Karin TarQwyn

Capture on the Fly

Decisive action based on situation and circumstance

 This is an action and technique that you must be aware of but cannot plan for based on location and opportunity. It is one of the most effective actions in our capture arsenal but can be one of the most difficult to create and effect. The capture of the dog takes place ... on the fly. In most cases, the preference is to capture the dog in some type of enclosure or building. This is the preferred method and the one I will explain below. In the capture of K9 Karson, a quick and strategic decision was made due to concern for the police dog's life. 

Once it is discovered that the missing dog is roaming, wandering or loose, the formula to locate, attract and capture our roaming dog. If the dog is unwilling to allow approach by his family, guardian or rescuers, a capture process must occur. Some dogs are trap suave and will not approach a humane box trap. In some cases, an enclosure trap may not be readily available and the dog may not be returning to any one location.

Capture on the fly is an active and alert boots on the ground action that occurs when the roaming dog appears at a location and is sighted but will not allow approach. When a rescuer or family member arrives at the sighting, the individual must quickly scan the area where the dog has been sighted to see if there is any form of enclosure or gated area where the dog could be attracted to and captured in. 

I have captured roaming dogs with this method by using:

  • A house or building with a door left open for access and capture
  • Vehicle with doors open
  • A garage with the big door down and the side door open
  • Yard with a gate to the front, side or rear
  • Chicken coop with a door
  • Dairy barn with multiple doors
  • Garden sheds with a door
  • Horse corral built with square wire and a gate
  • Barns with the big door closed and a side door
  • Carport with a door
  • Pool house with a door
  • Schoolyards and play yards with a fence and access gate
  • Children’s Play House with a door or window
  • Airport or industrial parking lot with a fence around it and a gate


The most important factor when using the technique is awareness and the ability to quickly look a location over and decide if anything in the surrounding area where the dog has been sighted can be used to attract and capture the dog.


For a supply list that can be gathered in preparation for this opportunity, click here.


​Quick thinking... when an opportunity arises.
In the photo to the left, the capture of K9 Karson, a police dog that escaped from boarding and went on the roam. Karson was Captured on the Fly by a Lost Pet Professionals K9 Handler and law enforcement.

On day 62 of his missing event, Karson was spotted in a field. There were no enclosures in the area and the decision was made to pursue him with vehicles through the snowy fields until he tired. This capture was successful. 

I have personally used this method with success. It is however, an extreme measure and should only be used in an extreme situation such as Karson, who had traveled over a hundred miles in the snow for 62 days during a cold Ohio winter. This tactic was used to save his life.