[header] How to deal with a stray dog [title] Examine the urgency of the situation. [step] Seeing an unattended dog outside may instinctively move you to help, but you want to make sure that you are not making the situation worse. For instance, if you see a dog weaving through traffic, chasing after the dog could put you, other pedestrians, and motorists in danger. 
Wait until the dog is in a safe place before providing assistance. [substeps] If the dog is already in a safe place do not scare the dog.