Training -behavior advice

[lizzybeth727]

Is she on a leash when she's chasing squirrels? That's really the only way to stop this behavior, because, as you said, it is very self-rewarding. You can use a long-line leash, long rope, or strong retractable leash to give her some distance to run but still be attached to you. This way, when she sees a squirrel and freezes, make a lot of noise (don't call her), and when she turns toward you, get really excited and turn around and run away. Hopefully, as long as your timing's right, she should chase after you instead of the squirrel. When she gets to you, give her a HUGE reward.

 

[pafla]

I dont keep dogs on-leash in woods.Long line wasnt successful with her-when she is on long line she doesnt move away from me.Since she doesnt go to chase I cant correct her.She is very soft dog for corrections and long line was used during second level of basic obedience for teaching stop.I didnt liked it then and I dont like it now.The dog was put on 10m lead,the end of the lead was either held by trainer or tied to something.The owner gave stay command and moved some 15m away and then called the dog with name.On 8m owner gives stop command-note none of dogs previously werent teached this command or no-even more uselless since none of the dogs knew that they are suppossed to halt in middle of running.The result-the dogs hit the end of the leash and flys.Rea did it first time and after that learned to aprroach in slow manner and stop when asked.She hates long line-I dont think if the cat crossed my path she would leave my side.When put on long line her body posture changes-she tucks her tail beetwen legs and hangs her head to ground.She obviously still remembers what happens when she gets on the end of it.I suppose it is not that much different from using long line in walks but I like to at least give a dog a choice to listen by teaching him what I want from him-this way of using long line sets dog to fail.Today she came every time some 6 times when she started going after something even done distance lie down.She got treats and praise.Tea tried to test waters by whining for food-she stoped after five minutes and got breakfest then.She also started barking like mad on my aunt but end up closed in my room-I let her out when she calmed down.Obviously she is back to being a she-devil.I sincerely hope it will pass her.