<p>This normally surprises people, but it’s true: if your dog is lost, your pet will probably run from you when he or she sees you. Yes, you read that correctly. If lost, your dog, even one that has always been &hellip; <a href="https://lostdogsofwisconsin.org/2012/03/09/unlikely-behavior/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&rarr;</span></a></p>

Getting the word out, especially flyers and intersection signs, are two of the most important things you can do. Remember, that although it is a great tool not everyone is on social media.

Be prepared to ask the right questions and get the correct information. Many owners get overly excited and in an attempt to rush to the sighting location, they forget to ask important questions. Make sure you get the name and phone number of the caller so that you can call back if you need more details or have forgotten something.

Although we never say never, about 90% of the dogs that are still missing will fall into one of these three categories. A great deal will depend on the breed, appearance and personality of the dog. Is he large or small? Shy or friendly? Common-looking or distinctive-looking?

We often hear the comment “If my dog were missing, I would never give up.” But, the average bystander doesn’t realize the enormous pressures that are placed on the lost dog owner. Today we are going to discuss some of the factors that make an owner give up the search before their dog is recovered.

But now let’s get back to the dog that was picked up by a well-meaning passerby. The type of dog most likely to get picked up is the small, friendly dog lost in an urban or suburban area. They may get picked up within minutes of going missing, especially if they are seen near a busy road. Larger, friendly dogs may get picked up but are more likely to have travelled a farther distance before they do.

Rollie, your friendly dog is missing. He was in the fenced backyard sniffing around and enjoying himself while you just stepped inside for a minute to get a cup of coffee. The phone rang and you were longer than you meant to be. When you came back out he was nowhere to be seen. Then you saw it, the side gate was open. It must have blown open in the wind last night! Rollie must have used the opportunity to check out the neighborhood.

Today we are going to talk about the larger friendly dog that was having a good time but ended up a long ways from home. (In particular, think hounds, labs, huskies, spaniels, setters, pointers, German shepherds and other working and sporting breeds). Whereas, shy lost dogs will often stay within a five mile radius of where they went missing, friendly lost dogs may travel in a linear fashion, zig zagging across the countryside.

One of our long-time volunteers coined a clever name for some of our missing dogs. She affectionately calls them “dandelions” because they are common and they all look alike. The problem with dandelions is that they can present a real challenge to their owner when they get lost.

These are the indicating factors that will predispose a dog to being an opportunistic lost dog. 1) Demeanor: A friendly, butt-wiggly type of personality. Will your dog readily go up to strangers and is everybody&#8217;s new best friend? Is your &hellip; <a href="https://lostdogsofwisconsin.org/2012/07/30/risk-factors-for-an-opportunistic-lost-dog/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&rarr;</span></a></p>

Dogs lost in rural areas can pose extra challenges because of the sparse population. It is not unusual for sightings to be few and far between or for there to be a long physical distance between sightings. It can also &hellip; <a href="https://lostdogsofwisconsin.org/2019/01/02/tips-for-dogs-lost-in-a-rural-area/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&rarr;</span></a></p>

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Posting signs is one of the most effective things you can do to get your lost dog back home. But it’s important to realize that not all...