How to Catch a Runaway Dog

Did your dog sneak out and run away? Have you tried everything that you could think of? Runaway dogs are a very common problem with pet owners. Here are some tips on how to catch a runaway dog...

Food
Everyone knows that dogs love food, so it's no surprise that luring a dog inside with yummy treats is the most common method. This may be the most common method but it often doesn't work too well. Get some of the dog's favorite treats or food and then call the dog over. If the dog doesn't come, try throwing a piece to the dog. This will show that you actually have food and this isn't a trick. The dog may come over for the food after eating that first bite, or you may have to continue throwing pieces to the dog. Gradually bring the dog closer to home by backing up bit by bit and eventually into the house. You could also try making a trail of snacks that lead up to and into the house or backyard.

Chasing
Most of us know from experience that catching a run away dog is not going to work if you chase the dog. Chasing the dog will cause the dog to think that you're playing a game with them, and consequently, they will run away from you. You don't want your dog to run away from you because that could become more dangerous for the dog and lead them to go farther away from home. So, instead of chasing the dog, try running away from the dog. Since dogs like the chasing game, some dogs will also chase after you. You can play with the dog for a bit, each time going close to the house. Eventually you can either grab the dog when they are close to you or run inside the house and hope the dog will chase you into the house. Once the dog runs in the house, you can have someone close the door. If you have a fenced in backyard, this works even better, run right into the back yard and then close the gate.


Leave The Door Open
Sometimes when dogs get outside alone, they get scared or hungry and will eventually want back inside. While this isn't the most active method of finding a dog, it's a good thing to do if you cannot find the dog and you're running out of options.
Toys

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