Carol S.
3 years ago
Here are some suggestions that might help:
A GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR LOST DOG.
BEHAVIOR: one must understand all dogs go into survival mode almost immediately - they become more foxlike. We tend to humanize them. They will not be the same as when at home with you. They are frightened, unsure, hungry, tired, (exhausted) and on constant alert. In many cases, they are fending for their lives. While they live in this state, the less likely they are to recognize their owner on sight and sound -and, in fact, they are less likely to stick around and wait to see if the person approaching them is their owner. A dog works off of its nose in that he must settle down enough to smell the owner and recognize him or her. This is the defining moment. Most dogs still cannot drop the survival/ flight mode and turn and run. If this happens, then they need to be trapped.
Lost dogs can wander for distances and eventually set up a repeating path...we work to have this happen by using scent and feeding stations, then a trap if necessary. Get permission from your neighbors to look around their yards. Going onto someone’s land may start an argument that could scare your dog away. It is important to understand that you should not chase or yell at your dog, if you find them. Remember the survival mode. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SPOT YOUR DOG will be explained below.
Use the daytime to post flyers and engage others to help search. Enlist help,of neighbors and people walking dogs, the more eyes the better! Make sure they have your number. File missing pet reports with all the animal control agencies in your area. Post flyers at Vets offices and everywhere within three miles in any direction. Do not give your address or amount of reward; this will protect you a bit from scammers. Never give /send money without seeing your pet. Also, leave a flyer with your mailman, UPS, FedEx, Amazon and any other delivery drivers you can find. (Post on UPSDogs on Facebook and post in ANY lost pets pages you find in your area. Bus drivers, Ice cream trucks, local patrol cops, fire stations, garbage and recycling guys, too.
CONTACT DOGS FINDING DOGS ASAP! VISIT shelters and vets!
Good luck!
ANOTHER IDEA FOR FINDING LOST DOGS:
And, as I understand, the Lost Animal Recovery Group (LARG) and it’s founder Bob Swenson (it’s on fb) is really great at finding lost animals. Good luck!
