help, all you knowledgeable dog people

M

marble

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I went in to clean out my outside dogs kennel today, to find, horror of horrors, the bodies of two swallows, I picked them up and showed them to my none doggy husband, he said, and I quote "that was sheba (rescue GSD) she must have done it he had seen her jumping up to catch swallows as they swooped over our yard (courtyard is to posh a word) but had not believed she had caught any. What do I do, I was thinking maybe a collar with a bell on it, would that catch swallows attention, non doggy but sensible husband thinks as swallows are flying and swooping over insects they do not see dog, so maybe that would work. Must do something, but cannot bring myself to keep sheba in kennel all the time, as when we got her as a rescue, she had spent the first 14 months of her life, kept in very small cage without ever getting out, and it has taken forever to persuade her that going into kennel, does not mean she will not get out, if you see what I mean. I find it really hard to think what to do, as I love my swallows coming home.
 
I think it would be a tall order, but it's possible - could they have flown into a wall?

TBH we had swallows and the cats kept getting the nest. They came back every summer and finally worked out that the chicks would survive if they nested in the dog's shed as the cats wouldn't go in there. I wouldn't put her away, maybe she was just lucky today
(where are you based? I think we train near you, PM me!)
 
Have to confess Evie chases swallows in the field, not a chance of her catching them though. Are you sure they haven't just flown into a wall or something if its an enclosed yard? Otherwise, the bell could work although I am always nervous about leaving collars on dogs when no-one about, in case they get caught up. Maybe you could make some sort of breakable collar like the field safe headcollars.
 
thank you all for replies, I do know it seems unbelieveable that she can catch them, but we are sure that is what happened, as I said my hubbie did see her jump in the air and just miss one. He says that swallows are chasing insects and purely see them. Flags would, he thinks, just make things worse, as other birds might get caught up in them, I think I am going to try bell. Sheba might be a german shepherd, but to see her catch sticks, balls and anything else we throw mid air is wonderful, and yes I do know we shouldn't throw sticks, and maybe I should be on the other thread ie HH confessions. Once again thank you. I will let you know if bell works.
 
I know you have said you know you shouldn't, but please do not throw balls and sticks to catch in mid air, have heard of too many horrible accidents. By balls I mean small tennis ball size, obviously footballs are great.
 
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