Lost Dogs - What to Do
Whether you've lost a dog, or see a roaming dog, there are steps owners and helpers can take to facilitate a quick and safe reunion. Lost dog recovery is full of counterintuitive information. As owners, we are used to seeing our dogs when they are relaxed and willing to come to us when called. When lost however, the world becomes scary, and predators are a real threat, especially between dawn and dusk. Once a lost dog goes into ‘survival mode,’ we are lumped in with predators and we are viewed as hungry coyotes to be avoided. Dogs in survival mode will even run from bonded owners, which is often surprising but completely normal. Survival mode has nothing to do with breed, temperament, or attachment to a person.
When Do Dogs Enter Survival Mode?
When lost dogs enter survival mode, they have 3 priorities: food/water, shelter, and avoiding predators (including us). There are several factors that determine how quickly a dog goes into survival mode: 1. If a dog is typically confident, it may take more time, or an overnight, before survival mode kicks in. For dogs who are typically skittish, survival mode may kick in immediately. 2. If something traumatic occurs prior to becoming lost, such as a car accident, dog fight/attack, or something scary, survival mode will be triggered immediately. 3. Location can impact how scared a lost dog feels and can also trigger the quick onset of survival mode. Because we can't reliably predict when a dog will enter survival mode, the best strategy is to assume a dog is in survival mode, and avoid searching in groups, yelling out to a lost dog, attempt to catch, or post details on social media. Folks often mean well but as soon as there is heavy foot/car traffic, a dog can feel hunted and will run in a panic, potentially into traffic. Know that when dogs are away from home, or the owner is away, dogs can be anxious and bolt from trusted sitters, walkers, and boarding facilities, even if there's a strong bond to the caregivers. Make sure to create a recovery plan with anyone caring for your dog and include it in a contract.
Important First Steps
1. The first thing all owners should do is notify local animal control. For Springfield/Chicopee/Holyoke, please leave a message for our officers at 413-781-1484 ext. 1.
2. Fill out a lost dog form with Missing Dogs Massachusetts for assistance with a recovery plan, a simple flyer for local use, ongoing support from start to finish, and equipment when appropriate. Once the form is submitted, a local volunteer will reach out to create a tailored plan.
3. Avoid rushing to Facebook/social media to post details about your lost dog, especially where your dog was last seen. This can cause people who mean well to head to the area to search and/or attempt to catch your dog. If the dog is in survival mode the pup will run in a panic and hunker for longer periods, head into traffic, or leave the area entirely to avoid the perceived threat of predators (including humans). To create an effective post for social media, include limited information as shown below. Do not include your dog's name, and avoid telling people your dog responds to his/her name, this encourages folks to use your dog's name to yell out to your terrified dog:
-LOST DOG - DO NOT CHASE, OR CALL OUT
-If seen simply call or text the number on this flyer directly without posting here on social media for my dog's safety (include the provided simple flyer)
-Please include location/time/direction if my dog is seen during your normal routine
4. Print the simple flyer provided by your local volunteer, place it in sheet protectors with the opening facing down, or laminate, and hang them in a radius around the point of escape on main roads and intersections. Do not place flyers in mailboxes. If you create your own simple flyer (sample flyer), include a prominent and clear photo of your dog, your phone number/s in bold print, and a reminder ‘not to call out or chase.’ Some jurisdictions might have an ordinance prohibiting flyers, so check with the assigned volunteer or with the town.
5. At the point of escape, scatter high value food (rotisserie chicken pieces, cheeseburger pieces - no bowl). The point of escape is often the owner's home, but not always. Put out your dog's bedding/dirty laundry/familiar scent items at the point of escape as well. Grill meat if possible so the scent travels, or spray liquid smoke in several directions - dogs can smell approximately a football field away and naturally circle the area if not chased or pressured to relocate.
6. Remind friends, family, and helpers as often as possible not to yell, pursue, or attempt to catch. The goal is to keep the area quiet and limit chaos so the dog settles, increasing the number of sightings you'll receive for a quick recovery.
7. NOTE: Sometimes a resident dog, or dog with a bond to your lost dog, can be walked in an area where sightings have been called in. This has a 50/50 chance of helping your dog feel comfortable enough to approach. If your dog still runs away, don't continue to bring the helper dog. Even a bonded friend can be viewed as a predator.
8. Dogs tend to circle, hunker, circle, hunker. Sightings will drop off but it just means your dog is resting in between circling to conserve energy. When sightings drop off, continue to hang flyers and expand the radius in case your dog has traveled.
9. Once your dog has been found and is safe, remember to remove the flyers. Please View the PDF for important aftercare information once your dog is home.