When you see a stray dog, you want to go up to it, pet it, tell it if it will just come home with you, you will feed, shelter and love it. You ache to help. When you approach the animal it takes one look at you then makes fast tracks in the opposite direction. You feel heartbroken. Didn’t that poor dog know you meant no harm, that it could have a wonderful life in your home and arms?

The truth is, working with a stray is very difficult. It takes days, even weeks of trailing that dog, learning where he hides at night, his pattern during the day. It’s frustrating. It is so rewarding when you do manage to get one to reach a level of trust where you can help it. It can also be dangerous. Learing to read a dogs body language is vital. It took me years to learn how to “read” a dog who is acting aggressive. I’ve been bitten, knocked off my feet, chased into the back of a pickup by stray dog I wanted to help, I just didn’t see what they were communicating to me.

Dogs use their bodies to ‘talk,’ or communicate. They show an entire range of emotions from pain, excitement, wanting to play, to warning humans and other dogs to back off! When you see a stray you want to help, take a hard look at his eyes, ears, mouth, tail and the posture of his body.

A more dominate dog might show a stiff-legged stance that leans slightly forward. He’ll curl his lips, the teeth exposed, even his nose or muzzle will be drawn up or wrinkled. Ears are erect, his tail raised or bushed out. Look at his spine. The hair along his back and spine will be raised up, this is called piloerection. When a dog displays these signs, its easy to see this is an agressive dog.

A dog who feel pressured may crouch down. He’ll look fearful. His body may be held stiffly, or taking hesitant steps, or he may hold his ground and be very still. His tail might be held out, or tucked under his body, or he may be wagging his tail. That wagging does not mean he’s friendly. It could all be a prelude to an attack. Don’t approach him. Avoid eye contact, just look away. An aggressive, fearful dog may see eye contact as confrontational.

A stray dog, who behaves in an aggressive way has likely been traumatized in some way. He may be truly lost, fearful and trying to find his way home. Or he may have been ‘dumped’ by his owner. He might have been involved in rough play as a puppy or even worse, through intentional teaching by humans has learned to be aggressive.

Be very cautious. Leave the animal an escape route. Try to engage the help of professional dog handlers, who may be able to catch the dog. By all means put food out in a place where he can look around, feel safe, can run if he chooses or eat in peace. Keep your distance, talk quietly, drop a few treats when you leave. Your scent will be on them. He may not come back for food every day. Stray dogs have been known to travel miles each day, just wandering. If he comes back every day looking to be fed, you will have a good chance to work on his trust and confidence.

It takes time and a lot of patience. When dealing with a stray, aggressive or not, there is a huge emotional investment and anxiety on the persons part. The same goes for the dog. Not all dogs can be saved or will reach a point where they will allow a human to assist them. Most dog will eventually respond in a positive manner. If he comes for food for a few days, then you never see him again, you have done all you can do. You cared enough to try. That makes you special!

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 15th, 2007 at 6:16 am and is filed under General Dogs' Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.