[Bionic]

My poodle seems to be frightened of my sheep. He is 2 years old next month. He used to walk happily through their fields (on a lead when I was training him) but is very reluctant to go through the field without the lead.
When I let him off we used to play lovely games with his frisbee and he still gets very excited when I get that out but as soon as we approach the field he runs in the opposite direction and I find him sitting on the back door step.
We do rotate the sheep from field to field but I only ever play with the dog in a field that is empty.
I can't even entice him with food which under all other circumstances does the trick.
Any suggestions?

[funkyfish]

I'd use the same thing for any dog who is fearful of any situation, that is desensitise and counter-condition.


You need to work out his 'flight zone' that is how close you can get before he is fearful. Stay well out of this zone and play with him. If he doesn't react then after 4-5 sessions (short just a couple of mins) be a bit closer. If he reacts just go back a step for a bit longer. Repeat until he is ignoring the sheep and you are close to them.


That's the process simplified. In reality you need to find a very very high value toy/treat- something that he will focus on to the exclusion of everything else- you may need to get inventive.. This toy/treat is ONLY used for this 'game'.


Short sessions 1-3 mins. Don't push him too much and keep him wanting more- end the game when he wants more, he should be really disappointed that you have stopped and want to initiate more fun. But do not start again.


If it was everything other than livestock- ie a random object or going in the car he was scared of, I'd start rewarding any time he chose to look at or touch the object. But you don't really want him trying to touch the sheep or stand next to them... 


if you need more help them PM me!

[devonlad]

my 11 year old springer is scared of the sheep. I think its been a gradual thing over many years, from his initial puppy training all those years ago where he learnt that sheep are not to be chased through to the present day. the sheep used to love him and would come over to say hello, and he just froze while they sniffed him.
he will follow me anywhere, except into the sheep field now, but sits dutifully at the gate, not daring to cross the line. I just take him in other fields for a run. i'd far rather he was scared of them than the opposite

[bigchicken]

Our big deerhound x lurcher is a bit unsure of my sheep and will avoid them if they crowd round me for some treats but is ok with one or two he is fine with the poultry and helps me put the geese in for the night. He some times gets a bit close to the back end of the pony he is still young and is getting g better. Maybe you could try your dog with just one or two sheep to start with and see how it goes. I think it is important for you not to force anything and for you to treat the encounters with an upbeat attitude and  try to make some kind of game out of it lots of talking to the dog and sheep,