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Barnyard Buddies:  Shepard and horse do not mix  |
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 4:25:20 PM
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My german Shepard rescue met one of the horses I board yesterday and it went terrible. The shepard is 6 years old and was cage kept all day before I got her. Everything is new to her. I have only had her 2 months. She took off after the horse and wouldn't stop for anything. She bit at the horse and the horse did try to kick. I have two more horses coming in the next few weeks and one is a pain in the butt pony who I fear will kick her to death. I don't know what to do. Either the dog will get seriously hurt or the horse will break the fence and get hurt. I don't have the resources to buy a shock collar right now and she knows how to get under the electric fence without getting shocked. Has anyone had any sucess with training a dog to not chase the horses.
Jane
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 4:59:35 PM
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I would keep her on a leash and really work on obediance hardcore before letting her around the horses again. Let her know that when you say "No" and "Heal" she better stop immediatly and back at your side like your shadow. I had to do this with my dog when she started to go from being dominant to dog aggressive. Now I can walk her off leash around other dogs without worrying that she will attack because if I say "No" and "Heal" she is back at my side like a flash. You can do alot of this with just the simple obediance work, and some passive "authority" training where you tie a leash around your waist and clip it to the dog (only do this in the house with a powerful dog like a shepherd). Make sure the leash is short enough that when you stand she has to stand and when you sit she can either sit or lay down. Then just walk around do your normal thing. Don't give any commands. What this in effect says to the dog is "I am so alpha to you that I don't have to command you to move. My movements dictate your movements with out me having to do anything." Do this AS MUCH as you can. Everyday for at least 30 minutes is awesome. The more this is reinforced to your dog, the more readily they will listen to your commands.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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violetrose
True Blue Farmgirl
960 Posts
Ruth
Epworth
GA
USA
960 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 6:28:39 PM
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| Thanks, going to try that with my mini - aussie! She soo wants to be the boss! I've tried about everything else with her. We have an older dog almost 13 that ignores her, then we have an 8 month old mixed breed puppy that she bosses. She is 3 1/2 yrs old. I'll keep you posted! |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 7:15:30 PM
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With many years experience working with dogs of all calibers, pups, young adults and adults of many, many different breeds and mixes. Training an adult dog, especially a working, type A personality breed, to leave livestock alone is nearly impossible, when they are a middle age, if you will, and probally never been around livestock before. IMHO, I would find a nice home away from livestock, small children and small other pets for this dog. I think you might be looking at a great tragedy to happen with this animal. You will never, ever be able to trust him without you there, and if he deceides to go on the attack, you will never stop him. I would hate to hear that one of your horses has been mauled or run thru a fence, or that the dog has been stomped and crippled or killed. Good luck
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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greentea
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Alicia
Wisconsin
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 10:17:52 AM
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I have an older Aussie, and have trained him not to chase/herd things. (He once jumped in a pond and chased geese for 2 hours while I chased him in a boat) Anyway, I put him on a leash and make him sit every time he barks or does anything. And then he gets a treat. The idea is, because he's a herder, he has to do something, he needs a command, so the command is, 'sit' instead of chase...what his instincts tell him to do. I must admit, this worked, but not 100%, maybe 90% The shock collar worked 100%. I lend mine out to neighbors, so maybe you can borrow one.
My son's blog (designed to keep in touch with Grandma and all her friends:
http://babycork.blogspot.com/ |
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 12:57:22 PM
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Alicia, how did you train with the shock collar. I think I just have to find the money somewhere and buy one. Do you let them free and shock when they go somewhere they shouldn't or do you take them on a lead? Any help would be appreciated. I do not want to re-home the dog and of course I do not want anyone to get hurt. I worked with her today on a tie and with treats, and so far she wants the treats and praise more than the horse. She just will remain tied until I find a solution. Thanks
Jane
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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TabithaLenox
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Kim
Gettysburg
PA
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2010 : 03:47:32 AM
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I agree with MamaWolf, keep them separated. It's the only safe way to ensure no one gets hurt.
Kim
Farmgirl #184
http://www.tabithalenox.blogspot.com |
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Barnyard Buddies: Shepard and horse do not mix |
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Shepard and horse do not mix
