Establish a feeding and scent station close to the spot where your dog made its escape. We suggest placing one food bowl filled with ½ cup of dry dog food alongside something aromatic, like a chopped-up cooked hot dog or a small portion of wet dog food. Don’t forget to include a water bowl as well.
Make sure to replenish the food bowl every morning and evening. If ants are a concern, especially during ant season, consider creating an ant moat. To create an ant moat, find a larger bowl that can hold some water, allowing your food bowl to float inside it. This setup will keep ants away from your dog's food.
Next, set up a scent station near the feeding area. We recommend using a pair of unwashed socks, a work shirt, or a workout sweatshirt—anything that carries your scent—placing it on the ground near the food station.
If you have a Ring Camera or any security camera, it’s a good idea to position your scent and feeding station within its view. If you don’t own a camera, reach out to friends, family, or neighbors to see if someone can lend you theirs.
The goal is to get your pet to know that food and water are consistently provided at this location.