I've wondered about the scent thing in connection to handling. I guess so. I mean I think you would see three distinct reactions if for instance it scented you, a rat or a perceived potential predator like a dog or cat. I know sight comes into play here to some extent also along with heat emmisions. So I guess really we are talking about conditioning.

I don't know. I'm just a Muggle though (it's a forum joke thang - don't ask). Perhaps someone who knows really what the, uh, heck they are talking about can answer better.