If my dog caught a squirrel, my reaction would be the exact opposite. I’d be more like “Hell, yes!”
I don’t know why people have issues with dogs engaging in predatory behavior. Of course, these are very often the same people who have issues with people engaging in similar behavior. (They usually don’t have a problem with cats doing this, and cats do it even more often and with greater efficiency than any dog.)
I mean this is a Weimaraner, a hunter, pointer, and retriever (HPR).
Oh, I forgot.
Miley did catch a huge fox squirrel a few weeks ago. It was sitting out in the pasture and was too far from any tree to escape. She caught it, but because she is a retriever, she couldn’t actually kill it. So she carried it around alive in her mouth, which gave the big squirrel an opportunity to fight back.
And it fought back.
And it took refuge in a tree.
If I could only climb this damn tree I know I could eradicate them all myself!!! Since that probably won’t be happening I’ve decided this is a job for Operation Whack-A-Squirrel
Commander Tank are you out there?!?!? I need you to call in your troops and get them over here!!!! I’ve tried to sneak up on them but I think the best approach would be a “Shock and Paw”. Don’t worry if we don’t have enough resources…mom has lots of treats, bones, biscuits and hot dogs here for the troops. I found a big jar of pennies, that should cover the cost of fuel. I will set up a make-shift headquarters in my back yard and start mapping out our plan of attack. I will let you decide if you want to draft the troops or let them volunteer on their own.The only thing left would be a post-war plan…can’t forget that!! We’ve got to accomplish this mission, if the neighborhood cats get to them before us I will never live it down!!!
Would your dog behave better if there was less STUFF?
A lot of dogs behave better when they have STUFF taken away. It sounds silly when you put it this way, but sometimes the hardcore, science-heavy behavior lingo makes me feel nerdy.
The Facts: Removing sensory stimuli can create better behavior in dogs. In training a desensitized version of a situation is a critical step in conditioning and/or reconditioning perceptions and responses. Exposing a dog to gradual increments of the full picture allows the trainer to counter-condition the stimulus and change behavior.
The Question: How do you make certain stimuli (situations, pictures, events) less of what they are? Distance is a wonderful variable to manipulate, as it is movement and duration of exposure. These are the typical categories that are manipulated to create tolerable situations for the dog being trained.
The Complications: Some experiences and some individuals just can't cope with "stuff" no matter how far away it is or how slowly it moves. In fact whole new problems can be created for dogs who behave badly when things are far away or move oddly (too slow, too fast, to wobbly) etc..
The Solution: For these dogs, a hood placed over the head is often remarkably helpful. I liken the use of a Calming Cap on dogs to blinders on horses. It doesn't entirely blind the animal, but it takes some of the overwhelming stimulous out of the picture.
Personal Testimony & Practical Uses: I have used these caps on dogs who ride badly in cars. Not dogs who get sick, or are fearful of car rides, but dogs that just can't seem to hold it together during the ride. Border Collies, Kelpies and other herding dogs are at the top of the list for this.
I also have used it for dogs who have never been on leash before, or were severely under-socialized and seem utterly overwhelmed when trying to soak in everything on walks. Dogs really do use their nose like we use our eyes, so even with reduced eye-sight, they are getting tons of information about where they are and what is going on around them.
Final Thought... It does look a little funny. I recommend decorating the fabric :)
Your dog is NOT being naughty...
On purpose,
To get back at you,
Or, because they are trying to dominate you!
Your dog's behavior is not malicious.
Behavior is a result of past CONSEQUENCES & current MOTIVATIONS.
Chances are they...
a) Really DON'T know better.
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They are acting on instinct (dogs bark, whine and chase things).
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They are doing what feels best to them (peeing and pooping feels better than holding it).
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They are repeating something that has worked before (checking the counter for more toast).
They are acting on instinct (dogs bark, whine and chase things).
They are doing what feels best to them (peeing and pooping feels better than holding it).
They are repeating something that has worked before (checking the counter for more toast).
b) Just don't care.
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There is no yucky consequences (peeing on rug = relief).
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The consequence is late or seems unconnected (yell at dog for chewing couch sometime while you were gone).
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The consequence is actually rewarding the behavior (pushing a dog down for jumping up = touch/attention).
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Something else is more compelling/appealing at the moment (pulling towards the next great smell is worth the choking sensation).
There is no yucky consequences (peeing on rug = relief).
The consequence is late or seems unconnected (yell at dog for chewing couch sometime while you were gone).
The consequence is actually rewarding the behavior (pushing a dog down for jumping up = touch/attention).
Something else is more compelling/appealing at the moment (pulling towards the next great smell is worth the choking sensation).
Things to think about...
Have you ever done something even though you "knew better?"
Have you ever performed poorly at something you "know how to do?"
Have you ever made a bad meal or burnt dinner?
Did you do it to "get back" at someone or as revenge, or was it just the way things went?
Did everyone notice how "in charge" you were of their food enjoyment and "feel subordinate" to you?
Have you ever missed a payment or fogotten something important?
Was it to "make a statement" about something, or prove your power?
Did you do it "on purpose" even though you "knew better" and had done it right before?
Do you know better than to call in sick when your friend is visiting?
What is your motivation?
What is the consequence?
Are you a "good" driver?
Have you ever sped?
Why, it is "wrong" isn't it?
Have you ever been "sneaky" about when/where you speed? Why?
Elberta, AL
FEBRUARY 4, 2009, 11:27 AM
- You are NOT chasing your dog. I agree, he would think that is fun.
- You are approaching him casually and TRYING TO TRADE TREATS for the ITEM.
- You have supplied your dog with HIS OWN TOYS.
The motivational issue.
The management issue.
A possible health concern.
My major suggestions would be:
Create a BACK-UP PLAN.
- Have some really amazing treats (steak comes to mind).
- Set your dog up. Deliberately leave an old-expendable sock in a steal-location, or drop it "by accident."
- Say, "TRADE YOU!"
- Then go to the fridge (yep walk away from your dog) and get the goodies.
- Without saying anything more, toss (stay as far away from your dog as you can) the yummy-steak treats AND WALK AWAY.
- If your dog appears WITHOUT the ITEM... Praise your dog like mad and give MORE TREATS.
- Tether, crate, or confine your dog and then go recover the item.
Do this until the dog spits out the item as soon as you toss the treats.
DO NOT touch the item or try to take it if your dog is still holding it, or standing over it.
Continue to work DROP with the tug toy, then try DROP with a sock that you are holding.
