Q My two-year-old golden retriever, Dora, has developed an intense interest in what I think are badger setts. She has run deep into them, obliging me to pull her out by her tail. I am worried that she might become trapped or cause a nasty confrontation with a young family. Have you ever heard of this happening to a retriever? Her walks are rather restricted, as she seems to find setts even in the smallest copse, and therefore is having to be kept on a lead.
Alice Done
A This problem is common in terriers, but Dora’s case is unusual. Retrievers will track down setts and warrens, but they usually won’t go into them. The entrance to a sett is quite large and easily differentiated from a rabbit warren by the muddiness, lack of vegetation and musty smell.
This strong scent makes it a pushover for Dora to spot a badger sett. Main setts have many entrances, so it is unlikely that Dora will manage to corner an adult badger in its home. However, badger cubs are usually born between December and April, so this is the time to keep her under the tightest control. I doubt Dora will get stuck, but it is wise to fit her with a body harness with a trailing leash attached. Use this to drag her out, because pulling her tail could easily dislocate it.
With the help of a trainer, you should be able to teach Dora to scent track on command. This would give you some control of what she is doing. For a badger-free walk, there is always the local park.