"LOST/MISSING DOG"

It happens. Dogs get out of their yards, get off their collars or away from their owners.

If this has happened to you or you are trying to prevent this from ever happening with your dog(s) please read below.

On FENCING/ PROPERTY:

Some dogs have a tendency to wonder or explore. They are always checking out the environment around them. Smells, pray drive or boredom can lead the dog out of their yard and away from their home.

Most medium - large dogs (and even some small ones) CAN & WILL scale/ jump a 4-5 foot fence. We have seen and know of dogs that dig under fences, climb fences and even chew through fences when left unattended.

ELECTRIC FENCES are a problem waiting to happen:

These invisible fences do NOT protect your dog(s) from outside sources such as, people wanting to take your dog or other animals. Invisible fences do NOT keep dogs inside their property line. We have seen dogs run straight through the invisible line chasing after a cat, squirrel or another dog. Once their adrenalin decreases the dogs can not get back into their yard due to the electrical collar that is around their neck preventing them from crossing the line. So, if the owner is not there to help them, they start to wonder...

4 or 5 Foot CHAIN LINK FENCES:

For those that have 4 or 5 ft fences you will need to add on to these fences to make sure they are secure height wise so the dog can not jump them. If you can not add on to your fence you will need to resort to taking your dog(s) for walks or runs... get them use to a treadmill... use a long line to play fetch with them in your yard...  and/or give them mind stimulating toys/puzzles.

Make sure the bottom of the fencing is secure with built up land securing the bottom, concrete (for diggers), or adding a metal bar around the base so the dogs can not push under the fence.

If you have a 6 foot chain link fence already, a way to secure the dog from climbing or jumping is to add a strong cable that surrounds the top.. add PVC piping to the cable (cable going through the pipe). This will allow the PVC pip to roll so the dog can not grab on to the top and pull him/herself over. This is an inexpensive way to create your own "coyote roller".

If there is any part of your fence that is weak.. Fix it immediately before allowing your dog into the yard to roam off leash.

www.rutkoskifencing.com

If your fence is not "up to par" and you decide to "tie your dog out MAKE SURE the theater is not too long to where the dog can jump the fence and hang him/herself. Also, there should be shelter to protect your dog from the weather (hot or cold) and clean water available at ALL times.

The better fence to install in your yard is a 6 ft privacy fence that is dug two - three feet into the ground. Now we know these fences can be pricey so in the mean time while you are saving for a proper fence, to relieve your dogs energy.. again: take them for walks or runs... get them use to a treadmill... use a long line and play fetch with them... give them mind stimulating toys/puzzles... take them swimming... etc....

The absolute BEST way to prevent your dog from escaping your yard is to be there in physical form with your dog while they relieve themselves, when they are playing or just relaxing. NEVER leave your dogs unattended. <-- you may see us write this more than once ;)

You being there with your dog will deter strangers from feeding your dog or even worse, steeling your dog. You being there to watch your dog will stop them from trying to escape if they are the venturous type. You being there shows that you are their guardian and will watch over them....
just as you would your children. Right?! - We hope so!

FRONT & BACK DOORS:

Put a extra tall baby gate in your door ways that lead out of your house. Some dogs are known to push screen doors open when they see something or someone they wast to get to.

Extra safety locks can be added to glass doors to secure them a bit more as well.

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On HARNESSES - COLLARS & LEASHES

These items should be on your dogs when they are out of your house. A collar with your dogs ID tag should be on your dogs at all times, except when they are in their crates (some dogs get their paws caught in their collars when trying to curl up for rest).

Before leaving your house, check your dogs gear. Make sure it is fitted properly and everything is secure. If there are tears, broken buckles or weak spots - replace your equipment immediately.

HARNESSES:

We like to use the Freedom No- Pull Harness. It has an attachment in front of the dogs chest and between their shoulder blade. It also comes with a two part leash that can connect to the harness in the front & back or to the harness and a collar. Double thumbs up!

Check your dogs harness ever time you put it on him him/her. They tend to loosen from time to time due to the dog trying to pull or just simple usage.


COLLARS:


We like to use Sirius Republic martingale no slip collars as an extra back up for wiggle pups. We secure our dogs ID (phone #, dogs name & address) tag, license tag, microchip tag & rabies tag to these collars showing people this pup is owned by a family and has the proper identification in case he/she does get lost.

Collars should be snug, about two fingers stacked width apart from collar to dogs neck. Not too tight and definitely not too loose where your can dog back out of his/her collar.





LEASHES:

We prefer to use 4 to 6 foot nylon leashes with an extra safety clip.

You will NEVER see our dogs on retractable leashes.. if we want them to have extra space for training, hiking or swimming we use a long line.

Make sure leashes are not chewed on by the dog(s). Chewed areas can weaken the leash and your dog when pulling can snap the leash.

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WHAT TO DO (( IF )) YOUR DOG GETS LOOSE OR IS MISSING:

#1 - Immediately(not days later), call your local police department AND Animal Control giving them a full description of your dog. Give them your dogs: name, age, size, spayed/neutered/or not, color, markings, collar color & style, let them know if he/she is chipped, several phone numbers for them to call, your personal address and where the dogs was last seen.

#2 - If you can get to the police station or animal shelter, give them a photo of your dog with all of this information on the back.

#3 - If you know of a face book page that post for local "Missing/Lost" dogs in your area, send a photo of your dog and info such as: Name, Sex, Collar ID, If he/she is micro-chipped, spayed/neutered, where they went missing from (County, City) and a phone # you are willing to allow the public to have.

#4 - If your dog is missing after 24 hours you will want to put an add in the paper, make up flyers and drop them off at local coffee house, pet stores, fire departments, dog parks & gas stations. Even contact local radio stations asking them to keep an eye out for your k9 kid.

#5 - check with your neighbors often and check back with your local shelter to see if anyone has turned in your dog.

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Prevention starts with an action! 

Be sure you are with your dog(s) at all times when outdoors. Never leave your k9 kids alone for long periods of time. Being with your dog can avoid them escaping your property or a stranger taking them. Being with your dog can deter them from harming him/herself, getting hit by a car/vehicle, dying from starvation/dehydration if missing for too long, shot by a neighbor or police officer that is not familiar in dealing with scared dogs and reacts instead of interacts.

YOUR dog is YOUR responsibility. Your job as a responsible dog guardian is to MAKE SURE you keep them safe. If you consider your dogs "family", then treat them that way. Protect them!

Yes, things happen, but you know (& the people around you know) if it was an "accident" or "laziness".

Finally:

Be sure that your pups license and rabies are up to date. 

An added safety measure and a responsible dog owner bonus: 

#1 Have your dogs micro chipped in case their collar ever breaks off.

#2 Get an extra ID tag put on your dogs collar with his/her name and a phone# someone can reach you at if they do find your pup. You can even write your phone# in sharpie on your dogs collar if you don't want to buy an extra tag. 

Hope this helped a bit. Let's keep those pups safe and home! www.modifiedk9.org

Mk9's "Stop & Go" Game for the family

Throughout our days, there is a learning experience in just about everything we do. Here at them mk9 home we love to make learning fun, for all.

Since we have a multiple dog family, we love to designate "one on one time" for each of the pups. "One on one time" helps strengthen bonds between you and your furkids. 

Today is Bella Vita's day for some special one on one time. During our walks we like to play a little game called "Stop n Go". Dylan (aka Monster) is in charge of the orders and mom has to help Bella Vita listen.

On our walks Monster will randomly say "Stop". When he does we all have to stop, but Vita has to not only "stop", but "sit" and "look" at mom. Then we continue on when Monster says "go". Sometimes Monster has us stopping and going every two feet lol.

What this game does is, well, #1 causes Dylan to laugh like crazy because of all the fast random stops, but it helps Bella Vita work on her basic commands. Walking on a loose leash, sitting every time we stop and looking at mom for the next move.

The randomness of Monsters commands also keeps Vita (and mom) on her toes watching and listening for what we may do next. In turn keeping Vita's attention on us and not the dogs in the house next to us barking mad through the window.

**Rules are:
-Little Monsters must hold moms/dads hand.
-We never "stop" in the middle of any street.
-We must look both ways before crossing streets.
-Mom makes sure we have plenty of tasty treats on hand for Vita and she keeps those "good girls" coming.
-Make sure you change the pace of the walk.
-When you start to walk, make sure your dog is looking at you and always lead with your left leg. (the leg closest to your dog). 

Have fun on your outings all and enjoy your family. 
www.modifiedk9.org

A Cat Toy for Dogs

The flirt pole is a super-sized cat toy made for our canine buddies

Made of 5ft - 6ft PVC pipe (on the thinner side), 13ft - 15ft rope (adjust as needed), & a favorite toy of your dog's. Total cost? About $9.00 - $12.00!

Besides the treadmill & nose work, this is one of our favorite tools for tiring out our dogs. It is used for basic obedience, training, & positive reinforcement. All the while making the time with your dog fun, exciting, & rewarding!

*To make:
after stringing the rope through the PVC pipe 'pole', simply tie a knot at one end & tie the toy with the other end. 

*Your dog should already be familiar with the following commands:

sit, stay/wait, look, down, leave it/drop it, & take it.

When using the flirt pole, make sure your dog does not grab the toy without your command.

If he/she does, stop the game & calmly ask your dog to leave it/drop it. Remain patient & non-interactive until he/she does so & then start over from a sit or down.

The combination of mind stimulation & exercise will make for

 a very happy & content pup by the end of the session.

& the best part. . .the reward C:

ENJOY!

Dog on a Treadmill?

We say yes, YES, YES!!

Chelle & Alumni Polly Pocket

Treadmills are a great energy re-leasers and come in handy on days where we can not get out doors with our dogs. The treadmill will not only kick some of the extra energy your dog may have, but it is also a great mind stimulating exercise! When your dog is on the treadmill they have to think for themselves to stay in time with the treadmill as it moves. Treadmills can come in handy if you have a multi dog home and need to make sure all the pups in your care get their exercise in for the day. 

When you start your dog off on the treadmill (make sure you have treats on hand) you want him/her to get used to the surroundings and this new "thing" in your home. Let him/her walk on and off of it, let them sit on it and even ask them to lay down on or near it so they know there is nothing to fear. 

Guide them by it and reward them for accepting it.

Some dogs take longer then other to get used to this machine, so when you aim to teach your dog to use the treadmill make sure you have about 2-3 hours set aside at first. Be sure there are no to very little distraction in your home, and make sure your pup has done his/her business before you get started. You do not want to rush your dog, let him/her get comfortable at their own pace. In return your dog will accept this new training exercise and will look forward it.

To get Polly Pocket use to this new contraption, we sat on the treadmill and guided her over with some high value treats. We praised her for walking up to it, stepping on it and then sitting on it. Polly loves the praise and knowing she is doing a good job. This little lady catches on quick with just about everything she is shown. **Keep in mind every dog is different and may approach this new challenge in a different way so be patient, be consistent and keep those treats coming.**

After about a 20 minutes we faced Polly in the right direction with Chelle standing over her making sure she wasn't going to jump off or get too overwhelmed when we started it up. Having one hand on the leash over Pollys head and the other hand at Polly's side (so she knew not to jump off) reassured her everything will be ok and she is doing a GREAT job!!

We started Polly off at the lowest setting, letting her get familiar with it moving on its own. At first she wasn't sure what this was all about and was walking a in a zig zag motion, but Chelle stayed in place talking to her, telling Polly what good girl she was.

Holding treats in front of her face helped her keep moving forward and rewarded her for doing so. Polly and treats go very very well together. Along with praise. { Did we mention she LOVES to be told what a good girl she is.}

Keep those treats coming for the first time learning

Polly goes for about 15-20 minutes a day, trotting at a fast pace getting up to 2 miles. Polly enjoys the treadmill and will even go over to it when it is off and sit on it looking at you with that "Well, we gunna do this or what" face. It took Polly a total of an hour and a half to get fully comfortable to where Chelle could stand up and let Polly just trot away. 

After a few more times Polly will be able to jump on without Chelle standing over top of her.

Good Girl Polly!!!! 

 Please note: When your dog is doing more activity then normal you have to monitor their food intake. Make sure they are getting what they need for the exercises they are doing! And ALWAYS check with your vet and make sure your pup is healthy for some extended exercise.

Balance is key to a healthy life. Good food, Exercise, Mind stimulation, Love, Play and REST, make for a happy dog and a happy owner. 

Treadmill donations are still needed for our rescue dogs. 

If you can spare a treadmill that is in working condition please email mk9karen@hotmail.com 

We are located by Philadelphia & Scranton/Wilke barre areas.