Bye, Bye, Bunny

Laura · Master

Bye, Bye, Bunny

Amanda · Master

Hi Laura what a horrible thing to see.

If I were you I would go back to the muzzle. The last twice it has been a rabbit but next time it could easily be someones cat. How about you carry the muzzle and just pop it on when you let her off lead if you really don't need or want to muzzle her all the time.

Most dogs would chase rabbits, squirrels and cats but unlike other breeds greys can catch them, better to be safe than sorry...

Give Rosie a hug from me it is not her fault it is just what she has been trained to do

oh and another idea re recall. Blue is a pain with black labs he just doesn't like them he tries to run them down and barks at them a lot. If we run in the opposite direction making a loud red indian noise this usually distracts him and he chases us insted as we seem more fun if rather silly

-- Edited by Amanda at 12:39, 2006-09-19

MojoTilly · Master

If i was you i'd carry her muzzle with you when out walking and when you go to let her off pop her muzzle on before letting her off and then the bunnies and other small furries will be safer. We do this with Tilly before we let her off. She doesn't seem to mind having her muzzle on as it means she can have a good run off the lead - she occassionally tries to rub it off but in general doesn't mind. I know it's hard seeing them chase and kill rabbits but if you think about it it's hard to undo thousands of years of training and breeding isn't it?

Debbie

Laura · Master

Amanda wrote:

oh and another idea re recall. Blue is a pain with black labs he just doesn't like them he tries to run them down and barks at them a lot. If we run in the opposite direction making a loud red indian noise this usually distracts him and he chases us insted as we seem more fun if rather silly

-- Edited by Amanda at 12:39, 2006-09-19

Hi, thank you for the advice, it looks like we're going back to the muzzle. As for the recall, Rosie's recall is quite good, unless she's on the trail of something!! Unfortunatly this bunny didnt have a chance as it was only about 6 feet away from Rosie when she saw it. Ive seen the technique of making stupid noises and running the opposite way before and it does seem to work, but I think Rosie was just too close to this rabbit. Right now shes lying in her bed looking rather sorry for herself, sore tummy I think

Isla · Enlightened One

Oh dear. Hope Rosie is feeling less sorry for herself soon. How horrible for you witnessing that. I'm so glad I didn't see Tigger playing squeaky toys with next door's guinea pig. Poor Graeme was really quite traumatised.

I'm still trying to work on the red indian technique of recall but Tigger's not too good yet. She just looks at us as if we've gone nuts and carries on with what she's doing.

Glad mine are not the only ones who have a chronic dislike of black labs. Wills and Millie hate em! They are public enemy number one as far as my two are concerned. I say two because Tigger likes everyone. She's a real wee ray of sunshine!

Valerie · Guru

I read somewhere that often dogs don't like black labs cos they can't see/read their facial expression? as well as dogs of varied/other colours.

Isla · Enlightened One

Ahhh, yes, can see the logic in that one. Never thought of that!

Amber · Master

I shouldn't think that eating a rabbit will cause her any harm, just make sure you worm her regularly. The rabbit may have had myxamatosis (or however you spell it!) if it didn't make any attempt to run, in which case she's done it a favour putting it out of its misery, as that is a horrible disease which causes a lot of suffering. I have to admit that one of mine will catch and consume rabbits (not often, but occasionally) but that's the nature of the beast, I'm afraid!

If it upsets you, then muzzle her off the lead. However, even with a muzzle on, she could still kill a rabbit if she gets hold if it with her claws and bashes it with the muzzle, or more likely injure it severely and then you'll be left with the problem of what do with it. I assume you are not letting her off lead any place where there is a chance there will be a cat around (i.e. houses nearby the area) and that she is OK with small dogs. This may be not the popular opinion, but rabbits are fair game really - a lot of people that live in the country or even semi-rural suburbs are going to have them in their gardens & it would be unreasonable to keep the dog muzzled in its own garden I think. Most any greyhound will go after one if off-lead, but they are not normally that easy to catch, unless they are cornered, sick or babies.

Laura · Master

Hi Amber,

Yes, Rosie is only let off lead in places we are pretty sure no cats are around, hence gong to Kinniel. Its got a huge grassy area and she just loves it. Ever since the 'incident' we have muzzled her up there. I agree with you though that she could still kill a rabbit when muzzled, and I know its better than her getting someones cat. Now, when we have a bit more time we go to Candie. Its a huge place with different directions to go and plenty running space and so far no bunnies seen, so she is allowed off lead unmuzzled. She is fine with all dogs as long as they dont come running up all excited to her, she gets a bit growly then.So we havent worried about small dogs for a while, but ever since the rabbit eating we have given it some thought. So far the muzzle hasnt stopped her enjoying herself, although she still rubs her head on the ground to get it off! However, I am reluctant to muzzle her at Candie as when we go its usually the middle of the day and all the rabbits are hidden away. I just think its a bit unfair that from being totally unmuzzled for a good few weeks for her to go back muzzled everywhere. Its good to hear that eating the rabbits shouldnt do her any harm, yeh Ive heard of mixeey-ma-toe-sis as I spell it(!!) it makes rabbits blind doesnt it? Rosie seems fine now, and still has nice firm poo and hasnt been sick anywhere, so far so good!

Thanks for all the advice guys!!

edited to say that it doesnt really upset me, its just that I dont want Rosie getting ill, or mistaking a fluff ball like a pomeranian (or a cat)for a rabbit

-- Edited by Laura at 20:45, 2006-09-23

Teresa · Enlightened One

Laura, I don't envy your current decision-making dilemma. It's really difficult to know what to do for the best for all - Rosie and the rabbit community.

Whatever happens, I hope Rosie is ok and you find a good compromise for all.

Teresa, xxxx

Laura · Master

daves_mum wrote:

Laura, I don't envy your current decision-making dilemma. It's really difficult to know what to do for the best for all - Rosie and the rabbit community

Teresa, xxxx

Rosie and the Rabbit community- I love that!! It sounds so cool!!

I dont think that two bunnies down is going to do much to their population! Muzzle it is I think.

(Well done on your 1000 post!

Teresa · Enlightened One

Laura, probably a wise decision. At least, that way, there's less destruction !!

Thanx for the congratulations. I have no idea what I'm going to be enlightened about . With any luck, it'll be the next lot of winning lottery numbers so that I can donate to the Kennel Fund !!

(1000 = Enlightened One!!)

hugahound · Master

Hi Laura

Your not the one with the border collie as well are you? I walk in Kinneil all the time with my grey Lenny and lurchers Rosie and Ruby.

Worms and flees are your main concern. There is myxi at Kinneil at the moment. It always appears late summer/autumn time. Rosie has had a couple. She's an ex worker so is very efficient and 'quick'. She doesn't eat them though but is reluctant to hand over with Ruby there. Gives the flees way too much time to jump aboard! If your Rosie didn't eat them I'd say it wasn't a major prob as there are lots of foxes and buzzards that patrol kinneil so nothing is wasted.

Don't know how long you've had Rosie but spring/summer will be worse with the babies around. Lenny used to be as keen as mustard by I tell you he got fed up after a few months and rabbits were no longer a novelty. He's rather bright and would only chase the ones he thought he may catch and totally ignored the ones he knew he couldn't. Rosie won't waste her time on no hopers either. Your Rosie may in time not see the rabbits as exciting as she does just now. I used to walk Lenny on a halti and a regular grey collar and lead. The latter was for back up in case the halti failed. He used to stand on his hind legs and scream at the sight of a rabbit! Within 6 months your lucky if he stretched to stalking them. I let him have his freedom but I was lucky to have a good enclosed area. I lived near the airport at the time. They are all different but there is hope of her calming down in time.

Whatever you do don't walk along the path by the farmers fields (behind the large pond). They are home to hare. I did it once. Never again. Lenny was used for coursing and he'll never say 'no'. They come back no probs but Lenny has a dodgy ticker and rosie ended up in the vets getting her backside stitched up.

Laura · Master

hugahound wrote:

Hi Laura
Your not the one with the border collie as well are you? I walk in Kinneil all the time with my grey Lenny and lurchers Rosie and Ruby.

Worms and flees are your main concern. There is myxi at Kinneil at the moment. It always appears late summer/autumn time.

Don't know how long you've had Rosie but spring/summer will be worse with the babies around .Whatever you do don't walk along the path by the farmers fields (behind the large pond).

Yes the border collie is ours aswell (the one who tries to pick a fight with everyone)along with a rather strange looking corgi cross! We have only had Rosie since the very end of May and she has been wormed and is due again in November as she was eating a lot of poo when we first got her and the vet reckoned every 3/4 months she should be wormed. We havent walked round the back of the big pond because of the swans. Rosie was looking very interested when we walked past (her on lead) the red path leading into the woods. But we definetly wont be going there if its bunny heaven!

hugahound · Master

Laura, there's a nice walk at the shore just down from Kinneil. Very wildernessy and although rabbits she'll find them harder to catch. Not so many just sitting around either. If you've got a street finder it's just at the end of Snab Lane. Also other car park a bit further along that road (you can see the car park from the road) You may know of it anyway. May be too wildernessy but less people! I have come across the occassional deer but I've come across them at Kinneil also. Same with foxes. They are in both places. I wouldn't avoid the swans as she needs to get used to things like that. As long as she is on the lead she is fine. Lenny used to have a thing for swans and is so much better. Have you taken her to Muiravon Country Park? Fab wee farm there to socialise hounds. Obvioulsy on lead. The fowl are in pens but your dog can sniff the lamas (did I spell that right?) and pigs etc. Lenny's a meet and greet kind of guy and loves to say 'hello'. Very good to try get your grey used to other animals. You may have been already. If not, I'd recomend it. It will do her good and praise and treat when she reacts in a nice way.

Esther