Tips on Catching a Very Scared Dog

Perhaps you are searching for your own dog, or you have simply spotted a lost dog in the neighborhood. Either way, you may have to deal with a frightened animal. Lost or abandoned dogs are usually fearful and nervous while in unfamiliar territory. This proves challenging when trying to catch and rescue a very scared dog.

  1. Keep Eye Contact Non-Threatening

    • Turn your body slightly to the side so that you are not making direct eye contact with the dog. Direct eye contact is a sign of confrontation and dominance and it can make a frightened dog even more nervous or apt to flee. A slightly turned body posture, in addition to indirect eye contact, makes a frightened dog feel more at ease.

    Do Not Smile

    • When humans want to make a situation comfortable, they usually smile. However, when trying to catch a scared dog showing your teeth is threatening and it may make a frightened dog run away.

    Read the Dog's Body Language

    • A frightened dog who growls, snaps or shows its teeth may bite. You should not reach or approach a dog who is exhibiting these warning signs. Similarly, raised hair on the back of the neck, ears pressed back against the head and a tucked tail can mean the dog is nervous or aggressive. Use trapping devices acquired from local shelters or rescues to prevent injury. Alternately, you can loop a rope on a pole to restrain the dog while preventing it from attacking you. If you do not feel comfortable handling a dog that may be aggressive, contact a professional.

    Offer the Dog Food

    • A lost or abandoned dog will most likely be hungry. Offer it some food, but do not touch the dog while it is eating, as even friendly dogs can be food aggressive. Dogs may become snappish if they feel you are going to take the food away. Instead, wait until it finishes eating and then try calling it to you. Offering the dog food can quickly build trust.

    Don't Swoop

    • It can be tempting to simply pick up a small dog that is lost or frightened, but small dogs can be nervous and aggressive just as large dogs can. Instead, if you are trying to approach a smaller dog, squat down so that you are not looming over it, and try calling it from that position.