Quote: jim gustitis

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.

Jim,
Here's what I would suggest - a well-fitted prong collar and a long line. Set up an event where you'll come close to something that will trigger her prey drive, give her a little line and then give her whatever command that you've chosen, such as NO! or LEAVE IT! and give her a *meaningful* correction immediately with the line - with good timing you can get some slack in to the line and send a correction to her that she'll remember.

This is basically "training by ambush" and it will take several repeats until she understands what you want, but you should be able to effectively call her off a game animal or the such with good timing and repetition.
But yeah, a e-collar would make your life a lot easier here...

Hope that helps!

There is something about a rabbit that really draws fire. They sit and sit, and then the zig-zaggy run with the little white tail bopping.....
I feel fortunate to live in a place where hunting rabbits is something my dogs can do.

Thanks Everyone!

I use to have two bad ass cats who controlled the rabbit population around here. Miss you, Indiana & Jones!

Can't use the lack of funds as an excuse anymore since someone has offered to lend me an e collar.

I will let you know how things go!

When I get a chance I will post some more pics of Fara, she is growing fast! Thanks for all the compliments! Betty is an awesome breeder, love you Betty!

I second working at the door and making her earn her walks/distance. She's obviously not interested in paying attention or listening to you, so why should you cater to her? The e-collar is great, but isn't a fix-all. What happens one day when you forget to put it on or it stops working and she bolts off?

Obedience is your friend. I used to have my dogs trained to that point, but slacked off and they reverted. It took a very long time, but they got there, and yours can too!

Rabbits......

For some strange reason I see very few on my property..

But look at the bright side, when we get this taken care of you will pretty much have control in any situation regardless of distraction level. LOL

We love you too Jim! I get the biggest grin on my face whenever I see a picture of Fara, she just looks so happy!

Before your excellent news, I just wanted to agree that yup, this works too:

 Quote: Will Rambeau

Jim,
Here's what I would suggest - a well-fitted prong collar and a long line. Set up an event where you'll come close to something that will trigger her prey drive, give her a little line and then give her whatever command that you've chosen, such as NO! or LEAVE IT! and give her a *meaningful* correction immediately with the line - with good timing you can get some slack in to the line and send a correction to her that she'll remember.

The first few months I had my shepherd we were dealing with some prey issues too. With him it was motorbikes and diesel trucks for some reason. Not that he ever got a chance to actually chase them, but he’d run the fence and if engaged with me, I’d lose a good deal of attention as they went by.

When working with my pup outside, I’d often tether the shepherd to our big shade tree so as not to provide distractions for an otherwise extremely distracted pup.

We’d just come back from a structured walk where I had started using a prong on the shepherd. Didn’t think much about the collar I had on him, tethered him to the tree and proceeded with an OB session with the pup.

Sure enough, along comes a snappy, crackly motorbike. Well, he hit the end of that line so hard I thought he’d never stop squealing. Three months of a frustrating, random distraction issue fixed in pretty much that one go and his behavior under this tree has been impeccable since.

Not a process I would ever repeat and it was a while before I put a prong on him again but yup, a well-timed correction that they’ll remember can do wonders. And of course the e-collar after that cleaned up any additional niggling thoughts.

And great job there Betty, can wait to see more pictures of her!!

 Quote:

Sure enough, along comes a snappy, crackly motorbike. Well, he hit the end of that line so hard I thought he’d never stop squealing. Three months of a frustrating, random distraction issue fixed in pretty much that one go and his behavior under this tree has been impeccable since.

You gotta love the single event learning when it works in your favor and doesn't bite you in the butt.

she is very nice, how old is she?

She was born in December and I think was about 6 months old in that picture.

Thanks!

I would also suggest looking at Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed games for reorienting your dog under distraction.

She reinforces our connection with our dogs by well timed clicks and treats at critical moments of potential distraction. Jethro used to go out onto the front porch barking at the world, already in attack mode. Now he waits to go out, and once out, he turns back to check in with me rather than fixating on whatever might be in the environment.

He is starting to come when I call him and he is off leash, even when he is in full alert/attack bark along the fence. Outside our yard he is always on some sort of leash or drag line unless we are up in the forest. Even then, he has developed a very nice habit of regular check ins, and doesn't go far afield. Although we don't have rabbits!

He has pretty much stopped bolting altogether (except for a few choice dogs that he still reacts to) on our walks in the neighbourhood, except after dusk when the raccoons and skunks are rustling in the undergrowth. But I expect that, and just walk him on a nice, close leash (1" of slack).