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Old 06-05-2012, 09:23 PM   #1
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Omg Yorkie vs. Possum

Last night I took Snickers out to go to the bathroom and even though we have a fully fenced back yard, I put him on a leash....he has been obnoxious about "hunting" for mice as soon as it gets dark...we know occasionally we'll see field mice run through the yard and then Snickers will follow that same trail for days afterward. He never wants to come in when he's doing his little search, so having a leash on him makes him focus on the task at hand and hurry things up a bit.

Last night he bolted as soon as I let him out and as we came around one of the corners of the house, he was face to face with a baby possum. Luckily, since I had him on a leash, I pulled back and scooped him up really quick. Thankfully, I am the only one who got injured. I am covered in Snicker's scratches from trying to get down and go after that little guy. It looks like I have been slashing my wrists!

This is only the second time we've ever seen a possum in our yard in four years of living here. I'm so glad that I had that leash on him....I always supervise him when he is outside, but if I hadn't had the leash, I might have had to pry him off of the possum. It would be very scary, since they are supposed to be so vicious. I'm sure Snickers would have gone after it...just that terrier instinct as a ratter. So, I'm wondering, anyone ever had a wild animal encounter like this? What are you supposed to do if your dog gets into a fight with a possum? I suppose a bigger dog would be able to win a fight with one, but I'm not sure about a 4-lb Yorkie....
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Old 06-05-2012, 09:29 PM   #2
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I remember about three years ago now (Jax was still a pup) our cockapoo (now deceased) was about 13-14lbs and had a possum cornered out in the farm field! She was never leashed, always free roam, and it was scary! I kept trying to get her to come but she wouldn't let up. I felt bad for the possum, but he did not try to fight back - he was just making hissing-type noises, and did not know where to turn to. I think eventually he got away. I am not sure how vicious they are, but this one was definitely scared. I am not sure they are known for being terribly aggressive. But I know how scary it can be. I hate taking Jackson out at night because I'll hear things in the woods, or sometimes not hear things but see him perk up and I get scared there's something out there... lol
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Old 06-05-2012, 11:04 PM   #3
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I guess that's the benefit of having a small, wimpy yorkie. Thor doesn't even chase squirrels... probably because he knows they might win.
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Old 06-06-2012, 02:39 AM   #4
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You just never know what you will be up against when going out at night. So glad that it went ok..
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Old 06-06-2012, 08:04 AM   #5
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I guess that's the benefit of having a small, wimpy yorkie. Thor doesn't even chase squirrels... probably because he knows they might win.
oh I love wee Thor
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Old 06-06-2012, 08:26 AM   #6
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They can be very vicious.

I watched a feral cat take in a possum when she had a litter (there was a huge colony behind my previous home years ago). That possum came out in day, was bathed by the cats-really bothered me how one neighbor hand fed it- and for all intents and purposes I think thought it was a cat too.

Fast forward a year when there were more kittens born and mama cat was defending her litter again this possum-well she lost and didn't make it and animal control had to come out to get and bottle feed the kittens and take away a vicious possum that wasn't afraid to take on anyone's cat or of people for that matter.

I don't like them they look like giants rats with a lot more teeth.
They're one of the reasons I turn the light on at night and go out with my dogs after dark in our own tiny suburb yard.

I'm always afraid a critter will be around the side of the house and somethign might happen.
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Old 06-06-2012, 09:47 AM   #7
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Well, hearing of a outwardly aggressive Possum (around these parts) is quite unusual. They usually hiss and take a defensive posture, but the many that have been through my yard, even little Thor would run um up a fence/tree in a heartbeat.

I have a "resident" Possum (she lives down along the Bayou) who we''ve named Sweety . I have food (scraps) and water out in the yard for it, and how ever many other strays are brave enough to "trespass".

Opossums are Nature's little Janitors. Anything that dies or is left by my two little Varminteers, is gone by morning. However, Sweety knows to come after 8PM, since I close the Doggy Door for the evening.

QuickSilver, My Female Becca (2yo now) was a one time quite reluctant to challenge Squirrels, Sweetie, the Lawn People (specially the ones with Weed Eaters). But, after being with My Male Sneakers for this length of time, She's literally a WARRIOR now. Nothing is permitted to violate Her territory, and she doesn't need any backup from the Male.

Much of the hunting and territorial instincts that our little Varminteers "could" demonstrate, is best taught to them by a more mature Dog. That and more is lingering in their breeding, just waiting for mother nature to bring it out. I'm very proud of Becca, She, as the breed goes, takes and active part in searching out Frogs and Snakes when we go "hunting" down along the Bayou. Both of them will eat what they catch (most of it and time permitting), and that is the only Raw I permit. I know where Sweety's den is, and I try to avoid that area, though My Male would like to visit her regularly.

I think with proper exposure/training, you would see that little Thor would learn to use that natural Hammer he has. From my personal experience, a 4lb Yorkie, can whip a 10lb Possum, any day of the week.

I know this is somewhat controversial, but IMHO I believe our little Varminteer Warriors should be given the chance to do just that. Let them be Dogs.
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Old 06-06-2012, 10:02 AM   #8
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Default yorkie vs. possum

my male yorkie loves to chase any other critter even if it is bigger than him or smaller and he is not afraid to chase the bigger critters. Bandit is 10 lbs. . I always take him out on his leash and harness for the simple fact that he will chase anything. Two years ago we went out the front door and there was a young buck in the front yard and it decided to come after me and of course Bandit had to protect me start barking and growling very aggressively at this buck. I pulled him back to me and went into the house walking backwards. We had to wait about two hours before we could go back outside. Usually a possum wont fight unless it is cornered and feels very threatened.
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Old 06-06-2012, 10:22 AM   #9
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When I have had them in my yard they will play dead and the dogs will walk away from them. Of course if they are out during the day that's a different story
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Old 06-06-2012, 10:37 AM   #10
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redwolf41,

Wow, that really warms my heart, hearing of how Bandit wants to protect you. That's what "Pack" is all about. Much of the time, we forget "WE" have to earn that status with our companions, it makes me feel really good, knowing my little ones, will put themselves in harm's way, for me.

However, on the practical side of that (Banded vs Deer) encounter, don't think that Bandit would have lost per se. Yorkies are quick, and able to size up their opponent, and I doubt if Bandit would have gotten close enough to the Deer, to have been in any trouble. Most times, given the size difference, our little protectors would have just caused such a nuisance, that the "territorial offender" would have just left (with it's fingers in it's ears) probably.

On several occasions (where larger "opponents" were involved) territorial instincts and protective nature have allowed both of mine to defend. But beyond how good that makes me feel, they come trotting back to me, tails wagging, heads held proudly up, and SO happy they have done that. Beyond any doubt, it makes them just as happy as it does me. I sincerely believe there is a basic "need" for them to demonstrate that cohesion toward their Pack.

Ummmm...
Bandit, at 10lbs, is he a member of the TeaPot Club ?
Just in case he's not, please let me offer a codrdial invitation to join, at...
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...apot-club.html

There is no formal Form for the application, but use these guidelines please...
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3815164-post666.html
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:46 PM   #11
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Opossums what we have here never actually play dead so I guess there are some differences between Opossums and Possums-?
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Old 06-06-2012, 01:48 PM   #12
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No, they/we're talking about the same sweet smelling, polite animal.
Possum is just an abbreviated term for Opossum.
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Old 06-06-2012, 02:35 PM   #13
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Quote:
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No, they/we're talking about the same sweet smelling, polite animal.
Possum is just an abbreviated term for Opossum.
Oh! I didn't know that-okay I guess i've just never seen one 'play dead' before.
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Old 06-06-2012, 03:00 PM   #14
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Oh! I didn't know that-okay I guess i've just never seen one 'play dead' before.


I have always heard the term playing possum.... but i never got it until I saw that "dead" possum in our back yard. I'm glad i didn't go up to it cause my husband started poking it and it came back to life and scared the PEE out of me . Then I remebered Ice Age when the girl mammoth said playing possum BAHAHAHAH I finally got it !!!! I had no idea!!!!!
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Old 06-06-2012, 03:14 PM   #15
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I have always heard the term playing possum.... but i never got it until I saw that "dead" possum in our back yard. I'm glad i didn't go up to it cause my husband started poking it and it came back to life and scared the PEE out of me . Then I remebered Ice Age when the girl mammoth said playing possum BAHAHAHAH I finally got it !!!! I had no idea!!!!!
hahah maybe that's where the cliche about poking something dead with a stick came from too!
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