Bob Tail (blue Tongue) Lizard And Puppies

[sandgrubber]

We get loads of bobtail lizards in early summer. The dogs have always barked at them and harassed them, but usually I've been able to rescue them before they are harmed. This year I have two puppies (Labrador) aged 3 and 5 months, who have taken to catching them and eating them alive.

I have a Dogtra e-collar and have no problem with doing aversion training on the older dogs. They've done e-collar for recall, and I don't expect any real problems.

I don't like the idea of using an e-collar on a young pup.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

p.s. Just tried aversion training on the adult dogs. Of course they weren't interested in the game and showed no interest in the lizard while we were watching.

Put the lizard on the ground and let the puppies out to try just telling them off. The 3 mo old had a go . . . as she approached the lizard and he managed to bite her good on the face (very quick . . . we think he got her eyelid). She screeched and ran away and wouldn't come back out. Lucky outcome. Don't think she'll be bothering lizards again.

Back to the adults. A friend came up to the dog wearing the e-collar carrying the lizard. When they showed interest they got zapped. If approached by someone carrying a lizard they now back off.

Edited October 25, 2009 by sandgrubber

[corvus]

Are you always around when they are likely to find lizards. A good recall or "leave it" works pretty well. Perhaps you could leave some ceramic pipes around for the Blueys to hide in. Mind you, the more lizard refuges you put out the more lizards will come use them! And they could attract snakes as well.