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swatson6

Attention Starved

07/30/2007 1:58 PM
I just went with my father to look at a dog that he would like to adopt. We have always have had dogs and they have been without one for awhile. He is retired and home ALL the time. So, this boy is a 5 year old sheltie with a very high prey drive. The shelter told us he was brought to them because he escaped a yard and killed a cat. Now he is the sweetest, smartest dog. Trained very well, but when a cat or small animal is within distance he is VERY distracted. They told us that he took quite a while to even recall on a short lead when he went into this "mode". So my question is........My father LOVES this dog and I think he could very well do wonderful with him, but how should he go about working with this should he get the dog?? He would walk often, never be off lead and has no small animals in the household. But this dog is extremely distracted by all things small and I worry that now that he already killed a cat before that he could very well do it again. Thanks Nora, it is quite a coincidence that you posted on this. I typed in prey drive on google and I got your post!!! I don't know why I woulda looked anywhere else!! BTW, here is a pic of the handsome man.

Sarah Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan

rattytatty

Newbie

07/30/2007 3:08 PM
Shelties are known to have high prey drive, Sarah.... border collies and shelties almost "rule" the agility world and this is part of the reason... not to mention their herding instincts. So the two traits together make for an awesome breed of dog... but certainly NOT a breed for all people. They are a highly intelligent breed, but need a LOT of exercise and interaction. If you don't find a job for them to do... they will find a job of their own to do, and often it's not one we humans would prefer! haha It is good that you've been told the dog's history... that will help in making a decision. Sometimes dogs won't bother cats who are indoors, but will chase cats who are outdoors...especially if the cat runs which instinctively ignites the dog's prey drive. When a dog becomes totally focused on chasing an object or another animal... it's very difficult to call the dog off unless the dog has had TONS of recall training. Be thankful that the shelter has been honest with you about the dog's history, and be careful about adopting a dog where you know upfront there is a potential for disaster. The final decision, of course, is your father's decision. But is he prepared... and totally prepared... to take every precaution so the dog doesn't kill another cat who wanders along? In my honest opinon... and certainly I could be wrong... but a five-year old dog is going to be hard to train NOT to do something he has obviously gotten away with... especially when the dog exhibits a trait as strong as this one is. On the other hand... if your father has a fenced in yard and the dog is inside most of the time, and crated when left alone... it could work!

swatson6

Attention Starved

07/30/2007 3:17 PM
Thank you Nora. Just trying to get a feel here about whether or not it seems like a good match. I think it would work out well, as long as he keeps the dog active, which he will. The dog will be in the house, walked constantly etc. I do agree that to change the behavior at 5 would be near impossible, but to work with it would be do-able. I guess we will see what he decides, but he really likes the dog. Maybe I could find a good obedience class or something fun for him to do with the dog to keep him busy and happy? Thanks again Nora!!!

Sarah Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan

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