Huge Prey Drive

[GarryRoss1976 0]

First post here so be gentle with me.

 

At the turn of the year I took on a rescue dog. We have family with Lurchers, Saluki and Whippet so had an idea what we were getting into taking on a Sighthound as a pet. What I hadn't bargained for was how high this fella's prey drive might be. He's unlike any of the afore mentioned family dogs I know. My feeling is he has been worked before coming to us, a point made within the first few months of coming here. He retreived the neighbours cat while out walking in local woodland.

 

He is a wonderful pet, absolutely no issues in the house, working to command or particularly for me, great with the kids. Its just this prey drive when we are out.

 

I was interested to know folks thoughts on working him from time to time. For us he is a family pet but if giving him a run out from time to time settles him, particularly within our estate and local paths and walks, it'd be worth looking into. Has anyone else found that to give this type of dog an outlet that they settle down a little?

 

Also not that it has any relevance, he's a good looking lad and I don't wanna see him spoil his looks haha, Blue Merle Collie X Greyhound X Whippet.

[trenchfoot 4,243]

Do you want to work him, or just find an outlet for his energy? Before letting him mouch around common land etc make sure his obedience is 100% and stock broken. If family members have lurchers etc as you say, ask them to let you tag along. If he has worked before he will thank you for it. If you are unsure why not try agility training as an outlet/activity for him.

[j1985 1,984]

Give him a try, I'd say you'd be doing worse by him for not trying him.

 

Atb