Dog's swamp danger instincts
 

Hey everyone - I've been lurking around here for a bit now - am from California & planning a trip to La in a few weeks with my dogs - I have this question - would appreciate some input - being from California I am not too familiar with swamps & such - even though my dogs are Catahoulas, I have a fear that they're going to go romping in the swamps like they do in lakes & bogs here in California - only we don't have gators & water moccasins like there are down your way- & I have no idea how my dogs' instincts would warn them about that kind of danger. I have some horrible fear that I let them loose near a swamp, & they jump in it like they're used to doing & get pulled down under by some lurking gator - (I'd never forgive myself!)
Are my fears valid or unfounded?

Fears unfounded for the most part. Though I'm sure in some areas I could be wrong. :o

+1

Depends on the time of year u come. Summer/ fall, your fears are quite valid. Many of dog been ate during teal season in September trying to fetch birds

We ran Catahoulas in the Maurepas swamp for squirrels when I was a kid. Had some close encounters with moccasins but never had one bit. Never had a gator encounter. The only fatality we had was one that ate a green tree frog…

Contrary to what you see on Swamp People, Louisiana is not just one giant bog. Unless you are purposely running the dogs in gator infested water you should be fine.

Gators are in hibernation right now. You should be ok. If you come later in the spring or summer it could be a problem in some areas down around the marsh. Many areas in Louisiana are hilly and high and dry, depends on where you will be. I really woundn't worry about it.

x2

We are more than just a giant gator infested swamp. What are you planning to do while here?

The guy asked a question. The only dumb one is the one not asked.

In 99.99% of the places down here, your animals are completely safe. I'd say they're more apt to be injured by traffic than by another animal. That being said, the old saying applies. "If it doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't."

Welcome

They still come out in the Winter when the water temps where they are warm up.

It is different with different dogs. If they are aggressive or curioius, they may be in trouble. If they are shy, timid or actually listen to you, they should be fine.

If wouldn't go into it ; don't let ur dog go into it.

Thanks for the comments - even the ribbing (no problem!) - all this time I thought Calif was Big Foot country!

Well at least I admit my ignorance - I understand rattlesnake, scorpion infested critter country out west - but the forests & bayous down your way are a bit different. My grandfather was born & raised just north of Hammond - I have been around there to visit a few times - now retired - I have a small travel trailer & want to return & do some camping & fishing (& eating:)) - as far as not letting the dogs go where I wouldn't go - ok - I'm assuming it could be dangerous. This is why I'm asking the question!

& if I can find a place like that porch where the old man is smoking his pipe as he sits in his rocking chair in the beginning of the Pirates of the Carribean at Disneyland I'll be doin' just fine!
BWwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I'm in Hammond!!
What town was he born in ??

Independence !

Good deal, my uncle lives is independence. Good people up there ; u gonna b in the area when u come visit?

Gators are yard dogs...bring yours down and let them play. Water mocassins...they will not hurt you but a cotton mouth will.

Oh my gosh....reminds me of a few house fires I've been on

Hey thanks anyway, Don't need the recipe - I'll stick with Oscar Meyer & keep my 'houlas as my best friends


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The eyes on those pups can throw you off...nice lookin pup there