Q&A for How to Catch a Stray Dog

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  • Question
    How do I catch a puppy?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Use much the same methods as described in the guide, but know that puppies are naturally more curious than a dog. This means you're more likely to be able to entice the puppy closer with an interesting toy or food. Also, make yourself appear less threatening by sitting down, so you don't tower above it.
  • Question
    Where can I get a stray dog microchipped?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    All vet clinics are able to chip a dog. Simply contact them, and they will either implant a chip for you or be able to suggest a charity that will help you. Organizations such as the ASPCA often hold microchipping events where you can get a pet chipped for free or at a substantial discount.
  • Question
    How do you break up a dog fight?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Never put your hands or arms between fighting dogs as you will get bitten. Try and put a barrier between the dogs, such as a chair or backpack. Also, giving the dogs a sudden shock, such as throwing cold water over them, will help.
  • Question
    How do you get a scared dog to come to you?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The harder you try to entice a frightened dog towards you, the more scared they become. Instead, sit down but facing away from the dog. Have a rustling bag with treats in it, and pretend to eat the treats. The noise will make the dog more curious and the treats may embolden them to approach.
  • Question
    What do you do if your dog gets off the leash?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Keep calm and play act that you have found something really interesting in your pocket. Slowly walk away from the dog while making out you have the most delicious tidbit in your hand. This will arouse the dog's curiosity and make them more likely to follow you than run off.
  • Question
    How should I approach a stray dog?
    Beverly Ulbrich
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Usually the answer is not to approach them at all. If you go toward them, that could make them run away. You're better off holding still, turning your body sideways, and not looking at the dog directly. Then, you may be able to entice the dog close enough to you that you're able to put a leash on them.
  • Question
    How can I get a dog to come to me?
    Beverly Ulbrich
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
    Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
    Expert Answer
    If you have something to eat, hold it in your hands or crinkle the paper. Most dogs will know it's food and will come to eat it. You can even put the food on the ground and squat down a few feet away. If they eat the food, offer them more until they're comfortable enough to get close to you.
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