Could have done without this evening's excitement

[JenT 0]

So I get home LATE from my hair appointment and let my dogs out in my backyard (which is surrounded by chain link fence). Next thing I hear is the frantic barking of my beagle who only has that 'tone' when he's cornered a wild animal. I went out with a flashlight and find my shepherd mix working on ending the life of an oppossum. He's done this three times before, so he has considered himself the greatest hunter of all time. The beagle just stands there and barks like a maniac. His contribution to the frey.

I called the shepherd off, dragged the beagle inside, and assessed the damage to them. Blood all over the shepherd's neck and chin... the beagle is only spattered on one leg. I proceed to clean them up (none of it was their blood) and went out with a shovel to finish the job the shepherd started. Twice before, he's taken care of it, this is the second time I've had to take care of the rest...

So how do I keep these stupid oppossums OUT of my yard???? I'm getting very tired of this whole process... Of course, it only happens at night since they are nocturnal creatures. And ugly and smelly.... yuck.

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

Glad to hear the blood wasn't your dogs

Our neighbours have the same problem, she has to go out in the yard before letting the dogs out to make sure there's no possums, ground hogs, rabbits lurking.

I don't know of a solution I'm afraid, hope someone else does for you.

Helen

[JenT 0]

The hunters at peace:

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

Victorious napping!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I proceed to clean them up (none of it was their blood) and went out with a shovel to finish the job the shepherd started. Twice before, he's taken care of it, this is the second time I've had to take care of the rest...

No, no, no. You chose to take care of the rest. The dog would've done the job if you had let him. But no, you had to go on a killing spree of your own...

[Kathryn41 3,205]

you could try 'marking' the territory around the fenceline with animal repellant - or scatter dog poop around the perimeter - acts as a warning to wild animals = or just go out into the yard first and scare any away.

[JenT 0]

I proceed to clean them up (none of it was their blood) and went out with a shovel to finish the job the shepherd started. Twice before, he's taken care of it, this is the second time I've had to take care of the rest...

No, no, no. You chose to take care of the rest. The dog would've done the job if you had let him. But no, you had to go on a killing spree of your own...

Yes, true enough. Better that I whack with a shovel than risk having my dogs bitten by a potentially rabid creature...

you could try 'marking' the territory around the fenceline with animal repellant - or scatter dog poop around the perimeter - acts as a warning to wild animals = or just go out into the yard first and scare any away.

There's enough dog poop out there, trust me! I can check into the repellent... wonder how long that lasts? I once went out and there was one traversing the top of the fence. I scared it off, but it would be a pain to do so EVERY time they go out.... my .45 makes too much noise....hmmmm....

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

So how do I keep these stupid oppossums OUT of my yard????

It looks like your dogs are handling the problem pretty well.

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

Jen I just found this forum and there's all different ideas on there so you might want to read through it.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf586161.tip.html

Helen

[dalegg 143]

The hunters at peace:

The beagle has a suspicious look on his face

you could try 'marking' the territory around the fenceline with animal repellant - or scatter dog poop around the perimeter - acts as a warning to wild animals = or just go out into the yard first and scare any away.

Are you suggesting that she should go pee around her yard maybe?

Edited September 1, 2006 by dalegg

[Mr&Mrs2859 0]

All sorts of reading here......

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=k...ums+out+of+yard

Edited September 1, 2006 by Mr&Mrs2859

[William33 110]

So how do I keep these stupid oppossums OUT of my yard???? I'm getting very tired of this whole process... Of course, it only happens at night since they are nocturnal creatures. And ugly and smelly.... yuck.

Mothballs?

Someone suggested that for the mice!!!!

Cheers!!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The hunters at peace:

They must be so proud of themselves.

Jen, what your shepard mix needs is a showdown with a skunk or porcupine...that'll teach her to stay away from small furry creatures.

Edited September 1, 2006 by Steven_and_Jinky

[KaiserD 12]

They look so innocent fast asleep

[JenT 0]

The hunters at peace:

They must be so proud of themselves.

Jen, what your shepard mix needs is a showdown with a skunk or porcupine...that'll teach her to stay away from small furry creatures.

Thanks for all of your help!!

Please don't wish the skunks on me though... I have STORIES about skunks and the two Labradors I had before these guys... one would THINK they would learn their lessons, but NO.

Yes, my dogs are taking care of the problem themselves, but I worry that one day, one will strike back and really hurt my guys, and/or be rabid... prevention is in order, if at all possible... I'll check out the links!

Jen

Edited September 1, 2006 by JenT