Losing a beloved pet can be a distressing experience. The instinct to call out to your dog when they are missing is natural, but it may not be the best course of action. In fact, calling a lost or stray dog can cause them to run even further away. So, when should you stop looking for a lost dog? Let’s explore some helpful strategies that can increase the chances of finding your furry friend.
Why You Should NOT Call a Stray/Loose Dog
It may seem counterintuitive, but calling your dog or any stray dog can actually cause them to flee in fear. This is especially true for dogs that have a fearful temperament or have been through a traumatic event like escaping from a car crash. When a scared dog hears their name or a familiar voice, their fight-or-flight response kicks in, and they instinctively run away.
Calling out to a stray or panicked dog can also be a trigger for them to bolt in fear. It’s likely that other people who encountered the dog before you have already tried to capture them, and calling out to them has become associated with danger in their minds. This includes their owner calling them. In many cases, people have tried to call the dog while looking directly at them and walking towards them, which can be intimidating for a dog in a fight-or-flight mode.
To illustrate this point, we have a video example of a dog named Murphy who was afraid of his own guardian. Despite her efforts to call him, Murphy remained panicked until he calmed down enough to recognize her scent. Another video shows how a child used calming signals to capture a skittish dog that adults had been trying to catch for two months. The child’s calm and non-threatening approach made all the difference in gaining the dog’s trust.
Sing to Your Dog!
Instead of calling out to your lost dog, try singing to them instead. Choose any tune you like and make up the words as you go. Singing accomplishes two things: it gets your voice heard by your dog and it sounds different from the other sounds that strangers may have used to try and capture them (calling out, hand clapping, whistling). Singing can also help you stay calm, reflecting peace rather than fear, which is important when searching for a dog with a fearful temperament.
It’s important to note that other gestures and sounds, such as whistling or clapping your hands, may have been used by other people who encountered your dog. If these gestures were used while your dog was in a fight-or-flight mode, hearing them again may trigger a fear response and cause your dog to run away. Therefore, singing is the best option to grab their attention without scaring them off.
If You See Your Dog, Calm Them (But Don’t Call Them!)
If you happen to spot your dog during your search, resist the urge to call out to them or use a coaxing voice. Instead, sit down immediately if they are looking at you. This gesture is submissive and less threatening to a panicked dog. Avoid standing, as it can be seen as a dominant gesture that might scare them away.
You can also try pretending to eat food by having a baggie of smelly treats like pieces of hotdog or liver with you. This will help attract your dog’s attention without making direct eye contact. You can watch your dog out of the corner of your eye and do anything other than staring straight at them while walking towards them. It’s crucial to convey that you are dropping food on the ground, ignoring the dog, and haven’t noticed them. This will help calm them down and increase the chances of them approaching you.
Keep in mind that when dogs are in a fight-or-flight mode, their olfactory senses are diminished. This means that offering food may not always work, depending on the level of panic they are experiencing. Additionally, some dogs may immediately recognize their owner by their scent, while others may not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I whistle or make other sounds to attract my lost dog?
A: No, it’s best to avoid making sounds like whistling or clapping your hands as they may have already been used by other people and could trigger your dog to run away. Instead, try singing to your dog, as it is a unique sound that they may respond to positively.
Q: What should I do if I see my dog during my search?
A: Instead of calling out to them, sit down immediately and avoid making direct eye contact. Pretend to eat food by dropping treats on the ground and ignore the dog. This will help calm them down and attract them to come closer.
Q: Will offering food always work to attract a lost dog?
A: Offering food can be effective, but it depends on the dog’s level of panic. When dogs are in a fight-or-flight mode, their olfactory senses may be diminished, making them less likely to eat. However, it’s still worth a try, especially if your dog has a less fearful temperament.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t recognize me when I see them?
A: Some dogs may immediately recognize their owner by their scent, while others may not. Keep in mind that fear can alter a dog’s perception. Stay calm, continue using calming signals, and give them time to adjust before attempting to approach them.
Conclusion
When searching for a lost dog, remember that calling out to them can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on calming them down and attracting them to come to you through non-threatening gestures, such as sitting down, pretending to eat food, and singing. Patience and a calm approach are key to increasing the chances of a successful reunion with your furry friend.
For more information on lost dog behavior and tips for increasing the chances of recovery, visit Pawsoha. Stay positive and hopeful during your search!