Some dogs are real escape artists. Even the best-trained dog will wander off if you don’t keep a sharp eye on it. If a neighbor’s dog shows up in your yard, sometimes it’s hard to know what to do. Could the dog become aggressive? Will it run into traffic if you approach? We have some advice on what to do—and what not to do—when a neighbor’s dog shows up in your yard.

What To Do About A Neighbor’s Dog

Move Pets And Children Indoors

If a neighbor’s dog shows up in your yard, bring your own pets indoors as soon as possible. You don’t want your pet tussling with another dog. Small children can get caught in the crossfire, so bring them inside, too.

Contact Your Neighbor

Your best bet is for the dog’s owner to come and retrieve it. If you know where the dog lives, contact your neighbor immediately to let them know their dog is in your yard. If you feel unsafe venturing outdoors, you can call or text the neighbor to let them know.

Shut The Gate

When a neighbor’s dog wanders into your fenced backyard, this presents the perfect opportunity to catch it without putting yourself at risk. If you can easily do so, shut the gate to trap the dog in your backyard. You can also throw a few treats in the backyard to entice them.

Leash The Dog

Leashing a dog is only advisable if you know it well and the dog appears relaxed and friendly. Grab some treats and a leash, and speak to the dog gently. Let it approach you rather than the other way around. Then you can clip on the leash and take the dog home.

Take Photos

While keeping your distance, snap photos or record videos of the dog with your phone. Photos are especially helpful when you recognize a dog but aren’t sure who owns it. Send photos to surrounding neighbors to help identify the dog.

Call For Help

If a loose dog becomes aggressive and you can’t reach your neighbor, it’s time to contact animal control. While you may be hesitant to do this, the dog could impact your family’s safety as well as the rest of the neighborhood. Standing your ground and firmly telling a dog “no” or “go home” may be enough to get it to back off. If not, calmly retreat without turning your back. Go to the nearest safe location: Inside your house, into a car, or behind a fence or wall. If a dog attacks someone, call 911 immediately.

What Not To Do When A Dog Is Loose

Chase The Dog

Don’t approach a dog that you don’t know well. You have no idea how the dog might respond when you try to grab it. Some dogs will panic and run. This puts them at greater risk of getting hit by a car or getting lost. Other dogs can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Whistle Or Call

Dogs that aren’t accustomed to being whistled at can also become nervous and run. Calling a dog also may have the opposite effect you intended. If a dog doesn’t know you, don’t expect them to run to you the same as they would to their owner.

Panic

Unfortunately, panicking and running away can end up triggering a dog into chasing you, especially if it is already aroused. Stand calmly with your gaze slightly averted, or issue commands like “no” or “stop” to convince a nervous dog to move on.

Put Yourself In The Middle

If your neighbor’s dog gets into an altercation with a pet on your property, don’t try to break up a fight by separating the animals with your hands. This is more likely to result in a dog bite than anything else. Give your pet a clear route for escape. A strong spray from your garden hose may be enough of a shock to break things up.

Read the original article on Southern Living