How to calm your fearful or panicked lost dog

Your dog is on the run, panic stricken. You finally find your dog some distance away, but he or she is too scared to come to you. What do you do?

First, don’t run after your dog. This could make him or her run further - and a dog can outrun you! Running after a dog can bring out a fight or flight fear response for the dog. This can have the unintended effect of making him or her more scared each time humans approach.

The secret is to use calming signals with your dog. This means not looking the dog in the eye, not chasing the dog, not even calling the dog. Instead, stop and look from the corner of your eye with your back to the dog as much as possible. The more disinterested you are, the calmer and more interested your dog will be. Get low - sit or lie down. Sing, rather than call. Your dog will recognise your voice and feel less stressed.

While searching for your lost dog, carry a bag that makes a loud crinkly noise (like a potato chip bag). Put some yummy smelling treat foods in the bag. When you see your dog, sit and pretend to eat the treats making “yummy” noises. Then pretend to accidentally drop the food on the ground to help attract the dog.

Watch Pet Detective, Kat Albrecht from Missing Animal Response Network demonstrate the technique by clicking here.
(video shared with permission from Kat from missinganimalresponse.com).