I put this in training because this is why we train. Oban and his visiting first cousin Bonnie were both very, very good doggies the other day. Not heeding their SIT and LEAVE IT could have resulted in some painful positive punishment for them. They didn't even chase when little porky hurried away as fast as he/she could go. Before Oban arrived on the scene little porky tried a bluff run at Bonnie, not on the video. Boy, Bonnie can back up quickly when she needs to.
Do you know I don't think I've ever seen a video of a porcupine. And never in real life. This was wonderful! Good dogs!
Oh my gosh, that's so exotic! We have a pair at the zoo here and they're one of my favourite exhibits. Never seen them move, though. Is it rare to see one out and about?
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this. I was very pleased with Oban, this is the first live, up close porcupine meeting he has had with me, and he's 9.5 years old. Porkies are mostly nocturnal but we see one about as often as we meet a deer or wild turkey. It's easier to watch out for them in winter (they don't hibernate) as they leave distinctive tracks in the snow so I know which tree they might be near, or up in. Don't you, in the U.K., have hedgehogs that have spines? They're wild, aren't they? Do you meet them while dog walking and have to watch out for them as we do for Porkies? Other places I think have hedgehogs and porcupines?
Hedgehogs are much less of a problem than porcupines. For a start, they are much smaller, then their spines don't come out, and all the hogs do is roll up in a ball as a defensive tactic, so a dog just gets a mouthful of spines. Oh, and a whole new bundle of flea-friends.
I know Porkies are around but I almost never see one. Deer, Elk, Wild Turkeys and Coyotes are a lot more visible. One more reason to have a good recall.
It's huge! Good leave from the dogs. We get hedgehogs in our garden every few days. Harley used to bark at them, but now ignores them after lots of training.
