foxes.

[maggie01]

I have had something in my garden for the last three nights digging a whole and breaking my fence. There is nowhere for it to go as there is a brick conservatory wall about 6ins from my fence on the other side. This morning I was having my breakfast about 8am and saw the fox digging away. It is a very beautifull creature but I am now worried about letting my dog out into the garden. I have a small shihtzu.
Does anyone know anything about foxes and their behaviour

[andy-hughes]

Foxes will not attack a dog or a cat, they are aware that such animals wil fight back, and foxes like the easy life.

If your dog barks, the fox will leg it, if not, the fox will probably ignore it.

Chances are your dog will advise the fox that it is on your dog's patch, and the fox will go.

Foxes will only attack if their den and cubs are under threat, otherwise they like to lead potential attackers well away, then lose them and return home.

So unless your dog is very small and very weak, and the fox is very very hungy - all extremely unlikely to coincide - you have nothing to worry about.

[Messalina]

I totally agree with Andy, your dog will not be attacked by the fox. I had a fox in the "garden" of the derelict property next doot & it never once bothered my cat.

[maggie01]

Thankis you .. My dog is quite small . She is only 5kg and doesn't bark much but to be on the safe side, I think I will go out with her for her last toilet at night.

[andy-hughes]

Fair enough, but the chances are pretty high that foxy will be off hunting at that time.

But if it makes to feel safer, than that's quite understandable.

I would be inclined to let her go out, but stay within earshot, and if the fox appears, she'll soon let you know.

The general rule with animals and pecking order is to let them sort it out for themsevles. Your dog may welcome that chance to stand her ground and see foxy off.

[Zeuhl]

we have several foxes visiting our garden at night for food.

our dog is a toy poodle also about 5Kg and the foxes have always shown him great respect.

We did once have a fox squealing in terror as it was 'cornered' in the conservatory by our old, docile ginger cat!
.

[ummmm]

Lol....I love how brave cats are.

[RATTER15]

Your dog is safe :-)