Ok, ok, Zeus doesn't get to chase anything but his toys, got it! I especially liked the gambler analogy, now that made sense to me.
I think the thread was starting to get off on a tangent over hunting dogs and laws. As a Hunter Education Instructor I am quite aware of the laws regarding matters as such.
Thank you for the replies to my question.
I'm sure I'll be starting new thread questions soon. Let me just read through some of the previous threads so as not to be too redundant. As a frequent member of other forums I know it sometime get tiresome seeing "Newbie Question" this or that, that has been posted previously at length.

"I especially liked the gambler analogy, now that made sense to me. "


Gambling analogies seem to come up regularly.

Another one is the mixed bag of food rewards that some of us like to use, triggering a positive "slot machine" effect in many dogs.

Hi, Robert!

Not sure if the hunting restriction post WAS a tangent. I was attempting to directly answer your query, and subject of the thread, of what could be the harm in taking the dog deep into the woods and letting him chase game. Sorry if you took it otherwise.

 Quote: Duane Hull

Hi, Robert!

Not sure if the hunting restriction post WAS a tangent. I was attempting to directly answer your query, and subject of the thread, of what could be the harm in taking the dog deep into the woods and letting him chase game. Sorry if you took it otherwise.

No worries

Good morning Robert,

Generally speaking, I agree with the sentiment in re not letting a dog run in the woods, chasing deer, and other creatures. Too many dog owners are trained by their dogs and have no control in an unenclosed area or enclosed area for that matter.

That noted, and I too am a Hunter Education instructor fully advised, aware, knowledgeable of relevant laws, etc., I let my mutts run on my property. They are within my command and control and I manage their behavior. They run after the odd squirrel with no hope of catching it. Rabbits are a different issue, in that a GSD can catch a rabbit and will kill it.

The whole idea of walking with the mutts in the woods is exercise with command and control work for me. As long as I can recall the dog on command it is exercise and and training. If I can't control the dog, then I am not working with the dog to a purpose. When all is said and done, the dog must respond to my commands.

So I suppose that if the dog is under your command and control, and you are doing the right thing ethically and legally, go for it.

One of your other observations caught my attention but I may have misread it. Your dog acts up and out toward people who get within 10 feet or so of you absent a cue that all is well? Must make for some interesting walks. I think I prefer the other way around in that a cue to alert is more comforting to me, if that makes any sense. I prefer my mutts to be outwardly and visibly socially balanced, with no apparent threatening behavior. That is not to say that some people do seem to bring out a heightened awareness on the part of the dogs.

Two cents, and need coffee.

Sorry! I didnt read anything but one post! I see now!

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Good morning Robert,


One of your other observations caught my attention but I may have misread it. Your dog acts up and out toward people who get within 10 feet or so of you absent a cue that all is well? Must make for some interesting walks. I think I prefer the other way around in that a cue to alert is more comforting to me, if that makes any sense. I prefer my mutts to be outwardly and visibly socially balanced, with no apparent threatening behavior. That is not to say that some people do seem to bring out a heightened awareness on the part of the dogs.

Two cents, and need coffee.

Mike, I think you might have missed the part where I said he's much better now with joggers and others walking dogs. He will alert to everything but only act upon someone or something coming into our personal space, approx 8-10'.
EXAMPLE: we went to the vet yesterday for his rabbies shot. It was his second time meeting her. The first time was as moral support for my other dog and it was brief. This time it was just Zeus and me. There were other people in the waiting room, staff walking around and general distractions. Zeus never barked, pulled on the leash, or showed any aggression the whole time. He WILL attack if you walk up behind us while we're unaware, if I don't show a relaxed posture or another dog shows aggression.
Let me say, as I may not have been clear. I did not get Zeus as a Personal Protection Dog he turned out to be one as to speak. I've never had a dog that wasn't just everybody's best friend. I do like the fact that I don't have to worry about my truck being stolen when he's in it or that anybody will break into the house or being mugged. I'm trying to learn what's best for Zeus and me.

Robert;
Please don't take all of the advice posted here personally. We're just trying to help not only you but other readers who search these threads looking for answers to questions such as yours.

Mike was suggesting, as many of us would have, that you can continue to desensitize and socialize your dog to narrow the safe zone. It also helps to relieve stress for you and the dog.

If we had advocated the chasing of game that you initially inquired about, other newer dog owners would get the impression that there weren't important considerations for that type of behavior. Many casual dog owners don't realize how much their dog could upset an ecosystem.

Many of us feel that there are constructive ways to manage a heady dog and we come here to share those views. We all love dogs, not only our own dogs, and we like to share opinions on how to live with dogs. Zeus is obviously doing well, and none of us wish for anything but the best for both of you.

 Quote: Robert Bingel

Hello, I'm new here and this is my first posting. I have a GSD that I rescued at 2 years of age. I've had him for a little over a year. When I first obtained him he would want to chase, fight and bite everyone and everything outside of the core family. Over the past year I have watched as many of Mr. Frawley's videos as possible and also purchased an Einstein E-collar. Zeus had made GREAT progress. I can but DON'T walk walk him off lead. I do however walk him on a 21' lead with a harness. Now my question. Because he still has a high prey drive and loves nothing more than chasing squirrels, rabbits and deer. Is it okay once in awhile to take him to secluded woods and let him have fun doing what he loves...CHASING? I have zero fear of losing him as he will not leave my sight for more than a minute or two. He is very good on recall and basic commands. I many other questions but let's start here.

You do realize that if he's caught chasing deer (or livestock) he could be shot and killed?

 Quote:

You do realize that if he's caught chasing deer (or livestock) he could be shot and killed?

Not highly likely in a suburban community, walking on the sewer easement. Also I shoot back.