How to catch a dog

[blue fire]

A dog got in our backyard today by lifting the latch on our gate, chain link fence and gate, and grabbed one of our chickens and we chased it out of the yard. Luckily she was not seriously injured, but had a bunch of feathers ripped off her backside. This dog is really skittish and afraid of people. How could I catch it without harming it or having to buy a trap?

 

[chickenannie]

You could call the local animal control officer. No risk of bites to you that way, and no risk of being accused of hurting someone else's dog.

 

[blue fire]

We did call the animal control center but they pretty much implied that they would do a roundabout of the neighborhood and if they find the dog, attempt to catch it. I have a feeling they won't

 

[Enjaytoo]

Could you borrow a (wire) kennel from someone? Or check Craigslist, they often have inexpensive larger wire crates on there...(plus later you could use it as a temporary chicken pen, a quick tractor, a brooder...the chicken-options are endless

So, with this large crate, you could devise a trap, by of course leaving (good smelling food) such as cat food, lunch meat etc...a little around the trap and some inside..Since its not an "official" trap, you most likely will have to monitor it and "pull the string" so to speak. (have a cord or rope to the door and sit quietly Make sure to line the slippery tray thats in the crates, use old carpet or something.. All depends of course how shy and scared this dog is, sounds like it may take some patience but good for you (and her) in the long run....then you can have her scanned for a chip, try to find her owners and/or find her a good home Good luck!

 

[tulie13]

Quote:
Our animal control center has loaner traps that you can check out. There are certain days they will let you come get them and set them up, and when/if you catch the culprit, you call them to come pick up the full trap.

Ask yours - they may not have volunteered this info but they may still have it available. If not, you may just want to bite the bullet and buy a big non-lethal trap. Good luck!

 

[ranchhand]

First thing to do is lock the gate latch in place. I keep an unlocked padlock looped through mine.

Then start checking around to see if the dog belongs to anyone. If it does, and it probably does, be ready to point out any ordinances against dogs running loose. If the dog keeps showing up, catch it with food and call Animal Control, or take it to the pound.

 

[PortageGirl]

yeah... a live trap would really be best. Ask around and see if you can find one to borrow even if your animal control doesn't loan them.

in the mean time, fasten that latch better! hope you catch him!