Are Braque du Bourbonnais Dogs Safe Around Small Pets? | Owner Guide

If you're considering adding a Braque du Bourbonnais to your home and already have small pets, it's natural to wonder if they can live together safely. Braque du Bourbonnais dogs have a moderate to high prey drive, which means they are naturally inclined to chase small animals. However, with the right training and supervision, cohabitation with some small pets can be possible. This guide will help you understand their tendencies, how to manage them, and which small pets tend to be more compatible.

Understanding the Braque du Bourbonnais’ Tendencies

Originating as a hunting and pointing dog, the Braque du Bourbonnais has a strong instinct to track and point at small moving animals. This is reflected in their prey drive score, which is relatively high compared to other breeds. While they can be affectionate and intelligent companions, their hunting background means they may see small pets such as rodents, rabbits, or birds as prey.

Interestingly, Braque du Bourbonnais dogs often show greater tolerance toward cats and some larger small pets. Their social nature and high trainability help in managing these instincts, but natural prey drive should never be underestimated.

Practical Advice for Owners

If you have or plan to have small pets, here are some considerations:

• Avoid unsupervised interactions between your Braque du Bourbonnais and small rodents or birds, as these animals are at higher risk.
• Cats and larger small pets like guinea pigs may be safer companions but still require careful introductions.
• Provide plenty of mental and physical exercise to reduce the dog’s urge to chase or hunt.

Training and Management Strategies

To ensure safety and harmony, follow these steps:

1. Early Socialization: Introduce your Braque du Bourbonnais to small pets gradually and under controlled conditions.
2. Obedience Training: Teach strong recall and impulse control commands to manage prey drive effectively.
3. Supervised Interaction: Never leave your dog alone with small pets until you are confident in their behavior.
4. Safe Spaces: Ensure small pets have secure enclosures that your dog cannot access.
5. Consistent Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior around small animals to encourage positive associations.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Scenario: Your dog shows interest in a pet rabbit.

  • Solution: Use a leash during introductions and reward calmness, gradually increasing freedom as trust builds.

• Scenario: You want to keep birds in the same household.

  • Solution: Keep birds in secure cages out of the dog’s reach and supervise all interactions.

• Scenario: Living with cats.

  • Solution: Utilize slow, positive introductions and provide escape routes for cats.

Conclusion

Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are not naturally the safest around very small pets due to their hunting background and prey drive. However, with dedicated training, supervision, and proper management, they can coexist peacefully with some small animals, especially cats and larger small pets. Always prioritize safety and take gradual steps to build trust between your dog and other pets.

Remember: The key to successful cohabitation lies in understanding your Braque du Bourbonnais’ instincts and investing in ongoing training and supervision.