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

It sounds as if, while your in-laws might have bitten off more than they can chew with a drivey GSP. They were not being irresponsible, though: he was in a field they thought was secure - just where you think you're okay to take your eye off the dog to tie a shoelace or go back to the gate where the poo bin is.

That is probably why the farmer has been kind about it.

The dog does NOT need to be put down. He is highly unlikely to be a danger to humans, adults or children.

Sorry to disappoint. My family are farmers, I grew up on a farm in a farming community. It comes down to money, they don’t do it for the long hours and love of animals. They look after them because good quality animals mean 💰

@gottobehavemyself most large dogs can easily jump fences - my beagle can jump a 5ft fence from standing without much effort.

A secure field is very different to an enclosed field. Enclosed just means it's fenced all the way around - secure (theoretically) means its inescapable, which generally means 7-8ft fencing.

Thank you again for responses. Agree that unlikely this is right home and more should have been done before. Training and preventative measures needed - finding that reassuring re aggression to humans too. I think this is where their minds are at right now, lead and training.

We have a working cocker and walk him daily throught the sheep fields. He is off the lead on most of our walk but put him on his lead when we are walking past live stock. He is great dog but I wouldn't trust him with the sheep. A few years ago we never realised the sheep were in the field, opened the gate without checking first and our dog starting running and barking towards the sheep. We called him back and he came back straight away. He is good with recall but if he never, I dread to think what would of happened. Either a dead sheep or a sheep that had a miscarriage. We were lucky and I know the farmer wouldn't hesitate to have shot any dog that attacks or threatens his live stock.

The dog doesn't need to be put down but it's unlikely he will ever be trustworthy off-lead near livestock. He can be trained to recall/heel etc which will make things easier.

I agree with the PP who said to look for a working gun dog trainer.

Children are not livestock. Dogs kill livestock due to instinct. No breed has been bred to instinctively hunt humans.

It’s in the dogs nature, the dogs not being bad or naughty he’s just not very well trained. The dog must be kept on a lead,unless it’s a secure field. it’s not his fault it’s what he was bred to do.

A lead and training for a dog.... what a novel idea. 🤔

Look, if you can't be helpful, perhaps just bugger off.
You seem to have come to this thread to be unpleasant.

OP's family are feeling terrible, so snark is utterly uncalled for.

Firstly I’d warn the dogs insurer that a sizable bill is to be expected from the farmer. It’s no different to the dog smashing up a China shop.

As for shooting it, whilst I would have shot it if it was in with our livestock, there are alternatives…

Traditionally such dogs would be shot or put in a stable with a couple of youngish rams for a few hours, and generally afterwards they would never look at a sheep again. The alternative is a hugely restrictive life muzzled on a long line. I have seen stock proofing classes advertised previously but I doubt anyone would be keen on exposing their livestock to the dog as part of the lessons given it’s history.

It's a dog, why are they surprised?

My dog would do exactly the same if not supervised.

He is a kelpie who loves to round everyone up. Kills lizards and possums. If he had the opportunity he'd kill a sheep for sure, that's why we supervise him around livestock.

Can't kill a dog for being a dog.

No the dog doesn't need to be euthanized. It is seriously lucky that the dog A) didn't get shot at the time and B) that the farmer hasn't demanded stronger consequences.

It isn't the dog's fault. It is owners being irresponsible. Even if the dog has good recall, they need to be kept on a lead around sheep.

a German pointer chased and bit my sister, she rode past its house on her bike. its chased her several times since and is very aggressive.

To be fair, it was a reasonable comment. A lead and training are basic to having dogs. These owners sound really irresponsible and there’s not really any defending them. The sheep have sufferers a terrible end and the dog has been failed.

We have a pointer who is the same age as your in-laws dog. We have had dogs before but never a pointer. She is whole different ball game! They need a lot of exercise and/or constant stimulation to keep them engaged. Saying that she is daft as a brush and brilliant around the kids. Also have done a lot of work in trying to keep her from chasing our cats etc.

If the farmer is happy enough with compensation there is no need for the dog to be put to sleep. There just needs to be a lot of input from them to make sure this never happens again. The dog did what it did through instinct so now as it is still young it is time to try anything to get that prey drive turned off. Pointers don’t react well to harsh treatment but with the right training with the right person it is still a malleable young dog.

It is an awful situation to be in and I bet they feel absolutely terrible but it is their fault and not the dogs. Pointers are hunting dogs and their prey drive is notoriously high so if they are not hunting with it they need to find something to tire the dog out. This is not necessarily huge walks all the time but more brain games and getting them to use those instincts in a good way.

Good luck with it all and I hope they manage to resolve it. Pointers are lovely, intelligent and emotional dogs 🐶

There had been other comments. It was the final straw.

Thank you

I'm sure the dog excusers will explain how that's your sister's fault.

Oh god that’s terrible and they were probably pregnant ☹️
any children around? Sorry no experience but I wouldn’t want this dog near my loved ones

I also grew up on a farm. I still live in a rural community. Yes, farms are a business. That does not mean that many farmers don't care deeply about their animal's well-being. They just don't apply human values to them. You can care about animals without treating them like humans.

All seemed fair to me.

That's horrendous but I'm not sure what it has to do with OP's situation.

taketheleadtraining.co.uk/

Please have a chat with Jamie. Amazing bloke.

People are saying this aggressive sheep killing dog should be rehomed in an urban setting.

This looks ideal. Thank you