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WORKING DOGS

Meet our Hornbill “doggie pack” that is responsible for
keeping our living areas snake and baboon free:-

Except for Sparki, all our other dogs are adopted animals from loving homes that unfortunately could not keep them. All previous “mummies and daddies” keeps an eye on their babies through Facebook and WhatsApp and occasionally visit them here at Hornbill Lodge. All our female dogs were spayed except Lina who has Anemia and operating on her could be life threatening. Our new babies - Dorah & Savanah still need to be spayed. All our dogs had their rabies and all vaccinations and yearly de-worming. We have gone to great lengths to treat tics and fleas on all our animals but our dogs spend a lot of time outside and tics and fleas tend to be a problem. Please DO NOT LET THE DOGS SLEEP IN YOUR ROOMS.  Fleas bites can cause bothersome itching and tick bites are dangerous for humans; they are known to spread disease.

 

Treat Tick Bites on Humans

 

If a tick is found that has already bitten into the skin, remove it promptly using a tweezers. A cloth should be used as a barrier between your skin and the tick if it must be removed with the fingers. Once the tick is grasped, pull straight out. Do not twist the tick. After the tick is removed, place the tick in a container of soapy water or alcohol to dispose of it. Burning the tick or placing it in petroleum jelly is not advised. Wash the site of the tick bite with soap and water. Treat the bite with an antiseptic to prevent infection. Consult your physician if you become ill, making sure to report the tick bites.

Can You Bring Your Own Dog?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads at all times. Please be responsible for cleaning up after your pets. We welcome well-behaved dogs. We do reserve the right to charge extra for cleaning and repair costs if your dog damages our furniture and soft furnishings. Acceptable breeds only accepted onsite - please contact us for more information.

Baboons & Dogs

Whenever possible, try to prevent any interaction between dogs and baboons.

When baboons live near humans, they naturally come into regular contact with the pets of humans, including dogs. Sometimes interactions between baboons and dogs turn nasty and one of the animals involved – dog or baboon – ends up getting hurt. Contrary to popular belief, baboons have no reason to hurt dogs unless dogs are a threat to them, nor are baboons 'territorial' with dogs. Dogs defend territories; baboons do not. In fact, baboons have been observed grooming and playing with dogs that they are familiar with.  However, bear in mind that dogs are domesticated whereas baboons are wild animals and are thus unpredictable in their behaviour.

More often than not, when dogs get hurt by baboons, this results from fights started by dogs or when an owner has told the dog to go after the baboon. Usually the initial reaction of a baboon to a dog is to run away or to simply ignore the dog. However, if a dog threatens or attacks a baboon, perhaps because it sees the baboon as a threat to itself or its owner, the baboon will likely respond with aggression simply to protect itself.  Dog owners should be aware of this and avoid contact between dogs and baboons as much as possible.

Baboons and dogs may have playful intentions toward each other when they meet, but one can never be sure about the intentions of animals and we thus cannot predict what such interactions may lead to. Pet owners should take precautions to prevent conflicts between baboons and dogs by preventing them from interacting in the first place.

 

One other note: while baboons are not carnivores and are not natural predators, they do sometimes kill and eat small animals such as hares, small antelope, or lizards. Thus, while we do not know of any such instances, do keep in mind that a very small dog may possibly be viewed by a baboon as a potential meal.

 

Solution: Keep Dogs Away from Baboons

Whenever possible, try to prevent any interaction between dogs and baboons.

 

In Baboon Territory:

Do not walk dogs in areas where you know baboons reside. There are often laws forbidding dog-walking in park areas where baboons live; these laws exist for a reason and it is best for both the safety of dogs and baboons to follow such rules.

If you must walk your dog in areas where baboons reside, at least keep the dog on a leash at all times.

If your dog ever runs off and chases or attacks a baboon, call your dog off immediately before the fight escalates.  Always have a leash with you to put on your dog if necessary.

 

On Your Own Property:

If baboons come onto your property, keep your dogs inside the house.  If they are outside, call them in.

Do not send your dog to chase away baboons, as this will very likely result in injury to one or both animals. Such fights have been known to result in death of one of the animals involved.

Hammie and one of his many encounters with the Magaliesburg baboons

Other encounters with the baboons

7 reasons why Staffies are great dogs to own
We have 7 beautiful loving Staffies at 

Hornbill Lodge!!

Jock of the Bushveld

Hornbill Lodge has 5 Staffies!

SA's best loved dog hero !!

'Jock of the Bushveld was a Staffordshire bull terrier' Since Sir Percy Fitzpatrick wrote Jock of the Bushveld, the Staffordshire bull terrier, or simply the Staffie, has been a common household companion in South Africa.  What's this item about? What makes it interesting? Write a catchy description to grab your audience's attention...

Clash Our new little boy!!

Jock of the Bushveld - Hornbill Lodge has 5 Staffies!

Dienki-Toy (VERY SPECIAL BABY GIRL)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Although individual differences in personality exist, common traits exist throughout the Staffords. Due to its breeding, and history, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for its character of fearlessness and loyalty. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, make it a foremost all-purpose dog.

Shekels (VERY PLAYFUL)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies are naturally loving, loyal dogs who are eager to please their owners…but, like any breed, in the wrong hands they can be trained to be fighting dogs. The breed has been adopted as the dog of choice for those seeking a status symbol, an accessory, and even a weapon substitute. This means they have developed a bad reputation, through no fault of their own. Some people even mistakenly think they are illegal.

 

Dorah (Pienk) (SWEET BABY GIRL)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies are gentle dogs with their own personalities – not the aggressive machines they are made out to be. Staffies are the most gentle and loving of dogs to humans, not the aggressive muscle monsters some people take them for. Though the breed was originally bred to bait bulls, for decades after this practice had been banned in the mid 19th century, breeders kept only those dogs who were non aggressive to humans. This makes the Staffie (or Staffy if you prefer!) of today a devoted, affectionate family pet. In fact, if a burglar was confronted by a pet Staffie, the pooch would be more likely to lick him into submission than attack.


 

Savanha (Khaki) (THE PUPPY)

(Staffordshire Bull Terrier)

They love children

The Staffie is one of only three breeds whose suitability for households with young children is mentioned in its breed characteristics by the Kennel Club because of its affectionate nature, and its nickname, earned over the years is the Nanny Dog. Though, as with any dog of any breed, it’s important to supervise a dog’s interaction with children, Staffies are exceptionally gentle, affectionate and patient with little humans.


Hammy (SUCH A FRIENDLY AND LOVING BOY)

Jack Russell

Jack Russells are first and foremost a working terrier. Originally bred to bolt fox from their dens during hunts, they are used on numerous ground-dwelling quarry such as groundhog, badger, and red and grey fox. The working JRT is required to locate quarry in the earth, and then either bolt it or hold it in place until they are dug to.

Sparky lost her leg in an accident on the main road when she was 4 months of age.

Jack Russel

Jack Russells are first and foremost a working terrier. Originally bred to bolt fox from their dens during hunts, they are used on numerous ground-dwelling quarry such as groundhog, badger, and red and grey fox. The working JRT is required to locate quarry in the earth, and then either bolt it or hold it in place until they are dug to.

Worsie (Sy ma se enigse swart seuntjie) VERY SAD!!! Worsie died the 8 June 2017

Dachshund

Dachshunds are playful, but as hunting dogs can be quite stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity.

Lina (Always looking for her beloved Cobie SW)

Dachshund

Dachshunds are playful, but as hunting dogs can be quite stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity.

Stanley (Little fat boy)

Dachshund

Dachshunds are playful, but as hunting dogs can be quite stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity.

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