Need advice

[AppyLover2]

I've been beating my head against a stone wall for months about this darned dog. I got him about 18 months ago. He is a 6 year old 70 pound German Shepard, very well trained and well behaved....except he likes to chase the horses when he gets the chance.

He was fine yesterday for a couple of hours, I went out to muck stalls, heard a commotion and it took me a few seconds to realize what it was and yell at him. Kitten (the smaller mini) came running into the barn as hard as she could go, shaking and frightened. She was favoring a back leg (couldn't find any injury) and had a spot of loose hair (could have just caught it on something when she ran into the barn).

But this darned dog is driving me crazy. I know the simplest answer is to keep him away from the horses, and I do that most of the time. But it's impossible to be sure he will never be able to get in with them. This is not the first time I've had to call him off chasing one of them....and I'm just plain darned tired of it and him. He and I have never really bonded, but I take my pet responsibilities very seriously (as I know all of you do).

As I've said, I've been thinking of getting rid of him for quite a while. I wish I had left him in Florida when I moved like I was going to until someone said "oh, you need to take him with you". Most of the time though when I mention it to people, they put me on a guilt trip saying things like "oh, you don't want to do that", "he's a good dog", etc. And he really is a good dog.....except for this problem with the horses.

I decided yesterday after all this happened that he would be leaving here today (one way or another). Got on the internet and telephone looking for shelters and or rescue groups in the area (remember I just moved here). Talked to one vet's office who suggested that he and I go through "training". Got some information on having him euthanized and started feeling guilty.

Please somebody talk to me about this. I'm pulling my hair out. I just flat out don't like the dog and he's a problem with the horses BUT..............

I hate to have him put down BUT...........

I just really want him gone before he hurts something.

I HAVE definitely decided I'm not talking to anybody (except you guys) about this until I do something.

Sorry this is so long, and I'm rambling. I'm just sooooo confused and torn.

I'll end it now. Gotta go feed the dog.

 

[runamuk]

Boy can I sympathize...I have a german shepherd dog that we took in as he was heading for the needle ...he was 1 yr old that was 3-4 years ago

same thing he is a good dog EXCEPT he loves to chase and bark at the horses.......currently all my animals are behind hot high tensile and he has respect for the fence so consequently he just runs up and down the fenceline barking like a fool

a few of the neighbors big horses find it to be a game and run up and down the fence egging him on

If money wasn't always so tight I would have a shock collar by now.......I figure a few times of just catching him running toward them and getting zooped out of nowhere would definately put a halt to it.......but we need a better than ordinary collar as our property is 10 acres AND the collar could be used for field training on the hunting dog...so it keeps being put on hold......

not alot of help ......if you can try a shock collar to retrain him......the other option is put hotwire on the dogside of your fences to at least keep him out of their pastures......

 

[Happy Valley]

A shock collar is well worth the expense. The reason you don't see too many used ones being offered is that they WORK and people keep them until they wear out. Works for troublesome barking, chasing, garbage scattering... as long as you are nearby and invisible and can zap the offending dog it doesn't take many times to fix the trouble.

Good luck!

Stacye

 

[justaboutgeese]

They sell electric shock collars at TSC and many other places. They are worth their weight in gold in a situation like this. The cost of the collar (under a hundred dollars ) is much less that the vet repair on a mini if the dog does not get a good hold. The response is immediate and effective. Much more humane than trying to rehome the dog. You will find that after just one treatment the problem will virtually correct itself. The jolt is similar to an electric static shock. not painful just very uncomfortable. I had to try it on myself before I put in on the dog. The result for me while the do was running full tilt and yelled sit his butt left skid marks in the yard. That dog was a German shorthair pointer and quite headstrong. never needed a third treatment.

 

[ali]

I too, have a dog chasing and barking at only one pony because this pony chases him too.

Anyway, he's not mean about it but I want to put a stop to it immediately. Was told to get a remote controlled zap collar. When the dog goes into the paddock or starts to chase the horses, I'd call him only once and if he doesn't respond then zap him. He'll eventually figure out then when you call him and he responds immediately, he'll get lots of hugs and kisses for being such a good boy.

Unfortunately, we have to resort to this type of measure because I'm not in a subdivision with a small fenced backyard where getting the dog to return is no big feat. I'm on many acres of land and not being able to have total control over him.

The come command stops a dog from doing almost anything at that given moment.

Universal.

I hope this works for you and I'm glad that a few other people on this forum are suggesting the same thing. Please give your dog another chance with you (if you can) and if not, please find him a good home without horses. Try the local police department too. Sometimes they prefer a dog that shows no fear and is more mature that they can train for guard. You just never know.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[tifflunn]

I have used a shock collar for a different reason( and last resort) and found it very effective- I am keeping it around because I have a sneeking suspition(sp) that I will have a dog chasing livestock problem when we get a farm and Livestock- I got mine off of ebay- 1/2 the price used and a really good one. ( To correct the behaviour that we were having problems with it took 6 corrections and we seem to be doing O.K. now. Tiffany

 

[keeperofthehorses]

I think, if it were me, I'd try to find him a horseless home. A shock collar may be effective, but you have to be there to use it. What if he slipped out when you weren't around? It sounds like he's stressing you out too; it's tough to have an animal you don't enjoy. I bet there's someone out there who would be a perfect fit for him.

 

[ChrystalPaths]

I installed 1000 ft of invisible fence recently to contain mydogs so they wouldn't roam or get shot like my Chaps did BUT you "truely do not like the dog" SO place an ad "free dog to anyone without livestock", give him to the vet, or a shelter. There is no overnite answer short of euthanasia but it seems a shame to do that if he's great about all other things. JMHO

 

[runamuk]

They sell electric shock collars at TSC and many other places.  They are worth their weight in gold in a situation like this.  The cost of the collar (under a hundred dollars ) is much less that the vet repair on a mini if the dog does not get a good hold.  The response is immediate and effective.  Much more humane than trying to rehome the dog.  You will find that after just one treatment the problem will virtually correct itself.  The jolt is similar to an electric static shock.  not painful just very uncomfortable.  I had to try it on myself before I put in on the dog.  The result for me while the do was running full tilt and yelled sit his butt left skid marks in the yard.  That dog was a German shorthair pointer and quite headstrong.  never needed a third treatment.

520233[/snapback]

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OMG

I can so see the skid marks

and yes I am certain my hubby will test it on himself when we get around to purchasing one...hubby has been known to just grab the hot wire to see how it is doing

The cheapest I have found for the one we want/must control two dogs

is about 248.00 and well that is my second mortgage and a week of groceries

lately the dog has finally put on weight and is beginning to be fat maybe if I wait long enough he will just get to fat to move off the porch

 

[AppyLover2]

Shock collar training last week is the reason he had an opportunity to get into trouble this week. He did really well with it then but seems to have forgotten all about it now. The one time I zapped him, he backed into the rear of one of the horses and she let fly with both back feet. Unfortunately they didn't connect (I think if they had he would have learned right then to leave them alone) but it got his attention to the point that he totally ignored them for the next 3 hours (got lots of praise for good behavior).

Honestly, I swear, the darned dog watches me to see if I'm watching him. The problem is, who wants to (or can) watch them every minute of every day?

I really do appreciate your suggestions - guess I'll get the collar out again tomorrow and see what happens. I kinda/sorta wish I could just put him in a small area with all 3 horses. I think they would put the fear of God into him themselves.

Keeper you're right, he definitely has me stressed over all this nonsense and the joy of (this dogs) ownership dimmed a long time ago.

 

[luvmycritters]

I love dogs, right up there with horses. But if I had a dog that I couldnt trust ( not to bother the horses ) I wouldnt keep him. To much trouble and I for one would rather spend any extra money on animals that "earn their keep." There are too many good dogs out there, I would seriously concider keeperofthehorses suggestion - find him a horseless home. Lori

 

[tagalong]

If you and this dog have never connected... and he is hassling the horses... I see no reason to invest in Invisible Fence or shock collars or anything else. You said he was a German Shepherd - contact a German Shepherd rescue group in you area - and they can help you find him another home or foster him out to someone else in the meantime....

 

[luvmycritters]

Yup - I fully agree with tagalong. Dont feel to bad, sounds like you have given this dog ample opportunity - you and him just havent clicked and he's bound to get into trouble eventually. It's not like you havent given him/her a chance. Many folks have gotten rid of dogs for far less offenses and without a second thought. What ever decision you make - it will be the right one because it sounds like you have really been thinking it all through. Lori

 

[Robin1]

If you have never clicked with this dog, he knows it. The best thing would be to rehome him where he would get lots of love and attention. Don NOT put an ad in the paper saying for free. He would have a high chance of ending up in a research lab or as a bait dog. Ask for about $50 , it will weed out the research labs, don't know about the dog fighters.

Hey Geese, what is TSC???

Robin

 

[Robin1]

Ok, I figured out what TSC is. I just looked and the only zap collars I could find are the no bark collars.

Robin

 

[ali]

I wondered if your dog is neutered? In my opinion, neutering has helped to change many of my critters attitude. Doesn't help the barking issue but may help the bonding process as I found many animals to become a little more passive.

I hope that it all works out for you and your dog.

 

[kaykay]

german shephards are from the herding group which a lot of people dont realize. he is doing what his natural instincts tell him to do. But since hes not trained he has no focus when he does it. German shephards are so smart and easy to train. I would either get in touch with a trainer or buy a book on training. it really isnt that time consuming and you will have a wonderful dog.

i always get flamed for putting down shock collars but heres the thing they are a temporary bandaid put over a permanent problem. you have to have a dog that will do as you say whenever you say. not just when they are wearing a shock collar and as many people find out later the effects soon wear down and the dog ignores the shock.

Training is the only way to have a wonderful dog be it a german shephard or a cocker spaniel.

I really did try not to post on here as i always get flamed for telling people to train their dog. I really dont understand that but go ahead and flame away.

kay

 

[rabbitsfizz]

No flames and I fully understand the reticence over shock collars. My bitch would have been euthanised, by law, if I had not resorted to it, though, so I was absolutely a last resort. Having reluctantly started using it I can fully vouch that it is a means of handling a problem, nit solving it BUT with a dog that is likely to attack and kill, and has resisted all normal raining methods, I think it is justified.

MY bitch wears it all the time. She was wearing it when I had the dog (Bitch) fight to end all fights. I did not even dream of using it then, it was not applicable.

The dog collar people are missing out on a HUGE market, with theses things. What is needed, and I have suggested it, is a collar that has it's counterpart attached to the thing you are wishing to repel the dog from- so, in this case you would attach a "repeller" to one or two of the horses.

My idea then would be that when the dog approaches the animal it receives a warning, as with the fence.

When it goes closer it gets a warning + a very mild prang.

If it continues and gets right in there it receives a good slap.

This could be misused, badly, by a poor trainer.

My argument to this is, "So can a large stick!!"

 

[ali]

KayKay,

I agree with you totally. There are times when it can become very difficult to train the traditional way though. I'm not a professional trainer.

How are you going to work the dog when there are times that he gets into the paddock and you have to walk forever to retreive? This is where the zapper comes in handy provided he isn't aware it's coming from me. I don't have mine yet (Xmas wishlist) but the invisible string line (worked wonders in restricted areas) would have to be miles long. The 'come' command is the most universal and helpful one and he's slowly getting it. Just when you think he's finally got it, back he goes and the whole frustrating process begins again.

 

[kaykay]

ali

Every single dog should know come and stay. these two words can save a dogs life or another animals. These are the two easiest commands imo to teach. A dog that is truly trained will "come" whenever called no matter what is going on. That is a trained dog. A dog that only comes half the time when called is not trained.

if i had an untrained dog i would not let them out to get to the paddock. I guess to me its very simple. untrained dog=never going out alone without a leash.

i was lucky i guess as i got my first dog (a german shephard) when i was 13. My mom insisted that I take the dog to obedience classes in order to own a dog. It was one of the best experiences i ever had. Later I got another dog and went to classes again as a young adult to refresh my skills. The things you learn are invaluable to you and your dog.

I am as passionate about my dogs as I am horses. I constantly read on new training methods etc just like i do the horses.

A lot of dogs that end up in pounds are because no one took the time to train them. NO ONE wants an unruly untrained dog! Its a rare day when you go to the pound and find a trained dog. Not saying it never happens but it is rare.

Anyone can take a dog training class. Its usually one night per week for 6 weeks. A very small amount of time compared to the YEARS AND YEARS of joy you will get from that dog.

one more thing and ill shut up lol. before you buy a dog you need to research it!! if you get a dog from the herding group and you own horses then a big light should go on!! You have to think to yourself this. "if i buy a dog from the herding group and i own horses, then i am going to have to commit myself to some serious training to control this dogs natural instincts"

Kay