squirels squirels everywhere!!

[jennyp]

Brody is extremely reactive to squirels. Whenever he sees one he goes into this state of frenzy, he practicaly foams at the mouth. He used to react to birds too, although not to this degree, but by making him sit and giving him treats for being calm we've made a lot of progress on this. Now he either ignores the birds or if he gets a little too interested I just say leave it and he listens. My problem is- this isn't working with the squirels. He becomes entirely fixated. He lunges and barks and goes into crazy prey mode. I can get him to sit for me but he will not calm down. He won't look at me even if I have high value treats. This is so frustrating during walks because his excitement lasts for a long time after the squirel is gone. For like 5 minutes he's still looking for it and it's really hard to manage him during this time. How do I fix this? My previous method of giving treats doesn't work because he will not give focus to me. AT ALL. I really want to hike with him but the woods are like squirel heaven so it's not a pleasant experience. Help!!

[DJEtzel]

I think you need this-

[PaddyD]

Perfect collar!
My dog is the same. I have to put a leash on her just to go to the car in case there is a squirrel nearby or, even worse, across the street.

[jennyp]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

I think you need this-

HaHa Actually that's really cute

[kiya]

Squirrels are EVIL.
I am sure that Lakota learned all about them from Kiya. Both my girls are absolutely "Nuts" about them. I can't say the word without them getting into a frenzy or looking up into the trees.
There is one in the backyard that will sit on my deck, teasing the dogs, poor Lakota sits by the door whinning, hoping it will open.
Unfortunately they rate higher than cats in Lakota's book. I haven't figured out how to change her mind yet.

[adas]

Part of me is saying, hey they're dogs, that is what they do, let them have their fun, just train them to "freeze" whenever you want them to. That or catch them BEFORE they go into the prey mode to freeze and once in awhile let them "go gettum" as a reward. Although I have little experience compared to others here, I found if you stop them before they go into prey and then let them once in awhile go gettum, they will judge that as "reasonable" and will obey, rather than never letting them chase.

Francis

[Baron's Dad]

I live in what used to be a State Park in a wooded area with a big tree within touching distance of the deck. The squirrels like to tease my dogs and will occassionaly throw twigs and stuff down at them. It's very funny!.. There are also raccoons that come a calling frequently and every now and then deer will come into the area at the back of the house. These are known as "Deer Dogs" and Anja will freeze and just watch with immense curiosity. Baron has yet to see a Deer Dog! I'm looking forward to that day!

[Andaka]

Be nice to the squirrels! One of them just might be a "rally squirrel" (Go Cards).