CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: Nick Napper on March 08, 2008, 03:53:09 PM
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Hi all
I've two cockers (mum 6 & son 4) who are now frequently chasing after deer and phesants. What would be the best method to try & break the habit? Should I go for long line, whistle and treats?
Any advice appreciated
Nick
ps they're English cockers, not sure whether that makes any difference!
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That is what I'm using with Millie who generally chases everything, and so far so good. I've been doing it properly since january and she's now 100% reliable with no distrations and about 90% with distractions (mostly depends on if I've left it too late to whistle). I did it on my own for a bit with fairly good results but then started having lessons with a trainer which is expensive but worth every penny! I found the 10m long lines way too short for such an active dog but the trainer told me use a 30m rope so she can act as she would 'off lead'. Good luck with it :D.
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My dog Scooby chases cyclists rather a lot and where live we are on the Downslink path so get rather a lot of them, and runners, but he also runs up to people he doesn't know and barks at them, then runs away, but then chases after them (even if they are 50 yeards away) again and barks!! I haven't a whistle but will get one - any adviseon which to get? We may also have to think about using a long line, but never used one of those before either. It's embarassing as it obviously un-nerves people. Any help on these things?
Bubbles
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theres a link to a training article on here somewhere about substituting a ball for the item they are chasing. It works on the theory that you cant compare or expect a dog to favour a treat over chasing a rabbit as the chase (not even if they catch it) is much much higher reward than the treat as chasing is hard wired into them. So you have to turn their attention to something equally as exciting. Ive been saying the word "ball" and then throwing it over his head. It worked a treat one day when he set off to chase a bunny, i shouted BALL and he turned and chased the ball instead. I was very impressed as i didnt think it would work :005:
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theres a link to a training article on here somewhere about substituting a ball for the item they are chasing. It works on the theory that you cant compare or expect a dog to favour a treat over chasing a rabbit as the chase (not even if they catch it) is much much higher reward than the treat as chasing is hard wired into them. So you have to turn their attention to something equally as exciting. Ive been saying the word "ball" and then throwing it over his head. It worked a treat one day when he set off to chase a bunny, i shouted BALL and he turned and chased the ball instead. I was very impressed as i didnt think it would work :005:
I've recently started using a ball as well, occasionally when I recall her and she's about 10 metres away I'll turn round and roll the ball along the ground so she can carry on running and chase it.
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Not sure who is best to help you hear as this is a nightmare, Daisy my terrier when she was a baby was dreadful for chasing anything and tbh I for 2 years could not safely let her off the lead. She once set off in chase of a deer and was miles away, all we could see was a white spot in hot persuit of a Roe Buck :o and she would NOT come back. I have worked with Daisy over the years because I have had to because she was going to either end up ketting badly injured or worse shot for her chasing skills. She once dissapeared for hours and I was terrified that she had met her end, only to find her back waiting at the house :o
Daisy's cure was Balls and sticks, she became so obssessed with them that they keep her attention on our off lead walks, although I would not trust her 100% and because I know the ground here I will put her on the lead in parts I know there potentaily could be deer or hares. Daisy can pick up the scent of a deer or hare in a flash (she is not bothered about pheasants as there is no chase factor in them they are for daft gun dogs to play with ) :005: so I have to be switched on and on her case the minit I see her mood change. Im not going to tempt fate by saying she has never chased anything for a while but touch wood I have managed to find out just how her brain is wired in that area :005:
I would deff get help as it is indeed illegal for your dog to chase deer and to be so called hunting out of control, although no one goes out with the intention to let their dog chase/hunt , but if you know your dog had this problem then you are indeed carrying out an illegal act. :D
Teaching them not to chase: well there are various different methods taught by a range of trainers and its really up to you as to which suits you and your dogs. I hope you get it sorted :D
Edited to ask: which area are you in :D
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training training and more training before someone either shoots your dog or one of the deer kill it. Please don't think that deer can't because they can. If your in an area where deer and pheasant are and you know they chase then don't let them off the lead or put them on a long line, train individually because one will encourage the other. If you can go and see a pro trainer for lessons.
I purposely went to a training class where deer used to drop into the middle of the class when all the dogs were off their leads, last thing anyone wants is an accident or something horrific happening. Plus deer are some peoples business as are the pheasant and they are well within their rights to shot your dog if its worrying them just the same as sheep or other livestock.
Good luck its a nightmare once its become a habit.