The Rottweiler Taught the Kittens How to Watch the Chickens
A black and tan Rottweiler lies in the grass with his chin up, gazing through a wire fence at the chickens beyond. Five kittens sit in a row beside his front legs, doing the very same thing: an orange one, a grey one, a calico, a black one, and a few more at the back. Their ears are all turned the same way, tails twitching. The hens, brown and white, strut about in the pen, unaware of the audience.
Rottweilers are strong, loyal dogs, originally used for herding cattle and guarding property. With good training and early socialization, they can be calm and gentle with family, including tiny kittens. Because of their strength, a Rottweiler needs steady guidance and supervision around small animals. A sturdy fence, as in this picture, keeps chickens safe from curious dogs and kittens, and keeps pets out of trouble. Kittens are natural watchers, and their hunting instincts begin to appear at a young age, so it is wise to keep poultry securely penned.
The Rottweiler seems to be explaining the barnyard to his small students. Every time a hen flaps, the kittens lean forward in unison. The big dog stays calm, as if to show them there is nothing to fear and nothing to chase. It might just be the best lesson any young kitten could get about life on the farm.
