Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Fumipets
Owner in Shock at What Puppy Finds on Very First Walk: ‘Earning His Keep’
Introduction
A two-month-old puppy has become a viral internet star after showcasing a very handy trick: finding money on the street. Tobi, a doodle, is now an adult dog, but his owner recently shared a video of his very first walk as a puppy, which turned out to be quite eventful. While sniffing around in a pile of leaves, Tobi found a $20 bill, leaving his owner in shock and delight.
Tobi’s First Walk: A Surprising Discovery
A Moment Captured on Video
On May 21, Tobi’s owner, who goes by @ttikkunna on TikTok, shared a short clip of the tiny black puppy diving into a pile of leaves. As Tobi’s owner went to pull him from the pile, a folded green note could be seen underneath, prompting her to gasp with excitement. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 346,000 likes.
@ttikkunna
Viral Reactions and Comments
Hundreds of viewers commented on the video, sharing their amusement and admiration. One commenter urged Tobi’s owner to give the pup the scent of money followed by a treat, saying, “you got to reinforce this behavior.” Another joked, “He said in this economy you will need all the help you can get,” while one labeled the puppy “a provider.” A TikTok user cleverly remarked, “instead of a truffle pig they have a dollar doodle,” and another summed it up with, “Earning his keep.”
Training Dogs to Find Money
Currency Detection Dogs
While Tobi’s find was purely by chance, it is indeed possible to train dogs to detect cash. Currency Detection Dogs are specially trained working dogs, often employed alongside police officers or airport security. These dogs can alert to large quantities of cash, which may indicate criminal activity, similar to how security dogs alert to drugs or weapons.
The Training Process
The United Kingdom-based company ScentPro trains dogs in cash detection. These animals are taught to detect a specific ink used in printing money, even if attempts have been made to conceal the cash. This training makes them invaluable in various security operations.
Tobi’s Unlikely Talent
In Tobi’s case, he simply got lucky—and so did his owner. Typically, pet dogs are more likely to eat money than find it. In fact, there have been several instances where dogs have caused their owners financial distress by chewing up cash.
Instances of Dogs Destroying Money
A Costly Chew
In 2023, a man in Argentina went viral after discovering that his 4-year-old pit bull, Indica, had chewed up and eaten pesos worth over $200. This incident caused quite a stir on social media, highlighting the mischievous tendencies of some pets.
Labrador’s Expensive Snack
In 2022, a Labrador named Zoey managed to grab over $2,000 in cash left on the kitchen table and, naturally, ripped it up. This incident served as a cautionary tale for pet owners about the dangers of leaving valuable items within reach of their furry friends.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Money
Replacement Procedures
All hope is not lost if your pup does get into your cash. The U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing has procedures for replacing damaged money. If more than 50 percent of the damaged bill remains intact, along with any security features such as the watermark, it can be replaced at full value.
Case-by-Case Replacement
Even a more mutilated banknote could still be replaced at full value; however, this is up to the Bureau’s discretion on a case-by-case basis. This process ensures that pet owners have a recourse if their mischievous pets cause financial damage.
Conclusion
Tobi’s unexpected find on his very first walk has brought joy and amusement to many. While his talent for finding money may have been a lucky fluke, it serves as a reminder of the surprising and delightful moments that pets can bring into our lives. Whether through training or sheer luck, our furry friends continue to amaze us with their antics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
1. Can all dogs be trained to find money?
While most dogs have the potential to be trained to detect specific scents, specialized training and consistent practice are required. Not all pet dogs will have the aptitude or the opportunity for such training.
2. What other items can dogs be trained to detect?
Dogs can be trained to detect a wide range of items, including drugs, explosives, and even certain medical conditions like diabetes or cancer. Their keen sense of smell makes them incredibly versatile.
3. How can I prevent my dog from chewing up valuable items?
To prevent your dog from chewing up valuable items, ensure that you keep such items out of their reach. Providing plenty of chew toys and engaging your dog in regular physical and mental exercises can also help reduce destructive behavior.
4. What should I do if my dog eats money?
If your dog eats money, try to retrieve any remains of the bills and contact the U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing to inquire about replacement procedures. Ensure that your dog does not exhibit any signs of distress after ingesting foreign objects and consult a vet if necessary.
5. Can finding money be a trained behavior for dogs?
Yes, finding money can be a trained behavior for dogs, particularly those trained in currency detection. This involves teaching the dog to recognize and alert to the scent of the ink used in printing money.
Source: Owner in Shock at What Puppy Finds on Very First Walk: ‘Earning His Keep’.
