How do I catch a stray dog?

Question

I have been trying to catch a stray dog for the last couple of days. Any suggestions on how to do it? She'll come within a few feet of me but the second I make any movement at all she sprints off.

Answer 1

If it were me, I would call my local animal control. They are trained to catch dogs that are shy and elusive around people. Most of them are also vaccinated against rabies whereas you probably are not. If you were to get bit, you would have to see a doctor and potentially start on a series of shots for rabies. I don't know where you are but we have seen a rise in the number of reported rabies case over the last few years where I live (NC).

If you really want to try to catch the dog yourself, be cautious. You might see if your local shelter has a humane dog trap you can borrow and bait with food. Never corner the animal; this may make it even more afraid and it could attack you. If the dog does make any agressive movements towards you, don't run and scream. This may provoke the dog further. Lie down flat and cover your face and ears with your arms if the dog tries to bite. Approach the dog in a soft, friendly tone. Don't stare the dog down in the eyes and stoop to its level. Let them sniff your hand and when first petting it, scratch their chest, not the head. Be patient; it will take time for a scared dog to trust you.

If you are successful in catching the dog and are going to keep it, take him or her to see a vet as soon as you can for a complete physical and to get vaccinated.

I know for some people that it just sounds terrible to call animal control but sometimes it is the most humane thing to do for the animal, especially if you are not going to keep the dog.

Answer 2

You can lure her with the food. This will work, guaranteed!
Now, if you do this smoothly you will success. Try to do it like Kevin Costner when trying to tame a wild wolve in "Dancing With The Wolves."

First give her the food away from you, in a distance that she will think it is safe for her. But make sure she sees YOU put the food there.
Then gradually put the food closer and closer to you, see if she is comfortable in this close distance. If she is not, don't push her. Be patient.

The time will come when she would eat from your hand, and that is the time to let her lick your hand. Your hand must approach her from the front and a little bit lower than her mouth. Let her smell your hand and she probably lick it. Let her pet you for a moment. At this stage don't try to pet her head. This would be considered as a threat when you move your hand above her.

You can see if she trusted you, she would wag her tail or make a funny noise. But don't make a sudden movement yet, you must be very gentle.

The time will come when she would let you pet her, that is when she lowered her head in front of you, or lie on her back. That is when you know that the dog is yours.

And when she is yours, treat her with love and respect. It's no coincidence that she enter your life. Remember, she tried to approach you first, not the other way round. This is different than that when you go to a pet shop and choose your dog. This time she chose you.

Answer 3

Give it food. It doesn't have to be dog food. I give my dogs raw meat, you should give it some of that if you have any,
or give it some cooked or uncooked wieners, luncheon meat, or anything like that. The dog should come to you if you offer it something it probably never eats, but will love. Just plain dry dog food probably won't be enough to catch it.
Throw some pieces of the food first. Throw some far, then closer and closer to you, and closer. It should be hungry enough for more that it'll come right up to you for more, then you can get a hold of it.

Answer 4

one day my dog ran off with another dog,when she came the other dog was with her an i wanted the dog to come in so this is what you do first leave the dog alone walk in your house leave the door open if she doesn't come in that means she is worried so leave some food like meat[i know shes hungry] going inside your house,when she comes in far in close the door she might be scared but leave her alone for a couple of minutes,give her some food for trust after a while she will be your pet. don't let her ,outside without a leash!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 5

An open shed door, with food inside..

Or Food in general. Slow movements, and lots of patience.
Rather than chasing. Try sitting down holding the food with your back to her. See if she comes closer. Let her have the food (or at least some of it) before you try to put the leash on her. Then next time she may stay still longer.

Answer 6

Be careful about trapping her in a space where she feels she has to attack to be safe. Use tempting treats to get her to come eat near you and gradually she will trust you enough for you to catch a hold of her collar or scruff of her neck. Be careful, she might bite you if she sees a sudden movement as dangerous. Take your time and coax her in with treats and a calm soothing voice.

Answer 7

Tempt her to come near you by showing the dog a few treats or some food. Get low down on the ground so its not threatening and speak gently to it. =]

Answer 8

Food is usually a great tool to win a dog's heart. Feed her a nice treat, first by tossin' it to her, then try to coax her to eat from your hand, after she realizes what you have to offer.

Don't reach out to grab her. Sit still, and let her come and sniff you and inspect you. You need to show that you're harmless to her.

Answer 9

try putting some food and water out for her and get her to trust your then she might start coming closer does she have a collar on? because if she does then it would be much easier to catch her

Answer 10

Call Animal Control! They are better suited to handle these types of situations. I don't want to see you get bit or something! The poor doggy is probably scared.