My own dogs DONT have this problem I take the time and make the effort to stock train them with everything from sheep and cattle to lama's thanks very much for the insult neither do they have the need for any form of collar although as a precaution they have worn them when we move house so as not to upset my neighbours. When you have six dogs that live in the hoouse of varying size its not acceptable to be a noise menace especially when you live in a town like Brighton where dogs are not exactly tolerated all that well.
However I do deal with rescue and not everyone who has a sheep worrier for an example works their dog. There are alot of people that live near sheep, cattle etc take most of the people in rural england and wales unless your local area is arable and we get the occassional problem dog that has KILLED not just worried an animal at which point the owners are desperate for something that will help them stop it happening again. Some dogs for example have had sheep grazing in the field next to their homes so other than killing the dog or rehoming it which alot of people are reluctant to do without doing something to resolve the situation what else would you suggest?
? Not all dogs can be rehomed when they have this sort of problem in a city, they just would not survive.
You are a trainer and one of working ilk so what do you do when a client comes to you and says I have a problem, I don't want to get rid of my dog and it still needs to be usable as a working dog in and around livestock?
remember that in some circles shooting it in the head is the quickest method of dispatch and cheaper than a vet. Yoou can't just advocate the chucking away of dogs.
First of all Tasha I never advocated your dogs had any problems at all so i don't know how I have insulted you!
Did you use the spray collars when you moved home? If so why do you think they barked?
Do you think using one changed how they felt? or did you need a quick fix?
I do appreciate that some people may have problems with livestock but surely better fencing, exercise away from livestock is a better option than a punishment which might not work, can you not see what I'm saying!
Yes it may stop the dog once or twice or even many times but there will still be that one occasion that the dog gets its own way if the desire to hunt is that strong.
Even an E collar may not be enough!
Why put your dog in a position to fail in the first place.
you punish and punish and still the dog gets PTS
It is not in my oppinion justifiable but then I'm sure you'll disagree.
Careful management would be my solution That is a more humane way of making sure it will not happen again.
Like punishment this method is not fool proof but at least my heart I will know I have tried to the best by the dog without causing it undue discomfort.
It just means the humans will have to take responsibility to manage the dogs lifestyle accordingly which CAN be done. If a client came to me and said that they needed to work their livestock worrying dog I would ask them Why they NEEDED to work the dog in such a situation and I would probably advise them against working it if it could not be steadied over time using systematic desensitisation but i would certainly go down that route first.
If the need to work a dog is so great that you have to put an e collar on it to get it to do what you want then I 'd rather not thanks.
I certainly would never advocate the shooting in the head of any dog and if you believe that then I am insulted! As for throwing them away then I believe some dogs do not match certain homes and if you work with rescue you will understand that.
Each case is unique and has to be taken on it's individual merits and any advice I give does not have to be taken.
That is for the owners conscience and theirs alone.
I am proud it is a decision I will never have to make Tasha.
