Our little mixed breed dog, Tater.Tot.Hotdish has quite a bit of terrier in him, and as such views all rodents as prey. He has proficiently performed his job of ridding our property of several variety of rodents, including wild rabbits. That is, of course, the terrier nature.
We have had a few little furry rodents take up residence in the kennel, of the uninvited variety. Mice are just an expected nuisance, given our rural surroundings and the presence of dog food and treats. We have traps set to catch them, but the traps are not always effective.
My kiddos show rabbits in 4-H, and a few of the bunnies were brought into the training room for several days of warmth and extra light during breeding season in preparation for the upcoming summer shows.
Most dogs view rabbits as prey, even when we often see them as pets or at least friends.
Because of the training and leadership foundation we have given Tater, we are able to clearly communicate to him that the kids' rabbits are protected by the people in our home. They are welcome guests and not to be hunted. The same applies to the kids' pet guinea pigs. That doesn't mean we would leave them free roaming together with out supervision and expect him to fully quell his terrier hunting nature. But Tater is very well in control of those predator instincts when the kids are playing with their rodent pets.
I was recently in the training room at the computer, Tater was hanging out, rabbits secure in their cages. Tater became very interested in the corner of the room where I have some obstacle items stored. He was in hunting mode, so I moved a couple pieces to make his search a bit easier. The mouse he flushed out scurried across the wall, past the caged rabbits on the floor and to my desk! Tater gave immediate chase, but the mouse reached my desk and found a new hiding place somewhere behind it. I pulled the desk and filing cabinet away from the wall and within seconds Tater had located the mouse hiding under my printer. I lifted the printer, the mouse jumped off the desk and Tater quickly and efficiently grabbed the rodent and killed it with a chomp and a shake like it was a mere squeaky toy.
All of this unfolded within a couple feet of the rabbits, who remained unbothered.
I appreciate so much the clarity and freedom that training and leadership brings to my relationships with my dogs.
If you need help bringing some peace into your home between species, we would love to assist you!
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