I've got a 2yr. old German Shepherd (as I've said in another question), and he likes to attack squirrels. There's a tree outside my apartment that squirrels are always hanging around. He crouches down and sneakes up from behind...and then pounces! Should I try and stop this? He hasn't caught one yet, but I'm thinking he might move up to cats, raccoons, maybe small children, etc...He's not acting like he wants to hurt them either, just looks like he's playing around.
2006-08-14 06:13:41 · 16 answers · asked by Sydney 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's still a puppy! It sounds like he's just having a blast! How does he act around cats, and small children? has he been around any? Eventually he will grow out of this, but now he's just acting out his animalistic urges to hunt! Get him some cool chew toys to occupy him! like a Kong, and put some p-nut butter inside of it to keep him busy for a while!
2006-08-14 06:20:56 · answer #1 · answered by southerngirljw 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever played fetch with your dog? To him, the squirrel is the same game. Dogs are instinctual creatures, and he is following his basic hunting instinct. To him, chasing the squirrel is the same as chasing anything thrown by you. This is natural, and is okay for you to allow. It is unlikely he'll ever catch one. However, he must be taught the difference between small humans (or animals) and play things.
2006-08-14 13:24:47 · answer #2 · answered by wespectmyauthoritah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's in dog's nature to hunt. Don't worry about it. Actually, it's a sign that he's a smart, active dog.
And, just because he wants to eat squirrels does NOT mean he will attack small children. That shouldn't be a concern at all.
2006-08-14 13:18:58 · answer #3 · answered by smashley 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I LOVE this breed,I have 2.. this is normal behavior the dog is playing chase.. thing is U need to have control over Ur dog just in case - say he is going out into the road,starting to eat something that is harmful ,or going after a person He needs to be able to respond to the come ,sit,stay command it is for his own good. try some basic obedience training,U never know when it will come in handy it could save his life...
2006-08-14 13:27:39 · answer #4 · answered by scooterpie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just play a few games with him to try and avoid pouncing on squirrels. Just try to keep him IN the apartment. Keep him enertained.
2006-08-14 13:18:58 · answer #5 · answered by Maddee~Mar 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
have you been giving it a lot of attention because it might be bored and want to play with the squirrels, if that doesn't work then stop him you might be right that your dog will chase other things
2006-08-14 13:20:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't worry, but I personally would try to discourage the behavior for the safety of my dog.... squirrels will bite.
2006-08-14 13:20:58 · answer #7 · answered by Cookie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would stop the behavior if for no other reason than squirrels carry rabies.
2006-08-14 13:25:06 · answer #8 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So he wants squirrels...big deal! They're only fuzzy-tailed tree-rats!!! Hope he gets LOTZ!!! He can take ALL the other vermin as well!!!
Hunting instinct/prey-drive has *NOTHING* to do w/behavior w/HUMANS!!
2006-08-14 13:22:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember that all dogs are descendant from wolves. The hunting instinct is very strong in all dogs. Not to worry.
2006-08-14 13:25:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋