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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

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.