Sheep??

[buckybee]

We were out on the moors today and there were a couple of sheep that we hadn't spotted - and Star was off the lead, and well she chased them.

Not in a "I want to eat them" way, more in a "this is a fun game" way but i know it is really bad, especially at this time of year.

Is there any way you can stop them doing this or do you just have to be carefull and get them on the lead?

 

[Painter]

Hi, I sympathise, nothing better than my dogs off the lead. However they got out one day and I was horrified as they are both failed sheepdogs, it was lambing time etc etc etc, I sort of expected them to get shot. They came back 7 hours later full of sheeps afterbirth! Yuck. I never let them off their leads until I'm sure there are no sheep about - this sometimes means driving out to check a route first. The problem is not just the dogs getting hold of the sheep but the shock of the sheep thinking they are being chased by a wolf often caused sheep to collapse and die or loose the unborn lambs. Be aware also that farmers are entitled to shoot dogs seen worrying the sheep. No excusses! Sheep are always looking for an excuse to die and better still if they can lay the blame at someone elses feet! If you value your dog keep it on a lead near stock.

An old solution is to find a local sheep farmer with a ram, put the sheep and dog into a small enclosed place and let the ram hand out some punishment! It often works but I've never fancied the vets bills!

Alternately find a good dog trainer locally and nip this in the bud before it costs the dogs life (or the sheeps)

Good luck

 

[collie]

Your dog probably did think it was fun, however this often leads to more aggressive behaviour. If he/she is prone to chasing livestock best practice is to put him on the leash well before you approach them, you can always let him off again once you are past. Dogs should always be under control around any livestock and i am sure you would not like him or yourself to fallout with stockmen/farmers.

 

[Dougie]

brok has done it twice in his life, both as a young dog...hes never done it since