My dog killed a chipmunk. :( My dog (yorkie/chihuahua mix) killed a chipmunk in our backyard. :( I was outside swimming in my above ground pool. He likes to hang out outside with me. I knew he was interested in chipmunks/squirrels and has chased them (until they escaped under the fence or into a tree) but I never thought he would catch them, let alone kill them! I didn't hear a sound- I just looked over and he had it in his mouth. I said "No!" and climbed out of the pool and got over there as fast as I could, but it was too late. The chipmunk(s) in our yard have a little tunnel under our fence they use to get to the birdfeeder. My dog does spend a lot of time staring at the tunnel, I guess I should have known better. Is this common among terriers? (My husband thinks so.) I had two chihuahuas for over a decade and they never caught, let alone killed, anything. I guess I can't let him out of my sight in the yard now. Maybe I should use a tie-out when we're out there? I'm also worried about disease from the chipmunk. He didn't appear to break the skin, but it was as dead as a doornail when he dropped it. I'm really upset about this and feel like it's my fault. Any suggestions of what I should do? Thanks. |
Yes, I think it's normal. Yorkies were bred to be used as ratters afterall :). Their job was to flush out and kill vermin. Some instincts just don't die out even though we wish they would. My Rasta, all 2 lbs of him killed a grass snake then decided to roll on the body :rolleyes:. Your yorkie probably shook it really hard causing it to break it's neck if you didnt see any broken skin. I don't know about the tie out. Depending on your area I probably wouldn't use one. We have hawks, vultures, and owls here so I know I wouldn't. Are there any chipmunk/squirrel deterrents to keep them out of your yard? |
We have hawks around here, too. Do you think a hawk would be able to get my dog? He's 10 pounds. I haven't seen any other chipmunks today- maybe that was the only one coming into our yard. He has had some close calls with squirrels, though. He almost got one last week, and even climbed my daughter's swing set in pursuit of it! I called my vet's office this morning. They told me unless he got scratched or bitten that disease isn't really a concern. I just feel really bad that he got a chipmunk and I don't want my 10-year-old daughter to know that the dog killed "Mr. Stripey." Luckily, she wasn't around when it happened. We also have a pet rabbit in a hutch outdoors. He's never acted like a hunter around her before, but now I'm worried that his prey instinct might be used on her also. I guess I'll have to watch him more carefully now. |
Lol your yorkchi seems like a determined acrobat. I'm not sure if a hawk could carry a 10 pounder. But I'd rather be safe than sorry. Hopefully with what happened the squirrels and chipmunks will stay out of your yard or just come out when your pup isn't present. They do sell squirrel repellents at hardware/garden stores. I would definitely keep your pet rabbit away from him since he's already shown the tendency to hunt and kill. |
Yorkies were originally bred to control the rat population so yes, they are hunters. I really don't think it's necessary to use a tie out to control the hunter instinct. As for the hawks, they make me nervous but I'm sure they are more interested in the chipmunks, squirrels and bunnies. Speaking of bunnies....that's the prey of choice for Pebbles and Doodlebug. Let's just say there have been times that they have come into the yard never to make it back out. :( |
I didn't realize they like bunnies so much. I will definitely be extra-careful with the bunny from now on. Thanks. |
I'm sure all dogs love bunnies. We have a lot here and one of my Foster dogs (non-yorkie) loves to chase them. I'm sure she would make lunch or dinner out of one if she could. Your bird seed might be keeping the chipmunks close. I was told bird seed brings in the mice which bring in the snakes and so on. In your case chipmunks. I feed wild birds too and unfortunately I see my share of critters that I would rather stay away. Cat food and dog food will also bring in the skunks, raccoons & possum so I have to pick up anything outdoors before dark. |
Warning, be very careful if these critters are a problem in your area. Many neighbors put out bait and even rat poison for them (horrible but common)...a possum wandered in to my yard once and my dog killed it, it all happened very quickly and no blood that I could see, but turned out the possum wandered in to the yard full of poison courtesy of the neighbors.......my dog did not survive. |
I am going to confirm what has already been written, yorkies were originally breed to flush out vermin, it's in the terrier breed, poor lil chip monk, but your pup did what comes natural. They are hunters, I had a girl that lived to hunt. You have one fast lil boy if he actually caught a chip monk. Like another member wrote, at 10 lbs a hawk is not interested, they are looking for small prey, mice, chip monks etc., but I still would be careful if you have a lot of hawks and your home is in the open with no trees around, hawks swoop and grab. If you have a lot of tall trees around your house I wouldn't be to concerned. My house is surrounded by trees, there is no way a hawk can swoop in, so I'm not to concerned about the hawks. |
My last yorkie, Chelsea, at 12 weeks old caught and killed (by a quick head shake) a mole in my yard and them proceeded to roll on it! I couldn't believe it. It was just so instinctual for her. My kids where 3 & 5 at the time and saw it all happen. They weren't phased by it but I was disgusted and couldn't get her in the bath quick enough and couldn't get the image of her rolling on top of that thing out of my head. My kids are now 21 & 23 and when they want to aggravate me will say, "remember when Chelsea killed that mole?" Cos they know it still grosses me out! That's a terrier for you... |
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Jackson has killed 2 baby bunnies and 2 baby birds so far this yr. :( I am always out there with him, and can tell when he's on the hunt, or has something, so immediately go get him to drop it... I always feel so bad for the poor bunnies... |
Yorkies were created to be used for pest control. Mine all chase vermins (mice, chipmunks, rabbits, etc.). Only a few mice and chipmunks have been killed by my 3. |
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