So, I've been puppysitting this week, which has been wonderful in a lot of ways.

Earlier tonight, my ward discovered a wild hedgehog and went nuts barking at it...so I brought him (the dog) inside.

I assume because it's wild after a few minutes of being unmolested it would have made its way out by now (it's been like, an hour).

I do not want to let the dog out to harass the poor thing, but the dog is very very sad right now because he can't investigate.

So...how long does it normally take for them to unball and vacate the vicinity? Are they smart enough to do that, or will he still be hanging out in my yard?

I know nothing about hedgehogs, only that dogs shouldn't fuck with them.

Anyone have experience with this? I will go out and check on my own, sans hound, but I figure it might make some fun discussion and I'll learn a few things.