How to gain a lost dogs trust

[phobic3000]

Twice this week I've seen scared lost dogs separated from there owners. The first I keep on thinking about and hope it's ok as it was running around near a main road. I was unable to gain it's trust to check the collar and it ran off frantically. The second had only just run away from some bigger dogs and was promptly reunited with her relieved owner, which was nice to see.

Does anyone know the best technique to gain a lost dogs trust?

They are always so scared and anxious that they don't want to be approached. In the past I've tried the old "what's this in my pocket" trick hoping they will be enticed by the prospect of food but they are always far to anxious and usually run off when approached.

[siousxiesue]

Any experienced dog walkers/carers on here care to comment?

[bonniebird]

I helped to catch a dog once by taking my own dog out with me looking, it came to sniff my dog and I was lucky to be able to get ahold, problem is, they're all different and scared of different things. Hope others comment.