YOU HAVE JUST SEEN YOUR BELOVED LOST DOG NOW WHAT? Based on prior experiences, this document provides general guidance – not rules set in stone. If your dog is lost, and we are not sure of what to do or even doubt that you can handle the situation STOP and contact us Be forewarned, not shocked - your dog might not run to you AND might run away from you. ALWAYS have a leash and a quart-sized bag of “bait” in your vehicle. NEVER walk around a search or sighting area without the leash and bait. Wrap the leash around your waist like a cinch belt, so it’s outside, handy, and ready to use. Carry at least 8 hot dogs or an equivalent amount of food, such as bits of liver, chicken, and meatballs. As an added incentive, bring along a favorite toy or item normally associated with happy playtime. DO NOT USE SQUEAKY TOYS !!!! “Cesar” brand dog food comes in a small plastic tub with a peel-off, soft foil top. Tubs pack easily in a pocket – get non-gravy varieties to store in the car as “emergency” bait. Remain calm upon arriving at a sighting location where your dog’s been seen recently. Don’t slam the door to your vehicle, don’t shout, and if you see the dog, don’t rush towards it. A dog might feel safe and stay hidden under a deck, or bolt - knowing escape routes are limited. A dog sitting in an open field might wait to see what you’re up to, or bolt - just to be on the safe side. You never know how close you’ll be allowed to get, so give the dog time to adjust to your presence. Start talking, using familiar phrases that usually get a positive response, such as “want to go for a ride?” or “do you want a cookie?” Say whatever makes a dog the happiest and gets the quickest response. Never approach a dog head on. Turn, face sideways, and walk very slowly with arms close to your sides. The dog must accept every step you take, even if it takes you a half hour or longer to advance 100 feet. Never show your teeth if you smile – that’s the same as baring your teeth (growling) in canine language. Never stare at the dog – not only is that a challenge, a predator stares at its intended prey before attacking . Avoid making any sudden body movements. Stop moving and sit down if the dog is going to bolt. If the dog stays put, slowly lower yourself to the ground and immediately assume a non-threatening position BELOW the dog’s eye level – on your belly, sitting, kneeling, or flat on your back. You must try to be positioned as low as you’re supposed to be, otherwise you’re still “dominant.” Many people have to earn their dog’s trust, just like a stranger would have to do. This is not unusual. Keep the dog’s attention focused on you by talking. Speak to it slowly, using soft and reassuring tones. Use only positive and happy phrases such as “what a good girl!” or “puppy-puppy-puppy!” Now, try to get closer towards the dog by crawling. Let its body language be the guide as to how fast and far you go. Get within 40 feet or to a point where the dog will be able to see and smell the food you’re going to toss. Whenever you move, do it SLOWLY . To help ease the dog’s anxiety, make submissive gestures every few minutes, such as closing your eyes for a few seconds and bowing your head down and off to one side. Bait food bits are used to lure the dog towards you, so eventually it’s standing next to you, wanting more. Hold the bait out, pretend you’re eating some and enjoying it. :O Smack your lips and lick your fingers. Say “It’s pretty good stuff….do you want some?” and immediately start to share a little of the bounty. With a gentle underhand motion, toss a few thumbnail size bits of food in the general direction of the dog. Toss each tidbit so it lands progressively closer to you and wait for the dog to eat before you offer more. The dog might grab a tidbit and retreat a little, or move closer to you. Praise all forward movements. DON’T OVERFEED A DOG! Why should a wary dog come to you if it’s no longer hungry? DON’T RUN OUT OF FOOD! Why should a wary dog go to someone who has nothing to offer? DO NOT OVER FEED YOU DOG IF HE HAS BEEN LOST FOR A LONG TIME !!!! SMALL MEALS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY IS THE BEST WAY TO GO
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 03:20:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015