We have a 2 year old female tri-sheltie named Kayla. She has access to the back yard which is pretty large. We live in Kansas City where there is an abundance of squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits etc. Recently we've noticed squirrel carcasses in the yard which are missing heads, limbs, etc. We had never actually witnessed Kayla catching and killing another animal. Actually one time I saw her with a baby rabbit, but she was licking it... not trying to kill it. Today my wife caught Kayla in the front yard feasting on a dead squirrel... actually pulling meat off of it. When she got to Kayla to look closer she noticed that half of the squirrel was missing. I am freaked out by this. I've grown up with Shelties my whole life, but didn't know that they could hunt like this. Is this something I should be concerned about? I'm not sure if she's actually hunting, catching and killing them, or if she's scavenging... It creeps me out! Anyone else with similar experiences?
catching and eating vermin and critters
- Thread starter dimav
- Start date
Yep. Faith (9 year old) has caught several baby bunnies (we made her let them go), and she regularly goes mole-hunting with her daughter...and she's dug up (and killed) several of them. We don't let them eat them, though (well, not if we can help it!)
All of them chase the squirrels off of the bird feeders...and they protect us from the birds when we fill the feeders, because you know, those birds are dangerous!
All of them chase the squirrels off of the bird feeders...and they protect us from the birds when we fill the feeders, because you know, those birds are dangerous!
elaine2004
Forums Enthusiast
I have never witnessed this . I know Shelties are herders and will attack to protect it's flock. So I guess they would harm or chase away anything invading their territory. As would most dogs actually! I have found a few moles with misterious markings !
By the way welcome Dima and Kayla!! Hope you enjoy the forums. Their are lots of helpful and knowledgable people on this forum. Enjoy, and welcome aboard.
By the way welcome Dima and Kayla!! Hope you enjoy the forums. Their are lots of helpful and knowledgable people on this forum. Enjoy, and welcome aboard.
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Chris
Premium Member
As the lovely fall leaves drift down, the little wild creatures prepare for the harsh winter to come. The swift ones gather hickory nuts and the plentiful seeds of the meadow. The slow ones get eaten by my Shelties. 
Don't worry. Remember, "Toonie" dogs were left on the grazing islands in the Shetlands to guard the flock, and you can bet the farmers didn't leave kibble dispensers at each place! They fed themselves on whatever they could rustle up. Right now, we're being treated to young rabbits and mice left about (watch your step when you're wandering the house in the wee sma's barefoot!). So don't worry -- the uncooked bones are soft and pliable. Just take them away when you find them munching on another delightful withdrawl from the local bunny dispenser.
Don't worry. Remember, "Toonie" dogs were left on the grazing islands in the Shetlands to guard the flock, and you can bet the farmers didn't leave kibble dispensers at each place! They fed themselves on whatever they could rustle up. Right now, we're being treated to young rabbits and mice left about (watch your step when you're wandering the house in the wee sma's barefoot!). So don't worry -- the uncooked bones are soft and pliable. Just take them away when you find them munching on another delightful withdrawl from the local bunny dispenser.
elaine2004
Forums Enthusiast
As the lovely fall leaves drift down, the little wild creatures prepare for the harsh winter to come. The swift ones gather hickory nuts and the plentiful seeds of the meadow. The slow ones get eaten by my Shelties.
Don't worry. Remember, "Toonie" dogs were left on the grazing islands in the Shetlands to guard the flock, and you can bet the farmers didn't leave kibble dispensers at each place! They fed themselves on whatever they could rustle up. Right now, we're being treated to young rabbits and mice left about (watch your step when you're wandering the house in the wee sma's barefoot!). So don't worry -- the uncooked bones are soft and pliable. Just take them away when you find them munching on another delightful withdrawl from the local bunny dispenser.
Chris you are killing me with Laughter!! What a way to go. Thanks for the Morning pick me up !!
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Since you've never witnessed her actually catching and killing something, is it possible there's a cat in your neighborhood that's killing these squirrels and simply not eating them?
Our cats used to occasionally kill mice and birds but would never eat them.
Sadie has never tried to kill anything except bugs, she's the official spider catcher/eater in our house. Then again, she's never had the opportunity to kill something.
Our cats used to occasionally kill mice and birds but would never eat them.
Sadie has never tried to kill anything except bugs, she's the official spider catcher/eater in our house. Then again, she's never had the opportunity to kill something.
Thanks for the replies. I guess it's kind of the natural order of things... so to speak. It's just kind of strange for me to think of our little Kayla as a hunter slash killer! And it wasn't entirely pleasant for my wife to find our Kayla pulling strips of meat off a squirrel as if she were on Animal Planet channel or something.
crazy's mom
Forums Regular
Thank goodness Crazy only chases squirrels. He would really love to catch one. Too funny Chris, you also gave me a good chuckle thanks
nestewart123
Forums Regular
My 20 month old, Mac, had surprised me ths summer with his terrier-like, neck-snapping shaking of his frisbee. I thought he picked the habit up from his "cousin", a terrier/chi mix. Hard to think that my guy could be a ferocious killer! I had never considered that out in the field, they must get hungry and wouldn't be waiting all day to get fed.