Dog killed sheep

[gottobehavemyself]

I know how awful this is, trust me. I also know that it's not his fault - he should never have been in the position to kill the sheep.

My in laws' 18 month old german pointer got into the farmers' field and killed two sheep. He's previously killed a peacock. Is there any coming back from this? Can this be trained out of them?

He's partially trained for day to day stuff but still a real handful and unpredictable with regards to his recall. They've had dogs for years, trained big and similarly bred dogs from puppies but they have struggled with this one from day one. I think they've underestimated the breed in terms of size and strength, and over estimated their own ability, given their age and other commitments.

Really I want to know if this can be sorted out or if he needs to be euthanised. I (know nothing about dogs) suggested he's never off the lead and wears a muzzle in the short term while they figure out what to do. Anyone with any experience of a similar situation? Any helpful advice or stories welcome

They are bad owners and I am surprised the farmer didn’t shoot the dog. The dog needs kept on a lead -

This dog can’t stay where it is. Most likely to farmer will want it shot. If you can get away without this happening, I guess there is some chance it can be rehomed in an urban environment with people who really know the breed. But sadly I don’t think the outlook for the dog is good.

Dog needs to stay on a lead.
GSPs are really hard work with a huge prey drive.
Killing the peacock was a huge red flag.

Have they grovelled to the farmer and offered compensation? Were there more sheep around? If so how may have miscarried?

Pointers need a lot of input. They are potentially fantastic dogs but are sadly very much over-represented in the "now 12-18 m and out of control" group.
Unfortunately this has been a very exciting and rewarding experience for this dog and since your in-laws are not magically going to develop more energy or interest, he will likely need to be rehomed to someone who is prepared to put in a lot of work and will never ever allow him that level of freedom to terrify or kill livestock again.
Possibly, unfortunately for him, in a non-countryside setting.

Totally agree. They have been irresponsible and let the dog down.

The farmer has been exceptionally kind about the whole thing, although I suspect that may change if the whole herd miscarry.

FIL very nearly shot the dog himself as soon as he was caught.

I'm sorry, but a dog that has previously killed, should never have been in a position where they could do the same again.

Cross post sorry.

Do NOT euthanise a dog for a human's mistake. GSPs are a lot of dog, especially those (still the majority) with a lot of working dogs in their ancestry.

IMHO (and I am familiar with the HPR breeds), he needs regular gundog training, and some work with someone experienced at training dogs around stock. There are specialist trainers who will work with dogs that have killed stock.

He needs work on his recall and his steadiness - that is, teaching him to sit tight while other things go on (you walk away, you throw a ball, a football match is happening right under his nose etc etc). For now, he needs to be kept on-lead unless you know he is secure; he shouldn't need a muzzle. Please bear in mind that we are coming up to lambing, and just chasing sheep in the later months of pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion. I hope your ILs have spoken to the farmer.

If you're prepared to say where he is in the country, or PM me, I can possibly find you an HPR club which would be able to offer your ILs' advice and guidance.

Is the dog ok with humans?

Surely the dog can just be kept on lead? He wouldn't be the only dog. My dog can only be off lead in spaces with no other people or animals. I know another dog who has to stay on lead as he goes for wild rabbits near our meadows. Such strong prey drive.

I feel very bad for the farmer ☹️ and obviously the sheep. But also feel so bad for the dog. Your in-laws have caused a lot of hurt by being careless. Hopefully they have learned from this.

Keep it on a lead or long line unless he’s in a secure dog field - plenty of dogs are. You’re very lucky the farmer is understanding - must have been a huge shock for all concerned.

Sorry, x-post, see your ILs have seen the farmer. Most of them are okay if the owners are up-front and apologetic.

I know a farmer who lost 17 sheep in a single dog attack.

He's been fine with humans so far, although I'm seriously spooked and not happy having him around my children now.

It's such a terribly sad situation and my ILs are devastated. Honestly though I'm not sure they realise this is 100% their fault.

Your FIL very nearly shot the dog himself? That's terrible. Does he not realise its HIS fault and not the dogs. If this was my in laws i wouldn't be able to bite my tongue

Just keep the dog on a lead in public from now on.

Yes, it's horrendous but it's happened now and the fact that the dog aggressive to livestock doesn't meant that it's any danger to humans.

I haven't!!

Very grateful for responses by the way

what irresponsible owners! disgusting people to have allowed it to happen. This makes me so angry!

That's good. Well done for saying something to them!

What was the lead up to it - were they walking him off lead close to the field, or did he bolt from a distance away?

Same!
After killing a peacock (which is horrendous) it should never ever have been let off the lead again

We had friends who had a GSP some years ago. I can safely say they are not suited to city life at all, far too much energy. She had a strong prey drive and killed many small animals/birds, but ultimately ended up biting an elderly neighbour. She was rehomed.

Off lead in a private enclosed field. No idea how he got out as all fencing totally in tact. He must have jumped the fence I guess. Also no gaps in the farmer's fence so no idea how he got in, other than jumping

Yes, on lead in public areas with a basket type muzzle on. Can never be trusted near livestock certainly.

@gottobehavemyself how tall were the fences in the enclosed field?

Taller than average but not deer fences