10 Tricks to Catch a Runaway Dog

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OH NO! Your dog is on the loose, and you’re about to panic and run after them, screaming their name like a banshee.
But wait! Stop!
Take a breath and remember these helpful tips. It could save your dog’s life, and maybe you’ll prevent your own heart attack while you’re at it.
P.S. We've all been there. No matter how careful we are, management is bound to fail at some point. That's why it's crucial to be prepared.
Try these 10 tricks to get your dog back to you.
  1. Never chase your dog because you will never win. Your dog has four legs to your two. Chase is likely their favorite game and you can use this to your advantage! Turn around and see if you can get your dog to chase you instead.
  2. Grab the highest value treats you have. The stinkier, the better. Chicken, cheese, or hot dogs are best and you’re likely to have at least one in your fridge.
  3. Use a treat jar that makes a sound when you open it. This will help condition your dog to recognize the sound of treat time. You can take that outside and your dog will hear it at quite a distance.
  4. Sit down right there on the ground and pretend to cry. If they don’t hear you, cry louder, sob your heart out! Your dog may running back to see what’s the matter.
  5. Pretend you have found the best thing in the whole world on the ground. What is it? Maybe it’s food. Maybe it’s cat poop! Roll in it! Exalt its marvelousness! Your dog will want in on this.
  6. Act a fool. Make silly noises. Dance around. Your dog may think you are having a medical emergency and come to help.
  7. Take your dog's leash and ask them if they want to go for a walk. Your dog has become hard-wired to love the leash because it means a walk. Sometimes they will come running and forget that they could take their own walk. They don’t need no stinking leashes.
  8. Take another dog. Preferably, one your dog knows. Dogs can’t resist running back to greet the dog you have. “Hey, look at me! You can’t catch me! I’m freeeeeeee!”
  9. Open your car door and your dog if they would like to go to Bojangles. Few dogs can resist a ride in the car to Bojangles.
  10. Sign up for a lesson or an online course to gain skills and build the bond you need with your dog to ensure they want to come back happily when you call them. Having a reliable stay and recall makes your dog easier to live with and may one day save their life.
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Tips:
  • Never, ever scold your dog for not obeying, especially once they have finally returned to you.
  • Don’t do something your dog dislikes after they come to you.
  • Coming when called should always result in a positive experience for your dog- praise, treats, play with a favorite toy- or they will hesitate to come next time you call.
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