Question:
About six months ago, I adopted a 2-year-old Lab. She's a wonderful dog, and, although she hadn't been housebroken, she didn't take long to catch on. I'd take her outside in my backyard (surrounded by woods), and she would do her business. Then we would play fetch, when time allowed, and all was well -- until fall approached and she spotted her first deer in the woods. She immediately darted after the deer until I could no longer see her, and she completely ignored my calls. She's done this several times, even though I've shown my extreme displeasure each time. I cannot take that chance again, so I purchased a retractable 16-foot leash. But now we can no longer play fetch, and she doesn't get the exercise she needs.How can I break her of the deer-chasing habit, other than fencing in my yard, which I cannot afford?.
L.L.C., Stratford, CT Apr 23, 2006
Answer:
It takes time and expertise to train a dog not to chase deer. My advice is to not take your dog out to play off-leash when the deer are most likely to be close, which is generally during the early morning and evening. Second, purchase a whistle or compressed-air noise alarm that emits a high-pitched sound. Then make plenty of noise to scare away any deer before letting your dog off the leash to play with you. Keep her undivided attention with occasional treats, and train her to sit and stay before being rewarded. An occasional shrill whistle or noise blast while you are playing should further deter any curious deer.
Subscribe