A great amusement for our pets is watching the lives of other animals outdoors. A little like how we enjoy watching the pretend lives of others with our tv programs. It is important to train them how to react without obsessing and to watch from a distance without the need to chase or kill the prey. Some dogs will get so obsessed with their prey drive that they can't control themselves because it gets overwhelming . They will "freak out" even when someone mentions the word squirrel. I use the "leave it" command around the house and yard often and praise heavily when they do. I like to use this time to train my other commands too. It is a great use of distractions.
Though we always want to respect nature and its circle of life, we also can occasionally feed the birds and squirrels. I keep a bird bath so animals can quench their thirst when the water is scarce. I never feed animals who should not be in neighborhoods like coyotes and bears. It is dangerous for them to learn to come into the neighborhoods for goodies. When you place a bird feeder where your pets can see it they will watch the birds and squirrels all day long. With the proper training this is a kept to watching in passing only not obsessive in nature. or of nature I guess. You may set up a bed near the feeder for more relaxed viewing of nature.
I also prevent disease as much as possible by vaccinating my pets or using titers to test for resistance. As well as by washing down my patio with disinfectant on a regular basis.
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