Flock Guardians

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I've got a flock guardian cross in one of my classes at the moment. Looking at it, I think it's crossed with a greyhound.

It's a sweet tempered dog but its behaviour is classic independent breed behaviour. It shuts down very fast, and is very easily distracted by what is going on a significant distance away. Usually this manifests by it dropping, and watching the classes two paddocks away.

I can deal with the sighthound bit, but I'm hoping someone might have some web resources or ideas for training tips and tricks to try with flock guardians. I'm wondering if part of the hurdle here is a mix of a dog that is bred to hunt with sight, and a dog that is bred to keep a constant watch on things.

Naturally I'll suggest attention work exercises, but if anyone has any insights, I'm all ears. Or eyes, or something. :D

[myValkyrie]

I've got a flock guardian cross in one of my classes at the moment. Looking at it, I think it's crossed with a greyhound.

It's a sweet tempered dog but its behaviour is classic independent breed behaviour. It shuts down very fast, and is very easily distracted by what is going on a significant distance away. Usually this manifests by it dropping, and watching the classes two paddocks away.

I can deal with the sighthound bit, but I'm hoping someone might have some web resources or ideas for training tips and tricks to try with flock guardians. I'm wondering if part of the hurdle here is a mix of a dog that is bred to hunt with sight, and a dog that is bred to keep a constant watch on things.

Naturally I'll suggest attention work exercises, but if anyone has any insights, I'm all ears. Or eyes, or something. :D

Try PMing lilli - she gave me some wonderful advice & was very helpful when I was having dramas with my Kangal. They are certainly a challenge - very rewarding when it clicks tho. What cross of LGD is the dog?

[myValkyrie]

So how'd you go?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

So how'd you go?

Haven't PMd her yet, or posted into the breed thread. The big fluffies thread people suggested I go there.

Basically I've been distracted by other disasters on the home front and totally forgot.

[BJean]

It's a sweet tempered dog but its behaviour is classic independent breed behaviour. It shuts down very fast, and is very easily distracted by what is going on a significant distance away. Usually this manifests by it dropping, and watching the classes two paddocks away.

I can deal with the sighthound bit, but I'm hoping someone might have some web resources or ideas for training tips and tricks to try with flock guardians. I'm wondering if part of the hurdle here is a mix of a dog that is bred to hunt with sight, and a dog that is bred to keep a constant watch on things.

Naturally I'll suggest attention work exercises, but if anyone has any insights, I'm all ears. Or eyes, or something.

Generally it is hard to get a LGD to drop in a crowd, as it is not a position where they can be alert and be 'on the lookout' so to speak; plus the submissive nature of the drop - to drop the dog has to be at ease in its surroundings.

Sometimes dropping is a protest, or their way of avoiding what you are asking of them.

Once they become familiar with their surroundings, and the comings and going of the group training, they will focus better over time.

If there is something in the far paddock that requires the dog's attention, perhaps before class the dog could be walked through the other paddocks and allowed time to investigate / patrol and ensure that all is okay.

It could be another dog in the juxtapose paddock that has also got its attention.

Important is age of the dog and how long it has been with its handler.

Are they sure it is a LGDx - what is its supposed mix?

MV: thanks for the kind words - glad that my ramblings were of some help

Edited October 23, 2007 by lilli

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Generally it is hard to get a LGD to drop in a crowd, as it is not a position where they can be alert and be 'on the lookout' so to speak; plus the submissive nature of the drop - to drop the dog has to be at ease in its surroundings.

Sometimes dropping is a protest, or their way of avoiding what you are asking of them.

Once they become familiar with their surroundings, and the comings and going of the group training, they will focus better over time.

If there is something in the far paddock that requires the dog's attention, perhaps before class the dog could be walked through the other paddocks and allowed time to investigate / patrol and ensure that all is okay.

It could be another dog in the juxtapose paddock that has also got its attention.

Important is age of the dog and how long it has been with its handler.

Are they sure it is a LGDx - what is its supposed mix?

Thanks Lilli, and thank-you for finding this thread. I read through the LGD thread, and found what you had to say very educational.

Part of the reason I didn't follow up is that having had another class a couple of days ago, I don't think it is an LGD mix. I think it's a Bernese mix, and I don't think they are considered LGDs?