bird dog

Question
QUESTION: Our recently acquired cocker is a 2yr nuetered male rescue. When he sees a bird he goes BALISTIC..we live in the country.  this mades walking him very difficult as he is pretty strong. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: He's just doing what he was bred to do - we forget these dogs were hunting dogs.  I have two and one is a "bird dog" and one is only interested in squirrels :)

I'd like to know is he off leash when you're walking him?  How long have you had him?  How's his temperment in general?  How well trained is he?  Does he walk nicely "unless" he sees a bird?

Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We have had him about 10 days, and we always use a leash, he's a bit hyper, walks pretty well until he sees or smells then watch out! We're off

ANSWER: Okay...first of all, it takes at least two weeks for a Rescue to "settle in".  But you're nearly there.  What sort of leash are you using?  An extension leash works well in the sense that they have a lot of freedom but you have control.

So I'm assuming he's pretty good "until" he spots a bird?  I need to know what you do when he does that?  How do you correct him?
Be specific.

You didn't answer about how well trained he is...does he obey commands?  How many commands does he know?

Being "hyper" is typical of Rescue dogs for awhile until they get comfortable.  Usually the first two (or three) weeks you need to assess any problems.  Sometimes as they get feeling safe and secure the initial behaviors just disappear.  But..not chasing birds...that we have to control/teach.

My suggestions will depend on your answers about general obedience and knowledge of commands.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, he walk pretty well on a leash..heeling pretty well until he see a bird..then its pull, pull pull.  I've been distracting him, turning him the other way, bending down to establish eye contact. I have a regular 6 foot leash.I feel that the more leash I give him the more he will take and want. We are going to our first obedience class tonight..he's pretty "RUFF" around the edges and appears to suffer from extreme separation anxiety. Does alot of jumping on the furniture and general hyper behavior. I correct him with "NO, NO" and reward him with pets and good boys..some treats...not particularly food driven. Thnaks for you help...

Answer
The key to training is to "anticipate".  When you see a bird you KNOW what he's going to do and that's the moment to correct.  You say NO firmly (no yelling) and put yourself in front of him to block him and his view.

I'm glad you're going to classes with him.  He'll enjoy it and you'll learn how to teach him effectively.  The more you teach, the calmer he'll become.  And I think he needs to learn basic commands before you can attack the bird problem.  So start from Square One and work with him at home daily.

But one important thing is enough exercise.  A lot of behavioral issues and hyperactivity is from boredom and pent up energy.
He should get an hour a day.
Delores