I started to wonder this after reading another question posted in this section..
How many people are genuinely afraid that wildlife will harm you or your dog?
Bear with me (no pun intended). I've lived out in the country for most of my life and spend a significant amount of time out in the bush, as we have a hunting/fishing camp 3 1/2 hours out of town. And while I've heard of the odd coyote attack on a dog, I myself have never really felt threatened by any wildlife I've encountered (except for a bull moose during spring rut, that's another story in itself). I've encountered coyotes (seen them running in packs down our old country lane on many occasions) and ALOT of bear. All of whom have turned tail and run after hearing a few shots of a rifle or at the sound of an air horn. I've encountered a few foxes and raccoons who were inquisitive and approached me, but quickly retreated at the sound of a barking dog.
I think that definitely the most "brave" animals I've seen have been around our home in the country and in the city area we live in now, probably due to the fact that they are used to people being around. I was always comforted by the fact that I've never been threatened nor has anyone I know personally and that when I did have an animal snarling at me it was usually somebody else's domesticated dog.
How many of you have actually felt that you or your dog were threatened by wildlife? Do you live in the suburbs, city, country or bush? Or do you just have a fear of them? Do you think that domestic animal attacks are more frightening than wild attacks?
LQ: (If needed) Have you purchased your dog to fill a specific purpose other than companionship?
Our Pyr is mostly a companion but after our last large dog died we started to notice more bear activity around our camp. So knowing the Pyr has a history of warding off bears and wolves, and with as much time spent in the outdoors as we do, it was a good fit for us. I think the smell of a large dog is pretty much enough to keep them away. We're planning on getting another in the future.
No TD from me.. I'm genuinely interested and curious of people's responses.
How many people are genuinely afraid that wildlife will harm you or your dog?
Bear with me (no pun intended). I've lived out in the country for most of my life and spend a significant amount of time out in the bush, as we have a hunting/fishing camp 3 1/2 hours out of town. And while I've heard of the odd coyote attack on a dog, I myself have never really felt threatened by any wildlife I've encountered (except for a bull moose during spring rut, that's another story in itself). I've encountered coyotes (seen them running in packs down our old country lane on many occasions) and ALOT of bear. All of whom have turned tail and run after hearing a few shots of a rifle or at the sound of an air horn. I've encountered a few foxes and raccoons who were inquisitive and approached me, but quickly retreated at the sound of a barking dog.
I think that definitely the most "brave" animals I've seen have been around our home in the country and in the city area we live in now, probably due to the fact that they are used to people being around. I was always comforted by the fact that I've never been threatened nor has anyone I know personally and that when I did have an animal snarling at me it was usually somebody else's domesticated dog.
How many of you have actually felt that you or your dog were threatened by wildlife? Do you live in the suburbs, city, country or bush? Or do you just have a fear of them? Do you think that domestic animal attacks are more frightening than wild attacks?
LQ: (If needed) Have you purchased your dog to fill a specific purpose other than companionship?
Our Pyr is mostly a companion but after our last large dog died we started to notice more bear activity around our camp. So knowing the Pyr has a history of warding off bears and wolves, and with as much time spent in the outdoors as we do, it was a good fit for us. I think the smell of a large dog is pretty much enough to keep them away. We're planning on getting another in the future.
No TD from me.. I'm genuinely interested and curious of people's responses.