The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: smudger on May 08, 2012, 10:53:34 am
-
I have been taking our pup for walks (on the lead) while I do my field inspections, should I keep him away all together and if so till when? The Shetlands are ok, bit inquisitive, but respectful. The GfD's, less so but I pick him up or move away before he gets threatened by them (they are very good at headbutting). Trying to get a balance where he knows what a sheep is and is interested but not getting frightened or over keen/aggressive.
-
I'm not sure I'd be picking him up - could be transmitting the wrong signals. Best not to take him amongst sheep that could harm / frighten him, I'd say.
-
Rascal ran a mile when i brought home the 2 lambs, now he is fine with them. I just let him come with me every time i fed them. He was the same with the ponies. Very scared, as I was picking up droppings in the field he would stay behind the gate but over time he would edge in always keeping an eye on the colts to see if they were coming in his direction. Now he enjoys being in the field with me, he is 8 months.
-
I spoke to the breeder who said if in doubt keep him away but did say she took her puppy out as she trains her dogs to leave sheep and only work them when told to (and not automatically sheep are always for working). She was more concerned that is he was over interested, aggressive or did anything I didn't want him to do that and then I tried to stop that behaviour. That would be mixed messages and be counteractive to when we did start training on sheep. To be honest he's pretty good around sheep, its the pigs where I am having to do some assertive 'no's' and growls ::).