QuestionI have an 8 year old BC who I started training as a puppy. We don't herd because we live in the city, but she has 2 AKC obedience titles. I took her herding a few times and was told she was a "hard" dog, hard headed, and that she would be good when she got it. (I couldn't keep up the herding.) She is excellent at avoiding confrontation with other dogs, and tolerates children well. When she was a puppy, my sister's parrot flapped to the floor, and Mona (my dog) rushed to her but did not make contact. She caught two squirrels in her younger years, and again, did not hurt them. So here is my question: I got two chicks, and I am wondering what advice you have for fostering the right kinds of limitations.
I have let her get up close for a sniff, but her face began to make contortions, so I backed her off. She watches them through the cage (they are still inside) and she is obsessive. I let her watch, but when her mouth is open or if she jumps, I call her off for a "chick break". I took them outside and Mona was let out, so I managed her a little bit. I put her on a down, about 2 feet from the chicks. They come right up to her, and she did not lunge.
How can I satisfy her curiosity but still ensure that she doesn't take a little taste? It would be nice if she could help me round them up and kleep them out of the street, but I felt I needed to have my body at least patially in between them, or have my finger in her collar as a reminder. Will her training overcome the prey drive?
What if they run and flap-- should I discourage any chasing, even through a coop? or is that a part of herding I can capitalize on?
thanks!
AnswerIt really depends on the situation as far as how many feet your dog is away from the chickens. If the chickens are approaching your dog but your dog is never allowed to herd the chickens, it could cause more anxiety in your herding dog and result in more aggression down the road. He will acquire bad habits that will have to be broke later on.
The best thing to do it eliminate that problem altogether until you have the time to actually teach your dog proper balance.
I refer many people to Cesar Millan in my answers because he is a professional dog psychiatrist. I am a professional dog handler/trainer for both obedience and stock dog herding. Cesar's approach tends to work well for cases of aggressive behavior and I use his techniques in my own training. However, learning how to teach your dog how to herd properly is something that will require lessons from a different type of professional. I could help you with some of the basics of herding but I do it strictly over the phone and charge for my time.
Thank you again for your comments.
Ann Jordan
BorderCollieCoach.com
