Cats

Question
I have a 16 month old male GSD. He keeps chasing cats and birds. When ever we are out walking it is like he is on a hunting trip. Consequently, he refuses to walk beside me. He did attend obidience classes but there was no change in his behaviour. The classes were interuptted by a sudden illness like a stroke. He has a lovely temperamant, friendly with people.

Answer
Hi Nessan

This is his prey drive, do not let this bother you.  This is good and why GDS need this drive to make good working dogs to do anything in the field u choose.  Mine do the same but they heelp on the leash on left side by your knee.

When walking, stop and Sit command for five seconds, then step by step forward, if he pulls, stop, SIT five seconds, forward step and step slowly, jerk him back with a choke chain on for training.  Jerk hard if he pulls, lift up on it some while giving the jerk.  Then release.  Do this until he walks on a loose leash at your knee, left side.

It will take some time in reschooling this dog to walk, but I do this daily with three of my dogs for walking at the malls.  When loose they love to tree birds, this is good, this is called prey drive.  Mine hate cats and I am glad for they poop all around and it stinks badly in my gardens of flowers, etc.

If you need further help, let me know I am here.

Kind REgards
Patt