I'm so upset with my dog

[Danestress]

He killed his second squirrel in a week. I wasn't sure he killed the first. I thought maybe it just died or got killed by a hawk. But today, my kids caught him with a squirrel in his mouth! I'm so horrified and I feel really guilty because I actually put food out for the squirrels. I feel like I misled them into coming in the yard and then they were victimized.

 

And I guess my real worry is that my dog has this prey instinct that would make him kill a cat! There are definitely neighborhood cats who come in my yard, though now that I think about it, not in a while. He's sooooo friendly with people and other dogs. He loves to play and he's really laid back. He's actually almost lazy for a 7 month old puppy of his breed (Belgian Sheepdog).

 

I guess I will put bells around his neck. I just felt so bad for my boys when they had to get that mangled squirrel:(

[beansprouts]

Yuck!

 

I don't do dead things.

[Sharon in SC]

I understand that heartache. When the girls and I witnessed our Border Collie go after a cat in the backyard it was heartwrenching. The only thing I knew to encourage my girls with (as they were SO furious with Lady) is that she, really, can't help herself. That really is the nature of the beast so to speak (animals hunt other animals). That did seem to help them and we were careful to be on the alert should other small animals make their way into our yard (keeping her inside when necessary/possible). I'm sorry for your family's experience, too.

[Kris]

After they've set up housekeeping on the engine of your car and chewed up a hundred dollars or so worth of spark plug wires, you'll begin to see them for what they are -- rats with bushy tails!

 

Perhaps we should trade dogs -- mine don't even wake up when they walk over their noses. :-D

[beansprouts]

After they've set up housekeeping on the engine of your car and chewed up a hundred dollars or so worth of spark plug wires, you'll begin to see them for what they are -- rats with bushy tails!

 

 

(Cindy gives Kris a discreet high-five while Danestress and Sharon are looking the other way...:D)

[Remudamom]

Two squirrels? Phfft. My stinking no good ACD killed a racoon today. She smells like she killed it too.

[Mrs Mungo]

He's an animal. He's a terroritorial animal whose job is to keep your space free of intruders. I could understand feeling guilty if you were purposefully setting up the squirrels but you shouldn't feel bad for your dog acting on his instincts. I wouldn't necessarily keep putting out squirrel food and yes, bells are probably a good idea but you shouldn't be mad at your dog for doing his job.