Stray dogs may not have had any positive human contact and are not socialized towards humans. They tend to be wary of humans and their fear can be triggered into aggression. Pets that are lost are more likely to approach you and be comfortable around humans. They may be wearing a collar. They will probably be at a healthy weight, look cleaner, and appear as though they’ve been cared for. Your interactions with stray dogs and pets may be very different. However, just because a dog is a stray does not mean it is automatically aggressive or a safety threat to you. Dogs, stray or pet, that appear injured may come to you for help or they may be even more reluctant to approach you. It depends on the dog and its level of human socialization.
If you are with your pet, it is best to keep the two dogs separate and away from each other. Keep the widest distance between the two that you can, even if the other dog appears friendly. If the dog is friendly, you can return to the area that you found it after you’ve secured your dog at home or with someone else. If you have small children with you, keep them far away from the dog even if it appears friendly. If you see a dog approaching traffic, you must consider the safety of yourself and other drivers. The dog may run into the road, but you cannot run into the road to follow it. This is a major safety concern in which you must keep yourself safe. Do not corner the dog in a small or confined area. This can frighten and agitate the dog and make it act erratically.
Dogs are aware of others’ fear, which may agitate them or make them afraid. Your concern should be your safety, the safety of the dog, and the safety of any others around you.
If you plan to return to the area that you found the dog, you should speak in a soft and kind tone and back away from the dog. [1] X Research source If the dog is aggressive, try to avoid any confrontation with the dog by backing away slowly.
Avoiding eye contact Standing sideways to the dog Letting them approach and sniff you (do not raise your hand in a sudden movement — this may frighten the dog and they may bite) Yawning Licking your lips
Staring at the dog Making sudden movements Walking or running towards them Yelling or making loud noises.
You should not attempt to interact with a pack of dogs that you think are stray. It is best to call animal control and let them take care of the situation.
Dogs that freeze when you approach them, curl their lips to show their teeth, or stand with their head low looking at you are agitated and can be aggressive. [2] X Research source Do not approach a dog that is caring for puppies. Their maternal instinct to protect the puppies may make them less willing to interact with you. Dogs can show their aggression by snapping, growling, barking, lunging, and snarling. Avoid dogs that display these behaviors. If a dog displays aggressive behaviors, try to stay motionless and avoid direct eye contact with the dog. Stay quiet and resist the urge to run and yell.
Use an object like your bag, a stick, or a shirt wrapped around your arm to fend off the attack. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Do not try to hit the dog. The dog will probably dodge the attack and be able to move closer in range to you. Use your forearm to shield your face, head, and neck at all costs. If you are knocked to the ground, curl up and use your hands to protect your neck with your face towards the ground. You can purchase pepper spray that is specifically designed to deter dogs, though unless you walk through the area with the pepper spray out, you will be unlikely to use it during a sudden attack. Do not run away, as the dog will most likely attempt to chase you.
If you have been attacked, you need to go to the hospital immediately. Let the emergency room know that you have been bitten by a dog and they will administer a rabies vaccine and treat your wound. Even if your injuries are minor and easily treated, you still see your doctor so they can determine if you need a rabies shot. Call animal control and let them known that you encountered a potentially dangerous stray dog. Be sure to tell them the location you found the dog, what the dog looked like, and how the dog was acting. They will determine the best course of action to get the dog out of the area and into a safe environment. [4] X Research source In rural areas that do not have a local animal control, you can call the non-emergency telephone number for the police.
Do not corner the dog. This will make them feel trapped and even friendly animals can act erratically when they feel trapped in an area. The dog may follow you willingly. If it has a collar on, you can attempt to use a leash to lead the dog. Decide where to take the dog. Once you’ve convinced the dog to follow you, you have a few options.
The dog may have an embedded microchip that has the owner’s contact information on it. The shelter should have a reader to check for a microchip. [7] X Research source Ask the shelter if anyone has reported their dog lost. Many shelters will take a picture of the dog and keep your contact information in the case that an owner comes looking for the dog. The shelter may release the dog into your care if you decide to take it home with you.
If you have other dogs, be sure to introduce the new dog in a safe and relaxed environment. Make posters with a picture of the dog and your contact information. Your area may have a local pet rescue that can find a home for the dog. Reach out to local veterinarians. They may be able to post flyers letting their patients know about the lost dog. [8] X Research source
