Find out how my usually obedient collie went straight into predator mode when he saw some baby pheasants and how I responded!
Feeding the birds is a daily morning task for Gus and me
It was a beautiful morning yesterday. As I went out to feed the birds, I enjoyed the sun on my skin, the mellow air and the twittering of the birds, interspersed with the coarse screeching of pheasants.
I turned back and called Gus to come in. Just as I did so, a mummy pheasant appeared, trotting along the patio towards me with two tiny chicks staggering behind. As Gus emerged from the bushes, the (rather stupid) mummy pheasant screeched and flew off in panic, but her two chicks were stuck. The patio wall was too tall for them to scale.
Gus went straight into predator mode and honed in on the chicks. I screamed at him to “leave it” – but it was too late. One tiny chick vanished into his mouth, never to return. I managed to catch the second and placed it carefully under a bush where it would be safe.
By this time, Gus, having enjoyed his unexpected snack, had followed the mummy pheasant under the hedge. All I could hear was the crashing of foliage and the screeching of panicked pheasants.
Needless to say, my calls for Gus to come fell on deaf ears.
How I tried to save the baby birds
I engaged my cleverer human brain, post-vaccine soggy though it was– what could I do to prevent more birds becoming Gus’s breakfast? I rushed inside and grabbed my car keys. “Gus,” I called, with false bravado, rattling the keys, “Car!”
He came, I shut the garden gate and the remaining chicks and grown-ups were safe.
I let Gus into the car, then attached a lead and took him for a short walk to make up for the lack of a car ride.
For the next couple of weeks I’ll be feeding the birds on my own, leaving Gus in the house. He’ll object of course, but I don’t care. No more chicks will die needlessly, at least by his maw.
Does your dog object if you leave them alone?
It’s become a big problem for many people as lockdown eases. Dogs who have become used to people being around all day are now being abandoned and, understandably, panicking.
Howling, barking, pacing, dirtying, destroying – owners come home to a trail of carnage, angry neighbours and a highly stressed dog. No fun for anyone.
Luckily there is a lot you can do. Three-quarters of dogs who have separation problems can be cured and the remaining quarter significantly helped.
Come along and find out how you can help your dog be comfortable when left alone. Join our Serene Separation course – check the Training tab for details of the next course.
I promised no chicks will be harmed.
RIP little chick. Though it may take some time for me to forgive Gus, the baby murderer.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
