20 m/o Kelpie with strong chase instinct - 2009-08-25

Question

I have a female kelpie, 20 months old and I am taking her to obedience and agility training - she is very quick leaner but she will not pay attention if there are other dogs running around, barking etc - with no other dogs around, she is excellent. Soon as she sees other dogs "having fun" she hangs on the choker chain (nearly chokes herself), will not look at me or respond to her name, very frustrating as I can't let her go to do agility (or obedience) as she runs off and wants to chase the other dogs - I have been taking her to training since the beginning of the year - I think the trainers have given up on us! - Please help - Di and "Annie"

Answer

It sounds like ‘Annie’ needs some desensitizing with her high chase and herding instinct. Her age also contributes to this, however I would replace the chain with a Gentle Leader or similar equipment, allowing her to calm down a little and learn not to chase all things that run / move. This will take time, but as she matures and gets desensitized I would recommend agility as this will really put her little brain to work! If persists, look for a good behavioural trainer to assist you as otherwise you will have this problem and when engrained it only becomes harder to change it.