How to Safely Handle a Strange Dog on Your Property

It is a situation many encounter occasionally, whether you're a dog owner or not: a strange dog wanders onto your property without an owner in sight. Often, people may simply shoo the dog away or ignore it, but many of us animal lovers want to ensure the dog’s safety and help return it to its home.

If you have your own pets, such as a dog or cat, you must consider their safety and the potential stress caused by an unfamiliar dog on the premises. Handling the situation calmly and carefully is key for everyone’s well-being.

1. Safety First: Approach with Caution

Always treat any strange dog on your property cautiously. First, secure your own pets indoors to avoid conflicts or distraction. Dogs unfamiliar with their surroundings or handlers may behave defensively or unpredictably, sometimes showing signs of aggression even if usually friendly.

Observe the dog’s body language from a safe distance: raised hackles, stiff posture, growling, baring teeth, or fixed staring suggest the dog may react aggressively. In this case, avoid direct approach and contact the local dog warden or animal control for assistance.

2. How to Identify if the Dog is Friendly

A relaxed dog may wag its tail softly, display a relaxed open mouth, and seem generally untroubled. Such dogs might welcome a cautious approach. Look for visible injuries; avoid touching any sore spots as this might cause the dog to snap.

Dogs that wander often may be playful and happy to see a friendly face—jumping, barking with a wagging tail, or beckoning you to play are signs of a likely friendly dog that’s lost their way.

3. Communicating and Securing the Dog

Speak softly and calmly to encourage the dog to come to you rather than chasing it down. Have a lead ready; this helps capture the dog safely without undue stress. A pen and pen-and-paper can assist in noting down collar details without bringing the dog indoors.

Secure the dog safely by enclosing it in a part of your garden or a closed room, especially if you have other pets. This reduces risk and allows time to identify the dog’s origin.

4. Searching for the Dog’s Owner

Begin by checking the dog's collar for ID tags. If present, contact the owner immediately. Absent tags, consider taking the dog on a lead to nearby streets to spot anyone searching for it or places the dog recognises.

Be mindful—since the dog is not yours, only proceed if you are confident in handling unpredictable behaviour. Locating the owner yourself is ideal, but professional help is often necessary.

5. Microchipping and Veterinary Checks

If no owner is found, take the dog to a local vet, RSPCA centre, or council dog warden to have it scanned for a microchip free of charge. Microchipping is a critical tool in reuniting lost pets with their families.

This step also ensures the dog receives any urgent health care before further action.

6. Wider Owner Search and Reporting

Contact local vets, police, charity rehoming centres, kennels, dog wardens, and grooming parlours to inform them of the found dog. They can notify owners who have reported missing pets.

Taking photographs and using online platforms like Dog Lost and local social media can increase chances of a quick owner reunion. Engaging neighbours and local dog lovers in recognising the dog can also help.

7. When to Contact the Authorities and Charities

If the dog cannot be reunited promptly with its owner, consider asking the RSPCA or other animal welfare organisations to take temporary custody. These organisations care for stray dogs and work to find their owners or suitable new homes.

Remember, fostering or rehoming a lost dog is a significant commitment; weigh this carefully before deciding to keep the animal yourself.

8. Preventing Future Incursions

To minimise repeat visits of strange dogs or roaming neighbours’ pets, secure your property by maintaining fences, locking gates, and avoiding leaving pet food or rubbish outside to attract animals. Should neighbour dogs be regularly wandering onto your land, first discuss the issue amicably; if unresolved, local authorities can intervene to ensure community safety.

Prioritising safety, responsibility, and kindness ensures lost dogs are cared for properly and returned home as swiftly as possible.

This helpful advice supports responsible pet care and wildlife safety in your community.

For those interested in finding a new dog responsibly, consider looking at puppies for sale from reputable breeders.