Hello i have a 2 year old germansheperd she hates cats allmost killed one small dog and got to another one and killed it.Is there any type of training i can do with here to redirect this prey drive any insight on this would be great. Thanks Doyle

It's difficult go give any specific advice not knowing more about your situation.

How long have you had the dog? Do you know all about prey drive? Done any groundwork or training re: obedience, pack structure? Has she had much controlled exposure to other dogs and cats?

I have a 4yr old female GSD that was similar to yours when I got her about 2-1/2yrs ago. The prey drive comes with the breed. When I first got her, she would go after anything on four legs. After establishing the pack structure and teaching her she was not in charge and can't always act on her prey drive. she's mellowed out a lot. That and a lot of exposure to situations where she's learned what behavior is acceptable and allowed. I used nothing more than a dominant dog collar and prong collar.

We go for long daily walks and routinely encounter lots of squirrels and dogs of all sizes. Some of the little ones like to charge up to her, barking and yapping and she patiently stands there until they get close enough that she can . . . sniff them! Her attitude, which feeds off mine, is usually (but not always) then mirrored by the other dogs who drop their initial aggressive demeanor. That doesn't mean she wouldn't go for a squirrel given half a chance, but she knows that I don't allow it. And yes, she still has a thing for most cats.

Since you're relatively new here, you may not know what all is available. This site has all the info you could possible need in the form of articles and ebooks.

It's not just dealing with what may seem like one specific problem, it's an overall approach to training and your relationship with the dog. Read some of the material here to get a basic understanding of your training needs and then follow up with more questions on the forum.

Mike

P.S. In the meantime, you have to do what is necessary to control her and not allow a situation where she can get to another dog/cat and injure/kill it.


Edited by Mike Armstrong (07/14/2008 04:13 PM)
Edit reason: added P.S.

If you can't trust her 100% the safest thing is to keep her away from prey animals that you don't want to be killed. Keep her on a leash and give a correction when she shows interest in the prey animal, or redirect her attention to you with treats or toys. When you can't have your full attention on her when prey animals are present put her in a crate/kennel.
You can also keep her muzzled as a fail-safe. She can still do damage with the muzzle on, but it will take more work and the animal will have a better chance of getting away.

E-collar training would useful, I would recommend getting the Leerburg e-collar training DVD.

You might consider jumping in and making a bid on the Leerburg auction for the Dominant/Aggressive Dog kit.

Mike

Thanks for the replys I got my pup 2 years ago and have establashed the pack structure i have been studying to be a dog trainer but have not really learned all about prey drive.I live by my folks and they have have 4 cats and she knows they are around and all she does when we are out is look for cats even when i take her out to use the bathroom she would rather look for cats. I send many thanks to anyone who could shed some light on prey drive for me. Thanks to all Doyle

So Doyle,
You've read and implimented the articles and e-books Mike recommended in his first post to your querry?

What is it that you need clearification on?

Be glad to help if I can.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

Doyle,
There is a lot of good advice there already but I would like to add that you being a good pack leader is of the utmost importance for you and your dog. A lot of the control you are looking for comes through your abilities as a good pack leader not neccesarily a good dog trainer, even though that really helps. There are specific training scenarios you can use for your dog concerning this problem like the whole idea of crittering works well; however, at the risk of repeating myself I want to reiterate that being a solid pack leader is most important, and that will come through the training you give her as a whole as well as the OB training.