Any advice would be appreciated. And please make extra sure that your dogs are wearing ID tags at all times this holiday weekend.

I've found quite a few lost

On July 4th, 2009 griffinej5 says:

I've found quite a few lost dogs throughout the year around my neighborhood. For ones I couldn't just walk up to and leash, I usually start by tossing food. I will usually sit, or get low, and do not attempt to make eye contact.I try to keep them in the corner of my eye. If they'll come to me for the food, I just hook the leash right on, or if they won't quite let me touch them, I get the leash like a noose first, then switch it to the collar. The last guy I caught though, was very timid. Every time he got close, and I moved toward him, he'd back off. Eventually, I managed to get him close enough to get the leash on him like a noose. I think I left it this way, until I got him to the county SPCA, and only switched it when I went to take him in.

Timely advice

On July 7th, 2009 melissa_anne says:

I always send out an email about the 4th of July and hot July days here in Michigan to friends and family to remind them how little time it takes for a dog to run off.

With a friendly dog, squatting down to their level (not kneeling as it is harder to react to movements) and calling in HappyHappy voice can get some dogs close. I learned this actually from my bunny who never would come to me unless I was sitting or laying on the ground. Their perception of tall=intimidating is always in the back of my mind when dealing with prey or predatory animals.

If you can lure a dog into a residential backyard and then shut the gate (even if it's not your house) then you have a confined area to do Griffinej5's noose.

My biggest tip? Kraft singles. I don't know what it is, but I can lure almost any dog anywhere by getting them to follow the 'yellow cheese brick' road home.