INITIAL SEARCH: If the dog is still within sight try to call him using his name, the word "treat," or any other word that he might know that will help him focus on you. Run at an angle away from him in an attempt to change his game of chase into him chasing you.

LATER SEARCH: After the dog has been out of sight for a few minutes it is time to change strategy. Dogs that go missing are initially full of energy are usually either curious or terrified. With either emotion they will usually keep moving for a while so searching the small area near where they disappeared is usually a waste of valuable time. Now is the time to start networking to get more eyes looking for your dog. Send an email alert to your friends. Perhaps some of them can join in the search.

Talk to workers in the area such as gardeners, postmen, cable and telephone installers, school crossing guards. Carry a picture of the dog. Talk to joggers and walkers, children, anyone you see. This is not a time to be shy.

Place advertisements in local newspapers. Most papers have a lost and found category in the classified section. Don’t forget to check your papers for a "Found Dog" advertisement. Many people will do the best they can to return a lost dog to his proper home.

FLYERS: While you are at the computer to send emails, make up a flyer to have printed. Flyers are the most effective way of letting large numbers of people know a dog is missing. Your flyer will need to include information such as Breed, your cell phone number, date, time, and specific location dog went missing or was last sighted, and, if you are offering one, Reward. A picture is invaluable as many people are not aware of what a Sheltie looks like.

Shelties will frequently travel a mile or more each day. This may occur in the first hour of him going missing. You need to get flyers ahead of the dog. It does little good for someone to see a flyer and call to tell you your dog was spotted yesterday. Initially you need to place the flyers up to a mile from where he went missing. The next day the flyers need to be two miles away if there have been no sightings. You MUST have the flyers in front of the dog so when your dog is spotted by a member of the public they will think "That may be the dog that is missing."

PLACES TO CONTACT: There are some business and groups that have a good chance of helping you recover a lost dog and you need to place flyers with them early in your search. They are Animal Control and Humane Societies, Local Vets, Emergency Vets, Groomers & Kennels, Pet Stores, Police and Fire Stations, Golf Courses, and Animal Rescue groups. Unfortunately a dog may be killed on a road so you also need to contact the Department of Transportation or the government body responsible for removing dead animals from the roadways.

SIGHTINGS: If you receive a call that your dog has been sighted make sure you get all the information that the caller can give you. This includes the time your dog was sighted and the location. It is also very helpful to get the caller’s name and telephone number as you may have difficulty finding the location or be unsure of other details.

LONGER TERM SEARCH: Check animal shelters in person. If you telephone the shelter the volunteer you talk to may not be familiar with all the dogs in the facility. Shelters are required to keep strays for several days, but after that period are free to adopt them to new homes, so you must check with them regularly.