Dogs And Falconry

I have studied dogs for a long time. Before I started training dogs professionally, I would check out library books about dogs… dog history, uses, breeding, breeds, training (of course), fiction stories, and such. I also purchased (and sometimes lost) a lot of dog related books and materials over the years.

But, even with all of that, there is no way I could, or anyone could, know everything about dogs. So, I was interested when my YouTube feed showed me a video about hunting small game using dogs and falcons. I didn’t know that was a thing. I picked up a few interesting details, such as types of dogs. For example, some dogs might be vulnerable to a large raptor. The bird might be a danger to the dog. Didn’t consider that. There was a discussion of this person’s preferred breeds. I was surprised a bit on the choices. That was also interesting. Then I found some other videos of hunters using other bird species with dogs. All very fascinating.

 

In AZ, small dogs are at risk of being attacked by large birds, such as owls and hawks. But in other parts of the world, there are some very large bird species used for hunting that could take down an animal much larger than just a small dog or large rabbit. So, one of these birds could most likely kill a German Shepherd sized dog. That's amazing.

 

I haven’t studied if you need to raise the dogs and birds together from a young age to get them to accept one another. I’m guessing that plays a role. I’m sure there are other things you must do for the dog to not mess with or hurt the bird, and vice versa.

 

I know dogs have been used to hunt game for centuries, same with birds. In modern society, we don’t see much of that. In fact, city folk try to ban hunting using dogs. Ignorant people detached from nature. But in the Old World, hunting is still practiced the old ways. It is clearly a specialty, probably taught old style from father to son. I'm sure you couldn’t successfully hunt this way without experience and learning, and I'm guessing there aren't such classes at the local box pet store in those rural areas! I might take some time to learn more. Not that I’m planning on hunting with a dog and a bird, but to understand the dynamics involved. I don’t know what I might uncover, some new insight that would be useful for what I do. 

 

Go check it out. Very interesting (to a dog enthusiast like me).