Tips for Catching a Running Dog

I have three dogs, so I have spent my fair share of time chasing them around the neighborhood before they get hit by a vehicle or get themselves lost or stolen. I've owned dogs since I was young, so I've had plenty of time to figure out some dog-catching techniques that work. I'm going to share what I've learned with you, so the next time your dog runs off, you might remember some of these techniques and try them out on your own dog.

First let me tell you what definitely does not work! Chasing the dog. Running after a dog only makes him run faster away from you. Unless you are a world-class marathon runner, don't try this.

Trying to lure your dog with a treat seldom works, either. The dog will generally snatch the treat and bolt again before you have time to grab her collar (I say her, because all my current dogs are girls). Dogs may not be too smart sometimes, but they're not dumb, either! They know when you're trying to trick them.

So after much trial and error, I have learned a few dog-catching techniques that will work for you as well as they do for me (I hope).

Head 'em off at the pass.

Use the old cowboy technique for herding cattle, and angle yourself in a direction that will put you in front of the dog. She'll most likely turn to run in the opposite direction, back toward home.

Play the submissive dog.

Lay on your back with your arms and legs curled up above you, a submissive posture in dog body language. This will instinctually draw your dog to you, if done where she can see you. It might draw other neighborhood critters, too, and give the neighbors a good laugh, but at least you won't waste a lot of time and energy trying to get your dog back home.

Call your dog's pet name.

C'mon now, admit it, we all have cutesy, sweety-pie nicknames for our dogs. Call your dog using her pet name in a high-pitched, singsong voice to draw her to you, (again, enduring the snickers of the neighborhood). Shouting your dog's name loudly only makes her think she's in trouble and she may not want to return for fear of punishment.

Take your other dog for a walk.

Seeing her buddy out with Mom or Dad might draw your prodigal dog to both of you. Then just turn toward home and let her follow. Put your decoy dog on a lead, of course, or you may end up chasing two dogs!

Get your dog to chase you!

When your dog spots you coming after her, turn and run. Her chasing instincts may take over and she'll follow you back home! If you're a further distance from home than you can run easily, wait till she's at your heels, then stop short and grab her collar.

Firecrackers.

I include this technique because it works so well for my dog Martha, who startles easily at loud noises. Lighting a firecracker and tossing it into the yard will bring her home quickly every time. Sometimes she doesn't show up for a minute or two, but it's never failed to bring her to the door to be let back into the house!

Of course, the easiest method is to not let your dog run off at all, but for most dog owners, that is an unrealistic goal. Even a well-trained dog who comes on command may decide he'd rather investigate something interesting happening in the neighborhood, answer nature's call to mate, or just want to burn off some extra energy with a sprint around town. Keeping your dog interested and happy with what's going on at home, and making sure that he gets some regular exercise, will help keep your dog at home where he belongs!