Even if dog owners are super careful dogs can and do escape. Do you know how to deal with a loose dog? Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Keep yourself safe. This is the most important point. You don’t know the dogs history, or if its in pain. The nicest dog may lash out at you if they are in pain and or afraid.
• Get your dog out of the way and to safety. Just because your dog is friendly with other dogs doesn’t mean that the dog you are suddenly seeing in your yard is.
• If you can safely put out a bowl of water so that the dog has access to fresh water.
• If you try to leash the dog be aware of the dangers of this. The dog may panic, try to bite you, or drag you around. Be very aware of the dogs behavior and if this doesn’t seem like a good idea don’t try it.
• Make sure to provide shade for the dog if you need to tie them up outside temporarily.
• Don’t judge the owner based on how the dog looks. A dog that has run off may have decided to roll in mud, track through a field full of burrs and look like a total mess. It doesn’t mean that the owner is abusing the dog.