How to Catch a Sled Dog on the Loose

Although sled dogs might hear the call of the wild, they prefer to live in groups of dogs and with people. This preference can greatly help you catch a dog on the loose. At a sled dog trail, the dogs are keyed up and more liable to bolt than usual. Sled dogs may also run away during a practice run and encounter a scary noise or run off because the equipment broke. But after they run their fear out of them, they will try to circle back to you and their kennel mates. Ideally, you will be able to catch your loose dog before he or she gets into any trouble, because you have trained the dog for just this situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Pockets full of dog treats
  • Another sled dog, preferably a friend of the loose dog
  • Recording of loud, sudden noises
  • Boom box to play recording
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your dog basic training before you ever put him or her in harness. The dog must obey the "come" command outside, without a lead in a fenced area, even with other dogs bouncing around. Reward the dog with a treat not only whenever they come to you, but when they look in your direction. After a couple of months, the dog associates you with good things.

    • 2

      Train the new sled dog with a more experienced sled dog or with a relative of the new dog. Dogs like to stay with their packs, so even if they get loose, they will want to come back to their friends.

    • 3

      Attend a sled dog race with the new dog and a partner dog, just for the new dog to get used to the sounds and vibrations. If you compete, than the new dog stays in the kennel or crate while you and the other dogs race.

    • 4

      Play a recording of loud, sudden noises (like a snowmobile) softly to the dog while he or she is relaxing. When the dog doesn't seem to care about the noise, reward and praise. Gradually raise the volume and praise calm behavior.

    • 5

      After all this training, should the dog get loose, call your come command as calmly but as loudly as you can. Panic in your voice will only make the dog run harder. Make your voice as happy as possible. The dog should circle and come back. If that doesn't seem to be happening, proceed immediately to Step 6.

    • 6

      Get a leash and a friend of your loose dog's and start after the loose dog at a brisk walk or hooked to a sled if you happen to have the friend hooked to a sled. Whenever the loose dog looks at you, stop the sled and call. Ideally, let the dog come to you.