Thursday, April 5, 2018

If There are Treats!

As pet owners we all have those moments that we know will literally cause our hearts to stop.  I had one of those moments this morning.
Todd is never allowed to be off lead outside our fence. This morning when Carl left for work, in the darkness he didn't get the gate latched. After he'd gone I let the dogs out. The others came back inside, and as I always do, I left Todd outside for awhile. I loose track of time on my days off, so I'm not sure how much time passed. But when I went to bring Todd inside for his breakfast, there was a strange silence as I called him several times and he didn't come, and I didn't see him. It only took me a minute to see the blown open gate, and realize that Todd was gone!
With my heart in my throat, I kept calling him, knowing that in the wide open space of the country where we live, Todd could be anywhere. I tried not to panic and continued calling for him.  And, just like that, there Todd was, standing on the far side of the yard, on the other side of the fence, his tail wagging and looking at me.
I knew that Todd coming to me would have to be his idea. So I kept the mood light and kept talking to him as I quickly went inside for treats to bribe him with.  I opened the gate on the front porch, called him, showed him the treats, and he happily came to me.  I gave Todd the handful of treats, and there was celebration from both of us, and he quickly raced from one end to the other of the porch, stopping only for a moment to jump up on me, as I told him over and over what a good Scottie he was!  The celebration continued inside, as I overindulged and calmed my nerves and racing heart with early morning treats.
I also gave thanks for this Scottie that has maybe, just maybe learned to come when called.  Providing of course, that there are treats involved.

24 comments:

  1. What good news that your adorable dog was found quickly and came when called, when treats were offered.

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  2. A dog owners nightmare. There again beguiling treats were invented for just such a moment !

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  3. Oh my I got scared right till the you said he wast far and came to you FEW ! Yes Terriers don't seem to come when called on your terms unless there is a treat involved and it seems like their idea in the first place they are suborn for sure Miggs is part terrier and that part shows in the lack of coming to me when called lol ! Miggs did the same thing to me a few years ago and I found her in the field beside us having a ball meantime I was frantic . I am so glad Todd never got to far or worse lost . Now Todd stop giving mum a scare you dopey dog lol ! Hugs from Miggs and I to you both !

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  4. Hello, That was a scary time. I am so glad Todd came to you when called. After that I would need a treat too. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!

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  5. I can well imagine how your heart was pounding. Good that he didn't go far and came to you.

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  6. What a huge relief. Thank goodness Todd came home, and a treat is always a good reward.

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  7. That is Mom's biggest fear - that we get out and she can't find us. The true value of a good recall. Good boy, Todd.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  8. There always have to be treats! Having gone through that scenario with 10 scotties, it still happens--especially if there is another furry animal involved!

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  9. Oh, my goodness, I know that awful feeling of realization well :( So glad Todd knew what to do, LOL!

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  10. That is always a scary time. So glad to hear Todd was a good boy today.

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  11. Good boy Todd! Fortunately Phoebe and Little Wonder are very good about responding to me, as they are always off leash when we are outside on our property. Come when called is the most important thing they can learn...it's a life saver.

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  12. From experience, terriers always return to a good home.

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  13. Those moments sure make your heart stop. Glad he was safe.

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  14. I have my husband trained the same way. He responds to food just like Todd.

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  15. Todd listened for that treat word! It works! And were so glad it did! I would celebrate too!
    love
    tweedles

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  16. Oh, I know that feeling when it feels as though the blood running through your body is ice cold.
    I am so thankful he didn't make a game of it, but came to you with the treats.
    Glad everyone is safe and sound and I hope you were able to enjoy your day off at home.
    Gus' Mom

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  17. Having had one dog who was a supreme escape artiste and never came when called, even if there were treats, I can feel for you. It's the most awful feeling when you realise they've gone.

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  18. 'heart right up in your throat' is the description we all know only too well.
    and how wonderful of you to celebrate his coming to you and making it a good thing! when chastising him might have had a bad effect. coming home means treats and love!
    :) XOXO

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  19. My Scotties poop for treats When the windchill is -20, it comes in handy. On the other hand, our treal bill is other people's cable bill.

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  20. I'm paranoid about the gates. They all have locks but I check and recheck them. At one time or another each dog has gotten out. The Porties all come when called. The two little girls run around looking for squirrels, then remember to come home but Sebastian takes off. It's easy to see how he got lost originally. The only way to capture him is to get the car out and open the door. He loves rides more than anything.

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  21. I'm so glad that he came back! Our R knows the word "treats". If he's being really resistant to coming to us, we just say "treats", and he's at our feet in an instant. A dog recently got lost near us, and the owner said to say "bacon" if you saw her. Apparently, she'd come running if she heard that word!

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  22. Glad that worked out well! Sometimes it's hard to remain calm and not freak out but that is what works best. And treats, of course.

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  23. I think my heart ”jiggled”. . . or stopped for a minute . . .
    Thankful Todd was coaxed with the treats and came back.
    Frightening for you I am sure!

    We have had a couple of those moments when our Snickers was younger.
    Frightening to say the least.
    She has seldom been off her leash, has never been fenced in,
    and I am sure she really doesn’t understand boundaries.
    We walk her daily on a leash . . .
    At almost 13 years, if for some reason she slipped out the door
    not sure she would know how to find her way back home.

    Thankful Todd is safely back with you

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  24. He's a rascal isn't he? I'm so glad he came back safely. I've been in that situation and know how scary it must've been for you.

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