I'm gonna try to give you some of the best tips I know on how to catch a stray. Keep in mind,
every dog is different. No two dogs are alike, and every situation is different. This is just what I've gathered through my experiences.
Having some supplies on hand is always helpful, even if you don't own a dog. You never know when you'll come across a stray pet and you won't have to worry last minute on how you're gonna catch the dog.
These are some supplies you can pick up at your local dollar store that are great to keep on hand.
Let's call it the Stray Kit:
- A Leash - Nothing fancy, just something with a latch.
- A Collar - This is optional, if you're not comfortable with putting a collar on a dog, you can make the leash into a loop and put it around his neck.
- Dog treats - Carry Outs(the ones in the blue bag) are great, and not very expensive either.
- A Food/Water Bowl - If it's hot out, and Lord knows how long the dogs have been wandering around, I'm sure they'd appreciate a drink!
- A Towel - In case you're picking the dog up in your car, lay the blanket across the seats so if he gets carsick, or if he's dirty, you won't have to worry about ruining anything.
- Dog Food - Gravy Train is a great brand, and it comes in a small bag. If it's the middle of winter you can add a little bit of warm water, mix it up and the coating on the food will thicken making it a more hearty meal.
- Bottles of Water - Keeping a few spare bottles never hurt.
- A Toy - This too, is optional. It may be one of things that'll never get used, but it couldn't hurt to have on hand in case you have a buddy for a couple days.
Now, down to the serious business.
When dealing with an animal who can't communicate through the English language body language is the only thing you can go on.
A dog knows more about you when they lay eyes on you than you do of them in the first hour of being around them. If you approach them and you're excited, or nervous, or scared, a dog is gonna know and he'll feed off that. When you approach a dog, be calm, it'll help keep them calm too.
Alright, you found your stray, he's in your neighbors yard, you go over onto the sidewalk, what is he doing? How does he look? Is he watching you? Is he growling with teeth bared? Tail between his legs? Maybe he's not even acknowledging you at all.
If the dog is growling at you, keep space between you. Aggressive dogs are more likely to hold their ground than a frightened one. An aggressive dog will come towards you, never turn your back on them, you'll be defenseless. Think of one as a wolf, what does a wolf do when something comes in their territory? They attack. Don't turn around, you can try to back away and you're best option is to call a shelter or someone to handle it, so you're not the one getting bit.
With a frightened dog things are a little easier, usually they'll cower a bit, with their tail tucked between their legs and the closer you get the more they'll move to the ground. Speak softly, move closer, put the leash on and praise him a bit.
Some frightened dogs will bite, just keep an eye on his body language, if he starts to bare his teeth, ease back a little, give him a chance to get a feel for you first to know you're not a threat.
Happy dogs are the ones whose tails are wagging a hundred miles an hour and come across the street to greet you like your their owner who hasn't been home all day and thinks you're gonna go straight for a walk.
If you find a dog that's totally oblivious to you you're chances of getting his attention isn't very great, at least not with the dogs I've come across. Again, pay attention to body language when you approach him, if he growls don't enter his space. If he continues to be oblivious chances are you'll be okay to just go over and get the collar or leash around him.
Note: Not all strays aren't the easiest to catch. Don't be afraid to call a shelter to get them to help, if you're chasing a dog all over town maybe they'll have a better technique to catching them, especially if they have more people helping.
