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Scaredy Pup on the Loose? Learn How to Bring Them Back Safe!

When your pup gets scared and bolts, it can be a heart-stopping moment.

Understanding why dogs run away when scared and knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in safely recovering your pets.

Let’s explore what makes a dog afraid, how they behave, and the first steps to finding them.

Understanding a Scared Dog’s Behaviour

Dogs can become frightened for a variety of reasons—loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, unfamiliar environments, or sudden changes in their routine can all trigger fear.

When dogs are scared, their natural instinct is either to fight or to flee. For many, running away seems like the best option to escape the scary situation. Once they’re loose, their fear can escalate because they find themselves in unknown territory, which can make them even more unpredictable and harder to catch.

Scared dogs might exhibit behaviours such as shaking, tucking their tail, lowering their body, or even growling and snapping out of fear. Understanding these signs can help you approach the situation more effectively.

It’s crucial to remember that even the most gentle and friendly dogs might react defensively when they are frightened.

How to Find a Scared Lost Dog

If your dog gets lost after getting scared and running off, the first thing to do is remain calm. Panicking can cloud your judgement and make the situation worse. Start by securing any other animals in the area to prevent further stress or distraction.

Then, promptly begin a search:

Start Close:

Check around your home or the last place you saw them. A scared dog might not have gone far if they found a hiding spot nearby.

Spread the Word:

Inform neighbours, local shelters, and post on community and social media pages (including this lost pet database on our website). The more people who know your dog is missing and are on the lookout, the better.

Use Familiar Scents and Sounds:

Leave items that smell like home outside—like a bed or a piece of your clothing. These familiar scents might draw your dog back. Gently call out with a calm voice, or use sounds that are familiar and comforting to your dog, such as a particular whistle or phrase they associate with positive experiences like treats or mealtimes.

How to Catch a Dog That is Scared?

Approaching a scared dog requires patience, gentleness, and a bit of strategy. Here are some tips to help you catch them safely:

Avoid Direct Eye Contact:

Dogs might interpret this as a threat. Instead, use your peripheral vision to keep them in sight.

Do Not Chase:

Running after a scared dog can increase their stress and cause them to run further away. Instead, sit or lie down on the ground to appear less intimidating.

Use Calm Body Language:

Approach slowly and calmly, speaking in a gentle, reassuring tone. You want to communicate that you are not a threat.

Lure With Food:

Sometimes, hunger will overcome fear. If the dog is food-motivated, having a strong-smelling treat like canned dog food or meat can help lure them closer to you.

Use a Leash or Trap:

If the dog won’t let you close enough to touch, you might need to use a leash or a humane trap. Place the trap near where the dog has been sighted and bait it with food. Check it regularly.

How to Catch a Scared Dog Using Non-Threatening Methods

Catching a scared dog can be tricky, but the key is to make them feel as safe as possible. The less threatened they feel, the more likely they are to let you approach. Here are some effective, non-threatening methods:

Create a Safe Path:

Often, a scared dog will look for a safe route to escape. If you can, create a clear, easy path for them to approach you or a secure area. This could be guiding them gently toward a fenced yard or slowly herding them away from traffic or dangerous areas.

Sit Down or Lie Down:

Lowering your height makes you less intimidating. Sitting or lying down at a safe distance can encourage a scared dog to come closer out of curiosity. Remain quiet and passive, letting the dog assess the situation at their own pace.

Use Soft, Gentle Speech:

Speak in a low, soothing tone. Using words they recognize from home can also help to calm them. Phrases like “good boy/girl,” “come here,” or “want a treat?” in a gentle voice can evoke familiarity and comfort.

Allow the Dog to Come to You:

Extend your hand slowly, palm down, or toss treats towards you to coax the dog closer. This method can be particularly effective if the dog is food-driven. Always allow them to make the choice to come closer, ensuring they don’t feel cornered.

how to catch a scared dog
Scaredy Pup on the Loose? Learn How to Bring Them Back Safe! 2

How Do You Catch a Stray Dog?

Catching a stray dog that’s scared requires extra caution, as you don’t know their background or what they may perceive as a threat. Here are some guidelines to help you approach this safely:

Observe First:

Spend some time observing the dog from a distance to understand their behaviour and mood. Look for signs of aggression or fear.

Do Not Rush:

Approach slowly and steadily without making sudden movements. Ensure the dog always has an easy escape route to avoid triggering a flight response.

Use Food to Your Advantage:

Food can be a great motivator. Place food near you and back away, allowing the dog to eat some. Gradually decrease the distance between you as the dog becomes more comfortable.

Call for Professional Help:

If the dog seems particularly wary or shows signs of aggression, it may be safer to call animal control or a professional rescue organisation. They have the expertise and equipment to handle potentially dangerous situations safely.

Building Trust with a Scared Dog

If immediate capture isn’t an option, building trust over time may be necessary. This approach can be beneficial with particularly skittish dogs or in situations where you encounter the dog regularly in the same area. Here’s how to gradually win over a scared dog:

Regular Visits:

Visit the area where the dog has been seen at the same times each day. Consistency helps the dog to expect your visits.

Talk Softly:

Use a soft, calm voice each time you’re near the dog. Over time, they will begin to associate your voice with safety.

Leave Food:

Start by leaving food in a spot the dog frequents, then gradually move it closer to you over the course of several days or weeks.

Stay Low and Non-Threatening:

Each time you visit, sit or lie down at a safe distance. Over time, decrease the distance between you and the dog.

Be Patient:

Building trust takes time. It’s important not to rush the process or try to force interactions. Let the dog set the pace.

These strategies focus on reducing a dog’s anxiety and fear, allowing them to feel secure enough to approach you or be caught without causing additional stress. Each step should be handled with patience and care, always prioritising the dog’s comfort and safety.

Safety Measures for You and the Dog

When attempting to catch a scared dog, it’s essential to prioritise safety—for both you and the dog. Here are some important safety tips:

Wear Protective Gear:

Use gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from scratches or bites. Scared dogs can sometimes lash out unexpectedly.

Carry a First Aid Kit:

Always have a basic first aid kit on hand for any minor injuries either you or the dog might sustain.

Avoid Direct Confrontation:

Never corner a dog or make them feel trapped, as this could provoke a defensive response.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings:

Keep an eye on your environment, especially if you are in an area with traffic or other potential hazards.

Know When to Step Back:

If the situation seems to be escalating or becoming too dangerous, it’s wise to step back and call for professional help.

Approaching a scared dog requires a careful balance of empathy and practical safety measures. By ensuring both your safety and the dog’s comfort, you can make a positive impact on the outcome of the situation.

Conclusion

Bringing a scared pup back safely is all about understanding their needs, being patient, and using the right approach. Remember, each dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Always start with a calm demeanour and a gentle voice to help soothe their fears. Using food as a lure and maintaining a safe distance initially can also be effective until the dog feels comfortable enough to approach you or even follow you home.

If your efforts to catch a scared dog aren’t successful, or if you feel the situation is beyond your control, don’t hesitate to contact local animal services for assistance. They have the expertise and equipment to handle difficult cases safely.

So, next time you find yourself in a situation with a scaredy pup on the loose, remember these tips. Stay calm, be gentle, and take your time. With a little patience and the right approach, you’ll increase your chances of a safe and happy reunion. Let’s keep our furry friends safe and sound!

Peeva: Where Lost Pets Find Their Way Home

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