I have a 2 year-old, 40 pound, altered-female Pitt Bull Terrier mix who is especially apt at picking up the scent of, tracking, pursuing and, of course, chasing our local white-tailed deer population.
Thus far, I have more or less encouraged this behavior for several reasons:
1. The (apparently supreme) joy that she garners from the activity - start to finish. (Yes, even when we eventually have to let them escape.)
2. The fact that she is leashed and under control at all times.
3. It's the best exercise I've ever had, and the same is likely true for her.
4. She is consistently more attentive, responsive, obedient, and generally laid back to a noticeable degree for at least a few days following a "hunt" of several hours. This behavioral change is not replicated through traditional exercise, despite it being overall more strenuous and repeated daily.
5. It's REALLY fun...
My concern stems from a desire to avoid causing undue stress to wildlife. Is this concern legitimate? Or is being chased periodically just part of the flow in the daily life of any prey species?
Any further insight or information will be greatly appreciated.
-Sam
Thus far, I have more or less encouraged this behavior for several reasons:
1. The (apparently supreme) joy that she garners from the activity - start to finish. (Yes, even when we eventually have to let them escape.)
2. The fact that she is leashed and under control at all times.
3. It's the best exercise I've ever had, and the same is likely true for her.
4. She is consistently more attentive, responsive, obedient, and generally laid back to a noticeable degree for at least a few days following a "hunt" of several hours. This behavioral change is not replicated through traditional exercise, despite it being overall more strenuous and repeated daily.
5. It's REALLY fun...
My concern stems from a desire to avoid causing undue stress to wildlife. Is this concern legitimate? Or is being chased periodically just part of the flow in the daily life of any prey species?
Any further insight or information will be greatly appreciated.
-Sam
-
Unfortunately, yes, it is harmful to wildlife. In fact, in a wildlife class I took, we learned that chasing deer is disruptive to their normally dormant winter metabolism. Since deer don't hibernate like some forest animals, they go through a process that allows them to conserve energy through the winter. They sleep long hours, and move very little. Whenever they are alarmed, they flee and their metabolism peaks for a while, which burns through their winter energy stores and reduces their chances of survival. A lot of studying has been done on this.
The good news is that if you allow your dog to practice this only in the summer, then you are offsetting some of the damage done. Deer populations also need some balancing at times, due to the extinction of the wolf in most areas, and the decline of wild cougars and bear. Since we've wrecked their predator populations, most people believe it is our responsibility to keep their populations in check ourselves. If you faux-hunt where deer are over-populated, you could justify it this way.
Also keep in mind that if any actual injury or death was accidentally inflicted on the animal, you could be legally liable, and be careful not to chase deer into roads.
Even as a vegetarian and environmentalist, I have to say that there has to be room in our world views for humans and personal enjoyment. I believe in hunting/fishing, and safe, humane trapping, so I'm personally not going to judge you if you occasionally indulge. Animals like deer are meant to be hunted by other animals. Dogs and cats are meant to hunt, not live their lives tied up. Just be responsible, and cause as little damage as you can. The fact that you've thought about it, and are worried about your impact shows me that you probably are conscientious anyways, but it never hurts to be careful.
The good news is that if you allow your dog to practice this only in the summer, then you are offsetting some of the damage done. Deer populations also need some balancing at times, due to the extinction of the wolf in most areas, and the decline of wild cougars and bear. Since we've wrecked their predator populations, most people believe it is our responsibility to keep their populations in check ourselves. If you faux-hunt where deer are over-populated, you could justify it this way.
Also keep in mind that if any actual injury or death was accidentally inflicted on the animal, you could be legally liable, and be careful not to chase deer into roads.
Even as a vegetarian and environmentalist, I have to say that there has to be room in our world views for humans and personal enjoyment. I believe in hunting/fishing, and safe, humane trapping, so I'm personally not going to judge you if you occasionally indulge. Animals like deer are meant to be hunted by other animals. Dogs and cats are meant to hunt, not live their lives tied up. Just be responsible, and cause as little damage as you can. The fact that you've thought about it, and are worried about your impact shows me that you probably are conscientious anyways, but it never hurts to be careful.