From the moment Hunter saw us scold our cat, he wanted to help. In no time at all he learned that when we hiss the word, "Psssssst!" he's to chase after, and stop the cat from whatever he's doing. It works every time!
Cat Herding - Hunter in action
Now Hunter has stepped it up a notch. As some of you know, portions of our fencing is in poor shape. A hole here, a hole there. It doesn't take much for a goat to find the weakness in a fence and exploit it. Once they're in, it's a pain to herd them back out into the pasture. People just aren't as fast or as agile as a goat, but dogs are.
We were always afraid that Hunter might enjoy a goat-chop if he had the chance, so we kept them separated from the start. Gradually, he got more and more time with the goats as they partied in our yard while we were away. It was clear that Hunter didn't like them, but he let them off with nothing more than a casual butt sniff.
When it came time to herd the goats out of our yard, Hunter was put into the garage for safe keeping. Then I would seek out the wayward goat, trying to either catch it or chase it through the gate.
"C'mere goat, goat, goat!" I cooed cheerfully to Patches, one of our more feral youngsters. Slowly I crept in a squatting position.
"Good goat, atta goat." I said as Patches stopped munching to stare at me out of one wide, rectangular pupil. I wasn't close at all when he decided that he didn't like the cut of my jib and took off. I tore after him down the hill that is our property.
"You're mine, goat!" I yelled as I gained on him with downhill momentum.
Zip! He easily jumped left and dodged my grasp, mocking me with his freaky goat eyes. Up the hill he bounded. I gave chase.
"Get back *puff* here *puff* goat..." I wheezed after going up and down the hill three more times.
I collapsed. He grazed.
Eventually, we got him back where he belonged. We've had several more goat-break-ins; each time Hunter was shut away.
Then I got fed up with those blasted goats. It was just too darn hard! So I unveiled the secret weapon. Release the hound!
Hunter couldn't believe it. He seemed shocked at what I was asking of him.
"Are you sure, boss?" His eyes asked me with a gleam.
I had one word for him, "Psssssst!"
Hunter began to vibrate as a mechanical "whir" hummed from inside his body. Twin turbo boosters unfolded from his back and Hunter rocketed toward the goat, leaving behind a pile of black fur.
I was excited, yet scared for the goat. Would Hunter have it for dinner? Nope, he knew exactly what to do. Hunter nipped at the goats flanks, barked at it, and chased it until the goat jumped over the fence into the pasture unscathed.
"Good boy!" I cheered as fireworks exploded around me. No more huffing and puffing, Hunter is now the official goat chaser.
And stay out!
That is so awesome!
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