Catching a Runaway Dog
Dogs do not generally run away from their human companions unless they are incompetently trained or actually abused and even then it is highly likely that as soon as the impulse to run after whatever looked attractive has waned, they will seek to return. Unlike the fabled dogs that return after being separated by months and miles, however, the dog may be uncertain, become scared, panic, and in some cases even get hurt when well meaning humans seek to capture it for treatment or to return it to (or give it) a loving home.
Catching a runaway dog needs to be a careful endeavor and instead of simply jumping at the dog and trying to get a hand into the fur or lay hold of the collar, it is wise to consider the options and also potential reasons for escape:
A dog wooed by another in heat or a potential intruder it is immaterial if this intruder has the form of the dog from down the street or takes the guise of a squirrel is not running scared. This canine found and followed an irresistible impulse and might now be ready to bid farewell to the object of its little bout of freedom but might not be sure how to go about that. Finding such a dog may be accomplished by simply going out with a few friends and calling the dogs name. Before long it will be located and might at first act like it is cornered, but generally will more than willingly be reunited with its owner.
On the other hand, a dog that was spooked by a backfiring car or other loud noise is running scared and may actually be nearby, but in this case this makes no difference. The fact that the dog is panicked puts it into an entirely different class of runaway animals and as such the approach of the animal makes all the difference. Approach the dog quietly and do nothing that might cause it to bolt and run. Speak gently to it and allow it the time to recognize that you mean no harm. Take frequent breaks in your pursuit to get closer and when you do, lunging is a common mistake. Instead, gently pet the animal with your open hand and continue to talk to it. Slip a leash over its head and lead the dog away by the leash, not by dragging it by its legs or tail!
If there is an object attached to a panicked dog, such as a piece of barbed wire fencing, follow the instructions set out above, but also gently and slowly seek to disentangle the animal from the fencing or other material. Do not seek to remove the dog and later on see to the item attached but instead try to get rid of it right away, unless there is no way to safely do so. If the animal is frightened, it might get further entangled, an eventuality you can avoid by reading the runaway dogs body language.
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