Post by orlaka on Jun 17, 2015 6:03:49 GMT -5
So the only book Loot has ever chewed up was my 101 Dog Tips behaviour advice book that I was given as Christmas present. Considerately, he only ate the contents not any of the tips so I just have no idea where things are... there may even be a page on 'chewing behaviour advice books' that I'll never find.
I hadn't touched it since he turned the first part into snow and picked it up the other night to see if there were any topics that might apply to him. It's a general dog behaviour book not at all focused on sighthounds and he's a pretty well behaved dog so a lot of stuff in there that isn't really applicable. However whilst I was checking out 'why does my dog chase squirrels/rabbits' pages, I spotted something I've never heard of before - a flirt pole.
This seems like exactly what I've been looking for! Still struggling to find somewhere accessible to let him off lead makes me worry he's not getting in any running time, and I'm sure he would LOVE a positive outlet to his prey drive.
Has anyone got any experience with these? The only thing that concerns me is I may inadvertently be teaching him it's okay to run after and murder the fluffy thing and make his squirrel reactivity worse. He's seen three squirrels without singing his murderous song in the last few days and although he watches them like a hawk I've managed to distract him a little way and eventually walk him off after lots of happy movements and treats for following me in a slightly different direction.
I've been hitting up youtube and have found some useful videos, think I'll try my hand at making one as I've got some holiday booked this week to hang out with an old friend and my lovely hound. I was thinking of using either a squeaky plush toy as the end or maybe a flannel so it's cheap to replace if he merks it.
Any suggestions on construction materials would also be helpful, my options seem to be
Some webpages suggest using a lunge whip but I'm not sure about this as I'm worried about the material of the whip - in case he catches himself on it and get scared. I've found a place that sells them pre-made but it's a payday away and I think I could pick the material up much cheaper to see what he thinks of it as a new game.
I'm excited to give it a go!
I hadn't touched it since he turned the first part into snow and picked it up the other night to see if there were any topics that might apply to him. It's a general dog behaviour book not at all focused on sighthounds and he's a pretty well behaved dog so a lot of stuff in there that isn't really applicable. However whilst I was checking out 'why does my dog chase squirrels/rabbits' pages, I spotted something I've never heard of before - a flirt pole.
This seems like exactly what I've been looking for! Still struggling to find somewhere accessible to let him off lead makes me worry he's not getting in any running time, and I'm sure he would LOVE a positive outlet to his prey drive.
Has anyone got any experience with these? The only thing that concerns me is I may inadvertently be teaching him it's okay to run after and murder the fluffy thing and make his squirrel reactivity worse. He's seen three squirrels without singing his murderous song in the last few days and although he watches them like a hawk I've managed to distract him a little way and eventually walk him off after lots of happy movements and treats for following me in a slightly different direction.
I've been hitting up youtube and have found some useful videos, think I'll try my hand at making one as I've got some holiday booked this week to hang out with an old friend and my lovely hound. I was thinking of using either a squeaky plush toy as the end or maybe a flannel so it's cheap to replace if he merks it.
Any suggestions on construction materials would also be helpful, my options seem to be
- PVC piping or Dowel rod
- Plastic coated washing line or length of rope
- Squeaky toy or flannel (cheaper to replace given his track record for toys) for the end
Some webpages suggest using a lunge whip but I'm not sure about this as I'm worried about the material of the whip - in case he catches himself on it and get scared. I've found a place that sells them pre-made but it's a payday away and I think I could pick the material up much cheaper to see what he thinks of it as a new game.
I'm excited to give it a go!
