An abused Lab mix (looks just like a Lab) was dumped at our house a few months back. We have gained his trust and fallen in love with him. He is such a good dog! The only problem I have is that we are rural and their are a lot of rabbits. I still walk him on a 26' retractable leash. He does great until he sees one and no commands will stop him. It is all I can do to hold him back on his lead. The vet said he is about 60 lbs but is very strong and has the strength of a 100 + lb dog.
I've researched this on line and have found that this is natural behavior for a lot of dogs and even highly trained ones seem to forget they are when faced w/ a rabit chase.
He doesn't chase cats- loves them. He's "adopted" the neighbor's kitten, even gives it a bath.
I've read about a toss game you and another person can play w/ a stuffed, AKC approved rabbit. Basically, you choose a command word and when the dog minds and returns to you, you give it a treat.
2007-07-02 20:52:44 · 9 answers · asked by 8 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The other option involves using a dog whistle to distract them so they will listen to your command.
Have any of you had this problem? How did you solve it?
2007-07-02 20:54:14 · update #1
Dog has a massive kennel/ run, the problem is when we go for WALKS. ;)
2007-07-02 21:39:00 · update #2
This is the best product I have found. Watch the videos, and you will see how it works. It is far superior to the Halti or Gentle leader: http://www.cannyco.com/
I guarantee that he won't get out of control with this one.
If you give the command as he nears the end of the leash, he will soon be able to use a regular collar, if you wish, as he learns that he must respond to the command.
This site has 5 methods to control chasing: http://www.dog-answers.com/How-Stop-Dog-Chasing.html
2007-07-02 21:03:42 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dogs Chasing Rabbits
2016-11-07 06:38:12 · answer #2 · answered by latassa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shock collar. We used in on a 110 lb German Shepard to stop him from chasing the cat. 2 or 3 joltzs and now the cat and German Shepard are best friends!
Just remember fallow the direction that come with the collar.
Use it on the lowest setting the effects the behavior, along with a verbal command like "NO RABBIT".
Good Luck!
2007-07-10 20:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by DrMichael 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU887
A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.
2016-05-31 22:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by jerry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dogs do the exact same thing! i have tried to fence them in but i feel it is a little cruel seeing as i live in the rural area too.
maybe you could get your dog something else like a squeaky toy to occupy himself with. or a big massive bone so he will not waste time chasing rabbits. ofcourse if he does chase rabbits then take his treats away let him know that your angry at him, maybe keep him in a fenced area for a couple of hours.
i usually find that the rabbits are too fast for my dogs to catch and they just chase them around in an endless circle then eventually give up.
good luck, hope everything works out.
2007-07-02 22:23:04 · answer #5 · answered by sarahdoll300 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your dog is a retriever. If you live in a rural area can your dog run free? The toss game you mentioned will teach your dog to catch and retrieve rabbits.
I live in a rural area and my dogs chase rabbits all the time but they don't catch them. They come back when I call them and they have had a good run.
If you need to keep him on a leash a retractable leash is going to get you hurt. If you cannot hold onto him when he reaches the end of the leash it will snap back at you if it breaks. A four foot lead and your dog walks by your side.
2007-07-10 20:37:44 · answer #6 · answered by Jeanne P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wish I knew the answer - I've got two lab mixes who love to chase stuff. I wish I could allow them off leash on our property but know they'd take off after something if they see it. Based on what they say about getting dogs past bad behavior, it sounds like you might be reinforcing the take off by carressing his face and saying his name. It's like you are rewarding him for trying to take off. I think it would be best to get him under control then continue on your way as if there is no small furry creature to chase.
2016-03-16 01:18:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know that its in a dogs blood to chase rabbits, especially hunting dogs. what you could do is fence your dog in. that way the rabbits can get away and the dog will stay in the fence. My dogs are in a fenced in area about 30 x 25 and they cannot chase rabbits unless the rabbits get into their kennel area. I have one that chases a rabbit every chance she gets (she is dauschund/ cocker spaniel mix).
2007-07-02 21:11:27 · answer #8 · answered by tiggerkitty3 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
So good of you to adopt him, well done
I can't really give much advice here, just wanted to say well done
Maybe build a rabbit proof fence... we have a HUGE one in Australia!
2007-07-02 21:47:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
buy a 6 foot leather lead and have a firm grip. When he starts to take off, give him a firm jerk with a firm NO. couple of times doing this he will get the hint. they are fast learners
2007-07-09 23:33:39 · answer #10 · answered by cheri h 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋