OLEAN — On Sunday, more than 20 local dog lovers gathered at the Olean Kennel Club for a powerful, eye-opening seminar on lost dog recovery, led by Vicki Cusimano of Great Dames Trap & Recover.

The free event offered essential, research-backed strategies to help pet owners recover missing animals — tools that could mean the difference between reunion and heartbreak.

“When a dog is lost, they often enter survival mode, a deeply instinctual state where they no longer recognize familiar people, places, or even their own name,” Cusimano explained during the seminar. “They view everything as a potential threat — including the very people trying to help them.”

Attendees were riveted as Cusimano shared success stories and detailed how traditional search tactics — calling the dog’s name, forming search parties, driving ATVs through the woods — can actually push a frightened pet further away.

“The biggest mistake well-intentioned people make is trying to chase or approach a lost dog,” she said. “What you need to do is stop, get low and let the dog come to you.”

“We’re so grateful that Great Dames shared their knowledge with our community,” club member and trainer Karen Benson added. “This is critical information that every pet owner should know, because anyone’s dog can go missing.”

One of the most memorable moments of the day came when Patty Webb shared her personal experience of losing her dog Lizzy in the Allegheny National Forest. After days of searching, she used scent-based recovery techniques learned from Cusimano, including placing worn clothing and food in the area of a sighting, lying low to appear non-threatening and allowing Lizzy to approach on her own terms.

“I’ll never forget the moment she recognized me,” Webb said, holding back tears. “If I’d done anything differently, she might have run again. Understanding survival mode completely changed my approach — and saved my dog.”

Amanda DePrins, a local dog trainer and breeder, called the seminar “incredibly helpful,” adding, “I’m eager to share this information with my students and puppies’ families. It’s something every dog owner needs to hear.”

The seminar emphasized practical steps:

• Never chase a lost dog — on foot, by car or on ATV.
• Post bright, simple signs with a photo of the dog and a contact number within a two-mile radius of where the dog went missing, or where there were sightings.
• Include the phrase “Do Not Chase or Call Dog” on all materials.
• Use high-value, smelly foods like bacon or rotisserie chicken to lure the dog.
• Contact a trained trapper for safe recovery if the dog won’t come.

As the session closed, nearly every hand in the room went up when attendees were asked if they’d be interested in future training to help others recover their missing pets. The Olean Kennel Club is now exploring options for follow-up training sessions.

For more information about future seminars or to get involved, visit the Olean Kennel Club Facebook page.