Otis is a rescue dog. He is about 1 1/2 years and probably a lab/wirehaired pointer mix. He has been with me for 1 month. I was told that the previous owners lived on a farm, and Otis chased chickens and goats to the point that electric fencing did not phase him.
We live at the beach which I thought would be ideal for him because he can run forever. I never even considered that the neighborhood, in fact the town, is infested with rabbits. When he goes through our gate, there are bunnies about every 30 feet, scampering just out of his reach. He goes crazy.
How do I manage his prey drive?? If I am not feeling strong, I drive the car out of our garage and take him down the street and on to the beach where there are no rabbits, and he is a very good dog.
I realize killing rabbits is in his nature. What is realistic in dealing with this situation? He is a "soft" dog in everything else. Is distraction futile? My arms are tired.
Lisa skinner Webboard User Reg: 03-11-2010
Posts: 515
Loc: Dallas,TX USA
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I may be way off, but how about a long line and a prong collar or even an e-collar?
I can certainly sympathize with the tired arms. I am curious as to what the 'right' answers will be.
Since posting last....prong collar arrived from Leerburg...carefully fitted it on Otis...went out the gate...he tried to stalk but absolutely responded to the collar...no pulling...his attention was easy to redirect (good point, thank you!) Also since last posting, Otis escaped through an open garage door and his dream was fulfilled. My dreams of rabbit carnage did not happen....I called him and he came back...breathing hard, and slept the rest of the afternoon. Thanks for your thoughts and help.
My hope is to be able to have him off lead when we are alone on the beach. To be honest, I hadn't thought of using a long lead with the prong collar. To be honest, I need to learn a lot more about dog training. Otis "will work for food" and that seems to be a very good thing. The Leerburg website has helped me immeasurably. I'm just learning how the discussion board works.
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Prey Drive
#275819 - 05/09/2010 10:42 PM 
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