hunting dogs
By 41Combedale
@41CombedaleRoad (5966)
Greece
October 23, 2012 2:59am CST
The last dog we rescued was a spaniel and an abandoned hunting dog. We put him in with the other 4 dogs, all of whom are neutered females. They have not taken to him, he remains with them but not truly part of the pack. When they run free he dashes about on his own hunting for prey. He is very fast. Unfortunately we have two cats and one disappears completely when he is around and the other stays high up a tree. I'm afraid that he is going to get one of the cats sooner or later. Also he is not happy with the other dogs. They bully him. There is no dogs' home here and although we have asked around no one wants him. Does anyone have experience of spaniel hunting dogs and can give me some hope that he is going to settle down? We have another hunting dog and she is part beagle and looks like a small bloodhound. She is part of the pack now and does occasionally chase the cats but she is a lot slower and wary of the cats anyway.
2 people like this
4 responses
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
23 Oct 12
I wonder if he has been neutered. I am assuming he has since he is a rescue. Oftentimes, females and males don’t get along anyway unless they have their reproductive organs intact and it’s mating season. I don’t know how much human contact he has, but it might be necessary to walk him and spend time with him for him to be happy. He probably isn’t happy with a bunch of females that don’t want anything to do with him. Maybe another male dog of a hunting breed would calm him down. He isn’t likely to calm down when his instinct is to hunt.
I had a pointer when I was a kid. She was spayed and she was a great pet that stayed with me all the time and walked with me wherever I went.
@Aquitaine24 (12000)
• San Jose, California
23 Oct 12
I wonder if there is competition between them and they are trying to show him his place.When a nbew dog is introduced,the dogs that are already there don't want him to try to be the boss.The girls could be trying to discourage this in him.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
23 Oct 12
I also took in an abandoned dog awhile back. They seem to take alot of time re- training them. I assume thats what your hunting dog needs. he now in such a different enviroment , good luck with him.
@sylvia13 (1850)
• Nelson Bay, Australia
23 Oct 12
Gee, these rescued dogs are just like people, as they seem to have the same problems! I used to have a cocker spaniel many years ago and he was supposed to be a hunting dog, but we never had any of your problems!
@Octav1 (1419)
• Romania
23 Oct 12
I'm afraid there's nothing much to change at him. An adult dog that learned to hunt small animals won't change over night (I rather think he won't change at all!)
I think your cats are in danger, I wouldn't leave them alone with this danger.
Maybe you should crate him when you're not there, to be sure the cats are safe.
