Originally Posted by
swanska
I will be visiting my parents later this week with Shadow. They live on a small lake and Shadow has permission to run free across 4 neighbors' yards. He usually manages to lose 5 pounds per visit between the running and the swimming (despite the extra treats from his "grandparents"). I just learned that there is are swans nesting next door. Uggh. Anyone have experience with the dog-swan situation?
In the past, Shadow has shown very little inclination to harass waterfowl. Usually when he first arrives and slams full force into the water, the mallards, geese and swans swim over, inspect him from a safe distance and decide he is a non-threatening goofball. I honestly think they roll their eyes at him! One year there were some mallards nesting and he popped over to inspect their nest after they flew into the water but then ignored it for the rest of visit. The ducks came back after we went inside but a few nights later a raccoon or other creature had a feast. Even then, he did not mess with the damaged eggs.
Nesting swans are a different story though. I really am hoping that I don't have to leash him the entire 10 days because of defensive swans. His entire joy of running, swimming and fetching during his visit is going to be so thwarted.
If anyone can provide suggestions, I would appreciate it.