How to Find A Lost Dog

When panic sets in, this guide may be of use to you in finding your lost dog.
Should you find the need to use this article, know that my prayers are with you in finding your fuzzy family member.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone
• Paper
• Markers
• Photos of your Dog
• Live Trap
• Female in season
• Dog Friend

1. First thing is to call your vet, any other local vets, dog shelters/rescues/pounds, local businesses and neighbors.

2. 
   Be sure to use photos that may show distinguishing marks

   Create a Lost Poster, preferably with a recent photo(s) of your dog on it.
   Take this to your local print shop and have many, many copies made up.

3. Put your posters up everywhere that will allow you to do so and then hand some out to your friends so they can do the same. Also be sure to leave copies with the local pounds, shelters, vets, schools, etc.

4. 

   Notify people who are normally out and about a lot such as mail carriers, propane delivery people, road commission, school bus drivers, etc.

5. Place an ad in your local newspaper and ask your local radio station to put a blurb on there a couple times a day.

6. Put out food, familiar dog bed, etc for your dog in your garage or similar area in the case he/she returns while your out searching or asleep so he/she will have a reason to stay.

7. If the lost dog is a male, find a female dog who is in heat to walk on leash to help draw him out.

8. Call a pest control person and see about having live traps put out.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your dog is found, be sure to notify everyone you previously contacted to let them know. The radio station will likely want to air this info as well, especially if their efforts aided in the safe return.
• Put in heartfelt extras in your ads such as "please help my kids get their buddy back" or "dog needs medication, please help us get to him in time"
• If you are using a female in season, please be sure to put 'doggie panties' on her or even adult depends with a hole for her tail to prevent unwanted breedings by your or other people's dogs.
• Only use a female in season in areas you would feel safe to draw out male dogs. Be prepared to run into males you may not like to run into... be smart. I'd only use this in remote areas without fear of strays, etc.

Resources

• Guide To Ethical Dog Breeding - Book

[pepper03]

on 10/22/2009 on 10/17 in denton, tx near locust st/loop 288 i lost my beloved red male pomeranian. his name is max and i miss him terribly! he's mixed with something else, so you might not immediately think pom when you see him. he's shaved and has pretty long legs for a pom. he might bark at you at first; but, keep calling his name in a sweet voice and he will come to you. i'm offering a reward for his safe return. his mommy and 3 doggie siblings miss him terrribly! 972-898-9037 thank you!

[sweetcheecks]

on 10/16/2008 hi again i just for got to tell you zoe is part .american bulldog and pitt bull she has large paws. thank you

[sweetcheecks]

on 10/16/2008 hi my name is pat my daughter lost her dog. her name is zoe and she is very friendly. she likes to jump on people and lick them. she is about 1 1/2 years old and she is tan with a black nose and floppy ears. she is very hiper. please if any one has seen her i beg you to call my daughter 734-478-4847 and if any one out there has stolen zoe please return her we will not press charges we just want her back she is very scared.

[sweetcheecks]

on 10/16/2008 if any one is taylor or inkster has seen a dog about 1 year old. her name is zoe and she is light tan with a black mark on her nose. she is wairing a pink harnis and a pink colar. it has my daughters number on it. she is very friendly. she likes to lick people and jump on them. please if any one has seen her please call.

[knewf]

on 12/1/2007 love your suggestion about the female in season!