11/05/2020
Hello friends! I just wanted to touch base on an issue that has me sad and give you my input. Recently I have noticed what seems to be an increase in lost dogs. This breaks my heart. Everyday new post lost or found dogs and seeing owners and families devistated and I know the dogs are as well. Dogs are extremely loyal, loving, and pack oriented creatures. Dogs love their families soooo much and when they are missing, no doubt they are thinking of their families every second wishing they were snuggling on the couch or playing with the children etc. I would like to offer a little help with this. A "cue" to teach your fur babies. Some of my long term clients are aware of this because I will address it early in training. This "cue" is "Home or House". This is one of the most important cues to start using early. Dogs will not only pick up cues that you have spent extensive work on. They will also pick of words and make associations when they are used regularly. Teach your dogs "House or Home. Use this word regularly. When you are taking the dogs in, use it, when they walk through the door repeat House and reward them. "Good girl House!" And give love. When you come home. Greet them "mommy's "home"! Give love. Do this as often as possible. And walk your dogs around the home or block so they can remember the smell of the area. Set some time aside to "play a game" Stand in your yard use the cue "house", when they go to the door or in the house reward them. When your dog is roaming the neighborhood and people come across them they will then be able to say "GO HOME" or "find your House" integrating a word that they will quickly recognize and think it's now a game instead of being frustrated and upset they will perform what they've practiced and receive a reward. I have cought dogs on a lead and walked them around repeated find mommy, house, and go home. They HAVE led me back to their homes and we're successfully reunited with their owners. Any time I see a dog roaming (unless in immediate danger bc of traffic or any unsafe situation) I generally will not put them in my car and drive away. This of course is different if they have a collar with address. I say this because putting them in your car can take them further away from home and cause them to loose their bearings (scent). Keep them in the area if they have tags call the owner and stay close to where you found them. Picking them up, you risk taking them further away and they will more than likely find a way to get loose from you and now, have NO Bearings for home. OFFICIALLY LOST.