I have two young male australian shepherds. We just moved to a new place in the mountains and the elk have started coming down into our canyon. I have been warned that the rangers will impound our dogs if they harrass the elk. I don't want to have to keep them penned up all day while we are gone to work. Any advice on how to teach them to stay away? I'm afraid their herding instinct will kick in and we'll have some really upset elk!
2007-12-07 07:31:49 · 8 answers · asked by Sarena M 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
These are completely outside dogs. They were born and raised outside and HATE being inside. We live in a small community full of dogs and every one looks out for them all. They are well taken care of.
2007-12-07 07:41:48 · update #1
Hahaha. I used to have a border collie that would herd the deer that came in our yard. He never had one bit of training. That instinct is strong and I think that you are right in being concerned about it. I hate to say it but I think the only solution might be to fence your dogs... for their sake as well as the elks.
Okay, I'm gonna get slammed here. I grew up on a farm. My dogs were outside dogs. And they were happy and healthy. I think that's similar to your situation. I agree that all dogs don't need to live their lives inside, and for some, inside is just a big cage. Again, that sounds like my border collie. If you are unwilling to fence your dogs or keep them in when you are away, you are taking the risk of them being injured or you getting fined because of their behavior. You won't be able to stop them from doing it. Being a pet owner is all about making these sorts of decisions. It's hard to feel like you are trapping your dogs, but think of how hard it will be to come home to find one of them trampled or kicked. Good luck!
2007-12-07 07:36:28 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It will be very hard to do but can be done. Lots of time investment.
Be sure your dogs know that you are PACK LEADER. then find some other item that you know they will go for, a rabbit, a chicken, (something you can have control over with a cage) Introduce them to the caged animal and tell them "no", and stand between them and the animal and create a space they are not allowed to go. ( keep them back 5 to 10 feet from the animal) If they start after it, do it again, "no" and keep them back. Several times and they should get the picture.
You may need to work with them individually at first. After they understand to stay back from the caged animal. Then hold the animal and get the same level of control, Eventually allow them to come close but to stay in a sit or down position.
Eventually you can put the small animal right next to them and they will leave it alone. Then use the same technique with the elk, "no" and a clear space around the animals.
Not going to be easy, but you do need to know you have control over them. When you are working with the elk be sure the dogs are on a long/strong lead so if you need to you can pull them to a stop.
2007-12-07 15:48:35 · answer #2 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am sure that you have heard this, but it sounds like you want allow them to run at large how else would they get to these elk?
You will have to either place them in a outside kennel you can either buy these or build your own, also place a roof on it, but you have to keep control over your dogs or the rangers will pick them up regardless of Elk.
It is basically a general state to state law to keep said dogs under control at all times, and I would worry more about the dogs biting someone (never say never, a dog of any breed has this in them)
Penning them is not cruel, BUILD a bigger kennel but be responsible and not have them at large or you may find them in worse shape like dead.
This IS neglect on your part, neighbors are not responsible for your dogs.
2007-12-07 16:01:23 · answer #3 · answered by skydancer_2489 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand why your dogs are running around while you aren't home. I also don't understand why you'd get two very energetic dogs if you are at work all day.
Build a fence. Get them into doggie day care. You took the dogs under the idea that you would properly care for them. To do so, you'll need to protect them and keep them active - not let them run around in the woods all day or coop them up with no care all day.
Even if they don't harass the elk, where there are elk, there are coyotes, mountain lions, bigger dogs, hunters, and cruel people. Why risk their lives?
Added - "They are well taken care of." Sorry, but I disagree. And so would most responsible dog owners. And so would most animal welfare and animal protection groups. You are asking for heartbreak.
2007-12-07 15:42:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
why would you want your dogs to be loose and unattended while your are away??
your aussies WILL herd the elk, and perhaps chase them and venture very far from home.. and risk impound..
keep the dogs INSIDE til you are around
2007-12-07 15:38:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to set up a fence if possible or put the dogs or chains or leads that will alow them a good range of movement but still be able to not hurt the wildlife.
2007-12-07 15:35:16 · answer #6 · answered by Aura 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lay the smackdown on those troublesome elk. Show them who's boss.
2007-12-07 15:36:05 · answer #7 · answered by damo_mc_legend 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
create a large fenced in area on your property
2007-12-07 15:34:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋