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CATCHING FERAL DOGS, OPTIONS:

As the economy declines, stray dogs increase. The 'no kill' shelter movement has impacted the stray population too. Shelters make it difficult for owners to surrender pets, so owners abandon their pets in remote areas. What should you do if you notice strays?

• First, set up a feeding station (wet smelly food and kibble in a bucket. Put the bucket inside a cake pan of water to keep ants out). The feeding station trains the dog to STAY in the area. 
• Contact your local animal control and ask them to humanely trap the dog. 
• If animal control isn't effective, borrow or buy your own dog trap (see my trapping tips, Dec 2010).     Listed below are other capture options:

• Move the feeding station into a contained yard or shed, gradually training the dog to enter an area where she can be safely captured. 
• Hand feed the dog and attract her into a car or home.
• Provide a dog house (with hay for warmth). Leave food inside the doghouse to train her to use it. When the dog is sleeping inside the doghouse, quietly sneak up and tip the doghouse up, so the door is above her. Place a piece of plywood over the door to contain her.
• Consult with your vet on a powerful sedative for chemical capture of the dog. Euthasol (used in a half dose) has been most effective in my chemical capture of ferals.
• Once you capture the dog, haul the trap (with dog inside) to a shelter or vet where they can safely remove and sedate her for sterilization and vaccinations. Bring a harness, ID tag and martingale (no slip collar) to attach to the dog while she's sedated. These tools will help you socialize her. 

Are you trying to place a dog in a new home? A thorough adoption application and interview are important screening tools. (use my adoption application in the menu bar)

• I look for someone with a good pet history of neutered pets, flea and heart worm preventatives, indoor homes and a lifetime commitment.
• Vet your dog first (spay/neuter, shots, worm) and ask an appropriate adoption fee that covers your expenses. Free dogs have no value, so the higher adoption fee usually assures a better quality home. 
• Advertise on your Facebook page, on Petfinder.com or in your local newspaper. Go to my rescue page (on this blog) for a good adoption application! 
• Don't be afraid to say "no, it's not a good match," if you don't approve the potential adopter. 
• With a good picture and bio of the dog, the right adopter will come along!

"Evil flourishes when good men do nothing." Anonymous

What's the best way to be a good dog owner? NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG A CHANCE TO BE BAD! This tip has assured my dog's safety and good behavior over the years. For example....

Does your dog escape your yard? TIP: Don't leave him outside unattended. Crate him safely in the house while you're gone!
Your dog doesn't come when he's called? TIP: Always keep him safely attached to a leash. Train him for recall.
Your dogs don't get along? TIP: Keep them apart until a trainer can be consulted.

Remember, good dogs are made, not born...