How can I deter my Bichon from hunting mice?

Question

We have an open field behind our house and last night I discovered my Bichon (at night) with a mouse hanging out of her mouth. She wasn't eating it, just holding it. It's neck was cut open.

Until tonight, I thought she chased off another animal who had done that to the mouse. Tonight I caught her pouncing on and chasing another mouse through our yard.

I have three dogs that love to spend time outside. How can I deter the mouse hunting (I want to make sure she doesn't eat it) without having to be present 24/7?

Also, my Bichon is really sweet and loves all animals. She's played with cats and even ginea pigs before so I don't understand this behavior. She completely ignores the rabbits in the yard. .........

HELP!

Answer 1

I am not expert on the Bichon except for fostering several senior Bichons for the rescue. However, most folks don;t realize that many of the small breeds are hunters and will go after mice and other vermin. They normally do not eat these. And like cats they may bring home a "gift" to please you. Do some research on the breed. This is not an agressive act but natural instinct of the breed possibly. I would not be too concerned and it;s good you have a mouser. You would expect a cat to do this. I have had dogs that were great mousers and one that killed snakes in our yard. None ever ate what they killed. Hard to mess with instinct and Mother Nature. This does not mean she will go after any other critters except those she knows are not part of her family.

Answer 2

It is very normal for all dogs to chase small rodents.. mine all leave with cats and a guinea pig...but outdoors is free game. Unfort. without watching them..there is no way of stopping them. My schnuazer brought one in from outside... hidden in her mouth.. it wasn't until she spit it out on the floor, did I know she even had it.

Answer 3

teach him punish him until he learns to not hurt mice and reward him if he does good

Answer 4

And this is a bad thing?