 Chasing rabbits
#342112 - 08/18/2011 05:55 PM |
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This subject must have been posted before, but I couldn't find anything searching for it.
Fara loves to chase rabbits!! I don't have a fenced in yard so she is either on a 5' or 15' lead when we are outside. I live in the country.... lots of rabbits.
Obviously my biggest fear is her bolting and the leash flying out of my hand.
I've been working on distracting her when I see her in "rabbit" mode. She gets into that mode when we first go outside.
It's the surprise rabit sightings that I am most worried about. Rabbit comes around the corner and "boom" off to the races.
In one of the training dvds, Ed actually mentions that this behavoir usually must be dealt with using a correction, but the subject was beyond the scope of this particular dvd and he didn't discuss properly correcting a dog for this type of drive.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Jim Gustitis ]
#342116 - 08/18/2011 07:46 PM |
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Jim,
You'll find most of what you need to know in the e-collar section of the forum, that's the tool that most of us use to stop our canines from chasing game.
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Jim Gustitis ]
#342117 - 08/18/2011 07:48 PM |
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Did another search for the subject and came up with one similar post where the OP stated that he was walking his dog in a certain area that rabbits frequented. Several of the the replies mentioned avoiding the area or redirecting the dog.
E-collar or long line was also suggested.
Long line doesn't work unless I use it for a correction but I am reluctant to use Koehler on Fara (although I could easily correct the behavoir in a couple weeks).
I'll try googling it, but was hoping to get some suggestions here. Can't afford an proper E-collar at this time.
JG
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Jim Gustitis ]
#342119 - 08/18/2011 08:08 PM |
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"Obviously my biggest fear is her bolting and the leash flying out of my hand."
You say she loves to chase rabbits, but also that she is never outside without a 5' or 15' line. Does that mean she has bolted (dragging leash out of hand) before?
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Connie Sutherland ]
#342121 - 08/18/2011 08:49 PM |
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Thanks Will! I had posted to the thread before I saw your reply. Yeah, e-collar would be nice, just don't know where I am going to get the $$$ for it right now. But definately on my list. I will read the article you suggest.
Connie, Although I use a good grip on the leash (usually wear a glove too), she has gotten away. The grass was wet and the terrain uneven, I fell on my ass and lost the leash, it happened very fast.
Haven't lost her since and I don't intend on losing her again.
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Jim Gustitis ]
#342124 - 08/18/2011 09:16 PM |
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I was at herding with Koenig last night, and there was a bunny up on a hill behind the dogs.
What a stupid stupid little critter!!!!  Even with all the distraction of being 5' away from sheep, Koenig still focused in on the rabbit. It took a HARD correction on his prong to stop him from doing the Dutchie scream/whine/growl and crawling forward out of his down-stay. I knew I wouldn't be able to REALLY break his focus until it was our turn, so I had to settle for a intent stare at the critter.
Anyhow- A strong correction, along with redirection will probably be your best friend for awhile. I had to save up for my e-collar too!
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Jim Gustitis ]
#342126 - 08/18/2011 09:17 PM |
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Connie, Although I use a good grip on the leash (usually wear a glove too), she has gotten away. The grass was wet and the terrain uneven, I fell on my ass and lost the leash, it happened very fast.
Haven't lost her since and I don't intend on losing her again.
Jim,
That is one beautiful pup! As to the chasing of rabbits I'll leave that to others but I do have a suggestion for not dropping the leash. My dog was stronger than me by the time he was 5 months old and if you can believe it he was not completely trained yet..... :laugh: I wore his line around my waist. Wrap around your waist and run the fastening end through the leash handle and leash up the pup....some crazy track marks when he would attempt to bolt after a critter but worth it; it gave me the use of two hands and strong as he was he couldn't pull me or get away.
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Sheila Buckley ]
#342132 - 08/18/2011 10:43 PM |
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Obedience training can control the issue. I mean serious obedience where the command overrides any stimulus. It is not easy but can be done. That way if there is need for a correction it is fair as the dog chose to ignore a direct command.
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: Faisal Khan ]
#342137 - 08/18/2011 11:22 PM |
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I’m with Sheila, that is one seriously good looking pup.
As for the rabbits, my first thought went to the e-collar too but sounds like that’s going to take time. Not only to save up but the initial training time as well that’s so important. Do you know anyone that you may be able to borrow one from for a bit. Or maybe check around, someone may have a good used one for sale.
It sounds like there’s quite a few bunnies hanging around. Any chance on upping the distraction training around them. You said she’s in “rabbit mode” the minute you go outside. Maybe start working right at the door to begin with. Might cut your walk down a bit but sounds like she needs to earn a bit more distance, paying more attention to you.
Like Faisal said, some serious obedience before any corrections or added freedom in that area.
Just some thoughts.
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Re: Chasing rabbits
[Re: CJ Barrett ]
#342138 - 08/18/2011 11:39 PM |
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Hahaha, of course it's a good looking pup. Betty W. bred her!
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