So, you’ve come this far looking for tips that you think may be helpful in saving a poor dog that you have been seeing around for days. It is safe to assume that you have a kind, loving heart for dogs, even to the needy homeless ones. Good news! This article is for you because even superheroes need advice.
STEP #1: REMAIN CALM
Your calmness calms the dog. Take note that dogs can be fearful in situations that are new to them. Seeing a new face coming at them may scare the hell out of them, and it may trigger a “fight or flight” response. A welcoming and non-threatening attitude can easily attract these buds and eventually make them want you to be their new-found friend. Patience is also necessary. You should remain calm and quiet until they realize that you are not a danger.
Dogs are experts in body language. Blinking, yawning, and making yourself smaller by crouching down can make a dog feel that you will not cause harm.
When the dog comes near you, let him smell you. It is their way of knowing you better.
Always be cautious, however, just in case he is of a questionable nature.
STEP #2: CONTROL YOUR EXCITEMENT
Even if this dog is the cutest creature you have ever seen in your whole life, be mindful and resist the desire to do attention-seeking acts just to make the dog to come near you. He might interpret those behaviors as threatening. Thus, him running off in a panic may happen.
If you are trying to catch his attention, you may want to consider the use of relaxing sounds.
You can also do simple gestures to communicate that you are not a danger to him.
Moving slowly and lowering yourself while looking at the dog on his level will make you less intimidating to him.
STEP #3: DON’T RUN AWAY FROM THE DOG
It is worth remembering that the dog is more afraid of you than you are of him, especially if he is showing aggressive behavior.
Staying while doing the previous tips to prove the dog that you mean no harm is important.
If you need to distance yourself from the dog, it is better to walk away backward, and it should be slowly done. Again, you are trying to gain his trust.
STEP #4: GET A PAL TO HELP
Dogs are naturally pack animals. If a stray dog sees you having a good time walking with another dog, he may show you a trusting behavior. Experts call this technique as “magnet dog”.
The use of magnet dogs may attract the stray dog to come near you.
Take note that the magnet dog you will bring with you should be playful and friendly. This will give the stray dog a reason to make you and your magnet dog his new buddies.
STEP #5: OFFER SIMPLE TREATS
A stray dog, who has been wandering can be assumed to be hungry and may be more than ready to come near if you have food to offer.
Begin with throwing some to his direction and see if he likes what you brought him.
Doing it slowly while not getting overly excited will give more assurance that the dog should not be frightened of you. So relax!
HOW TO STAY SAFE
Again, you are a superhero, and you mean well for trying to save a stray dog. However, you cannot always tell what any dog will do in this situation.
Trapping the dog in confined area will lessen the danger for both of you.
You must consider calling the animal control or a professional dog catcher to help you rescue the dog.
IT DOES NOT END THERE
Knowing what to do after a successful rescue is as important as everything you did during the rescue. Finding out the dog’s identification is necessary.
Providing animal control with all information that you know about the dog is a good start. This could help them in tracing the dog’s owners, or in assessing if he needs to be kept in a shelter.
Looking for a tag or any identification around the dog’s collar (if he is wearing one) will help.
If you are not as successful in finding the dog’s owner, you may want to consider adopting the poor pal especially if animal shelters near you do not have the capacity to house newly rescued dogs and if you are already falling for the dog’s cuteness. The last reason is enough, yes? Yes! If you do decide to keep the dog, make sure you register him
Dogs, like humans, have the need for love, care, and attention. When they get lost or grow up without an owner, they lose their sense of purpose. When you attempt to rescue a poor dog in the street, look for his owner, or take care of him yourself, you are not just making a difference in his life, but a positive change in yours.
This video provides some really great hacks for humanely trapping a stray dog:
