Henry Spit Out a Squirrel

To be truthful I didn’t think he would do it. All the dogs that I’ve known that liked squirrels wouldn’t give one up easily. Henry is a good boy.

This squirrel had been dead for some time. It had been run over many times and it had sat out in the hot sun for some time. It was flat like cardboard and crunchy. I call this type of squirrel “Squirrel Jerky”.

When I go for a walks with my dogs I let them explore the ground and sniff stuff that can be gross and disgusting but interesting to them and, of course, there is the option that they will put it in their mouths. Some people don’t want their dog to put gross things in their mouth but sometimes I take that chance. (And since they are up to date on their shots) I think they appreciate being allowed to be inquisitive and “doggy” on occasion. I think they get a feeling of pride being able to walk around with a prize to show off. I swear Henry was prancing!

He wasn’t in a hurry to eat it and I think that worked to my advantage. Because I allow him to carry items he finds in the street – mostly discarded fast food containers – he is less worried about me becoming angry at him for having some forbidden object. And he generally drops them after a block or so on his own. It’s a good way to practice the “drop it” command. And get a treat from me when he does. (A second goodie!)

But the squirrel was a real find. We were getting close to the house and he was still carrying it. So, in a firm voice, I told him to drop it. It took me 3 times saying to him to “drop it” before he relinquished it back to the street.

As a dog trainer, I always tell my students to just say the command once, but sometimes you have to break the rules. (I wasn’t about to wrestle it out of his jaws with my bare hands!) Henry knew I was serious and I knew we weren’t going into the house with that thing.

What if he had decided to eat it? I’d be grossed out but it wouldn’t be the first time – and he’s up to date on his shots so I was relatively sure that it wouldn’t kill him.