A Sheepish Encounter – A Lesson in Rural Pet Security

There’s rarely a dull moment when housesitting in the countryside. Picture this: a quiet day overseeing a beautiful rural estate while the owners are away on holiday, tending to two happy, obedient labs, when suddenly, chaos erupts. Out of nowhere, a dog, unfamiliar and unsupervised, appears and begins to harass the estate’s flock of sheep. The next few minutes were a blur of quick thinking, instinct, and a bit of good luck.

The dog in question, a lanky whippet-like bitch, was fortunately all bark, no bite, and it was that which alerted me to her presence. Hearing the high-pitched yaps from the kitchen door, I took off at a sprint past the outbuildings up to the pasture where the sheep were being grazed. The dog immediately retreated into the woods, but I suspected it would return, so I crouched behind the single tree in the pasture and sure enough it did. Not five minutes later, it slid under the upper gate and came loping towards the nervous flock. As it happened, it passed within 10 feet of where I waited and as it did, I calmly called for it to come to me. I think the combination of surprise, me being knelt down, and calling it calmly, all worked together and the dog came slinking up to me.

As it turned out, this uninvited guest had strayed from a nearby property and her very apologetic owner collected her shortly after we rang the number on her collar. I had also alerted the shepherd and let him know that I couldn’t see any injuries or stress-related issues among the flock. He dropped by a little later to double-check and confirmed all the sheep were fine on this occasion. 

Lessons Learned: Keeping Pets Secure in Rural Areas

Incidents like these underscore the importance of responsible pet ownership, particularly in areas where livestock are part of the landscape. Here are a few takeaways for all of us who live with dogs in the countryside:

1. Secure Fencing is Vital
   A good fence isn’t just about keeping your pets in; it’s about keeping them out of trouble. Even the most well-behaved dogs can be tempted to chase livestock, especially in new or stimulating environments.
2. Recall Training Saves Lives
   Teaching your dog a reliable recall can prevent dangerous situations. If your dog bolts and heads for a flock, being able to call them back is invaluable. Regular training refreshers are just as important, especially in high-distraction environments.
3. Leads Are Your Best Friend
   When in doubt, keep your dog on a lead during countryside walks. It’s a simple measure that ensures their safety, the safety of wildlife, and of course, local livestock.
4. Be a Good Neighbour
   If your dog ever does escape and cause a commotion, owning up and taking responsibility is the right thing to do. A sincere apology and proactive steps to prevent a repeat incident go a long way in maintaining community trust.

A Note on the Dog’s Behaviour

While this interloper was certainly in the wrong place at the wrong time, her behaviour reflected a lack of guidance rather than malice. Dogs, especially those with high prey drives, can become overstimulated in rural settings. Proper socialisation, training, and supervision are key to preventing such situations.

The incident serves as a reminder that housesitting isn’t always about cuddles on the sofa and leisurely walks (although there’s plenty of that too!). It’s about being observant, proactive, and ready to handle unexpected challenges. Whether it’s keeping the pets in our care safe or stepping in to protect livestock or wildlife, we need to be prepared to think fast and act decisively.

So, here’s to another successful sit, albeit with a side of excitement. If nothing else, it’s another story to tell, and perhaps a gentle reminder to us all: in the countryside, vigilance is as essential as a good pair of wellies.