PIPER burst out of the tall grass at the edge of the trail and as soon as he saw me he dropped his head and sheepishly approached, with something in his mouth.
"What is that?" I asked him and myself at the same time. As he approached I noticed his tail was wagging so furiously it seemed a mere blur of stubby fur. When he got about 10 feet from me I could see he had a small rodent in his mouth. Actually, it was a rabbit.
It was dead. Fortunately it had been dead for some time. Piper had merely followed his nose to find the decomposing carrion and thought it would be a wonderful idea to share it with me. He dropped it at my feet and gave me this look that I interpreted as, "Can I take it home?"
"No" I replied out loud.
He promptly picked it back up and carried it for the duration of our walk.
Piper is my German shorthaired pointer. He was bred for hunting fur and feathered animals. His parents were both used for hunting so genetically Piper has a very high disposition for hunting, even though I do not hunt.
This is not the first time he has brought me back "things" or "parts of things" from his jaunts in the forest, so I was neither disturbed nor concerned. (Incidentally Piper also collects clothing left on the floor and brings them to me in the morning, in bed).
I understand that dogs are dogs and we have to allow them to be dogs. We have to allow them, or provide them with an outlet to satisfy some of their basic genetic traits.
I'm not suggesting anyone allow their dogs to chase or catch wildlife, but rather to consider alternatives that satisfy a dog's need to follow their nose or to hunt.
One really great outlet is a search game. Take about a half dozen really yummy and smelly treats and find a place in the yard or along the side of a trail to play this game with your dog. Take each treat and toss or place them close to a recognizable landmark such as a plant, rock or branch. These landmarks are for you to remember where the treats are so you can teach your dog how to use its nose to find them. Don't let your dog watch you hide the treats. Have someone hold your dog so they cannot see you or keep them in the house. Let the treats sit for five minutes or so, so the scent can permeate the surrounding area.
With your dog on-leash and situated about three feet from the first treat, place your dog in a sit. Wait patiently for your dog's attention, then once they look at you say the word "Search," and quickly point to the first treat. The quick motion will get your dog's attention and they will follow your hand and begin to search for the treat. Once they get a whiff of the odour they will begin to hunt for it. Once they find the treat praise them and go to the next one.
Repeat the sequence with treats number 2 and 3.
On the fourth treat start the same way, with your dog in a sit but about five feet away. This time say "Search" and point in the general direction of the treat and let your dog do the work of searching for it. If they get confused help them out by repeating the command and pointing to the treat. Repeat the sequence for the remaining treats. It takes very little time for your dog to pick up this game because using their nose and hunting are two things they love to do. Dogs are born with their sense of smell in perfect working order! They have a huge part of their brain devoted to the sense of smell and need to satisfy that natural ability. Teaching your dog to search doesn't mean they will begin to bring you dead animals while out on the walk; but it will give them an outlet to satisfy a big need and use their brain as nature intended!
