How to Attract a Stray?

[Diana Erhart]

My parents have noticed a little stray dog near their home for the past month or so.  They live in a rural area.  The little dog looks to be in pretty sad shape.  They cannot get any more than about 18 feet away from it before it runs away into the woods.  They can't get close enough to offer treats or food right now.   Does anyone have any suggestions of how they could get this little dog to let them get close so they can help it? 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I would leave water and food and add turkey breast or something like that in it. If your parents see the pup, have them sit quietly, face sideways and don't look at him/her and toss some turkey. It will take time but he/she might get used to seeing them and equate them with the turkey and they might gain trust. You could ask a local rescue if they have a humane trap that they could lend or set up for your parents. 

What would your parents do with the dog if they were able to get him/her? If they aren't in a position to keep him/her, make sure that they find a rescue and not take the dog to a shelter. This dog is so scare of humans that a shelter would be the worst place!

[Diana Erhart]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will mention that to them.  Although I am afraid the groundhogs or other wildlife may get to the food first.  But definitely worth a try!!  My parents would never take a dog to the shelter.  If they could get this little dog to trust them and come to them, they would take it to the vet to get checked out and give it a good home and lots of love and spoiling.  That is assuming that it doesn't already have a home and just got very lost. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree that a humane trap would be the fastest and safest way for your parents to catch the poor thing. Otherwise it really could take some time.  And since he sounds so frightened your parents could be risking a bite. If they can get him into a safe contained area after trapping him then they could take their time gaining his trust.  Here is some info on the traps, how to use them etc.

http://sonic.net/~pauline/trap.html

I wish them luck, they sound like great people with big hearts!