Tracking Sightings on a Map
First, get a street map of the town where the dog was lost. The map should include all border towns. Mark the streets where you posted flyers or went door-to-door with a highlighter pen. It is very important to keep a record of every call from the beginning and keep it until the search is over. You will actually be tracking the dog's movements.
Query for Information
Get as much information as possible from every call and write everything down – no exceptions. You need the date, time, street and nearest cross street, or with luck, exact location that the dog was seen. Be forgiving of callers with their descriptions. It is not easy to see details while driving or on a dog that's running. At night it's even harder to see and colors get distorted. They can see a dog, not the collar, but they may hear license tags clinking. Gently question them and ask them to tell you what they saw without putting words in their mouth. It's hard to accurately guess a dog's weight but they can estimate the body size in relation to another breed they are familiar with. Key on easily seen markings that the dog may have. Many calls are vague and left on answering machines. Be advised that two people can see the same dog and give two entirely different descriptions. One may see the leash attached that the other doesn't. Never dismiss a sighting because the caller's description isn't a perfect match.
Check out the Sighting with Neighbors
Talk with the residents who live in the area as soon as possible after receiving a call. They are usually familiar with the neighborhood dogs and their information may help you dismiss a call or mark it on the map as a valid sighting. It may well be a local dog that looks like yours and is allowed to run loose. A stray could also be in the area and be mistaken for yours. If you think it’s a stray, call the local Animal Control Officer. It could be a lost dog belonging to someone else.
Remain Calm
The best advice is to be focused, organized and strong until you find your dog. They are dependent on you to be smarter than they are. If your dog is a repeat visitor in an area, do not hesitate. Talk with Animal Control or the Animal Rescue League and see if they can set up a humane cage trap in an appropriate place. If not, try to find a person who will let you leave a scent item as well as food and water in their yard. You should visit the area frequently and try to spot your dog.
If at first you don't succeed, TRY AGAIN!
Never be discouraged by the lack of calls. Think! Flyers could be in the wrong areas, not enough distributed or you didn't personally talk to enough people yet. You get a lot of good information when you get out and talk to people. They also remember you and are more apt to make the call once you have made it personal. It is time-consuming work. It is emotionally and physically draining. Do not rely solely on an Animal Control Officer. They are usually very busy and cannot devote all their time to your lost dog.