by Shelia West

Created on: November 24, 2008   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

They say a dog is man's best friend. And it's always nice to have a friend to tag along with you wherever you go. It's nice to have someone to talk to that won't criticize you, or yell at you, or even tell you to be quiet. He'll just listen and wag his tail as if he's agreeing with every word you say. And if you live on a farm or ranch, a dog can be your only companion for long stretches of time. As you do your chores and tasks, a dog will happily keep you company and never rush you.

However, if your dog has taken to chasing your livestock, you have a problem. To him it might just be a game, but it's certainly not fun to the animal being chased. And even worse, it could lead to the dog attacking the animal he is chasing. More than likely, the pup is just plain bored and chasing the animals provides a form of entertainment.

However, no matter how much entertainment it is, it is essential that you teach your dog not to chase the farm animals. Dogs should be trained as early as possible that they must leave the livestock alone. Good training will make your life, your dog's life, and most certainly your livestock's lives much easier.

If you get your dog as a puppy, start his training immediately. Take him with you on your chores, but do not allow him to chase any animals. Chickens are especially interesting to puppies. If your puppy tries to chase the chickens, scold him and tell him no in a stern voice. If he continues to chase the chickens or any other animal, tie him up or put him in his pen for a little while. Then try letting him loose among them again. If he starts chasing them again and disobeys you, pen or tie him up again. After a while he will learn that if he does not mind you, he will get penned up. And that's certainly not fun.

Dogs are smart animals. Your dog will learn very quickly what the word no means. But what if you're not there to tell him no? Well, in the beginning, it is best not to leave him loose around the livestock. Until he learns that chasing the livestock is something he must not do, don't give him the chance. Once you think he should know that chasing the farm animals is wrong, start testing him. Leave him out around the animals and see how he does. Watch him from a window or from the barn. If he starts chasing them, come out and scold him firmly.

If your dog still doesn't respond to your telling him no, you might try using a shock collar. Some people think this is a form of cruelty, but it is very effective. And it is no different than using an electric fence to keep a dog inside a yard. The dog learns its boundary by receiving a mild shock if he gets too close. The closer he gets, the stronger the shock. You would only use the collar to teach the dog what he cannot do. Once he learns, you will no longer need the collar.

There are other ways to prevent your dog from chasing and possibly attacking your livestock. You could fence your livestock off, but that could be very expensive. Or you could tie your dog up or keep him in a small fenced area. But that's no life for a dog. In addition, both you and your dog would lose out on the companionship and enjoyment of each other's company. For your sake, and especially for your pup's sake, just teach him to leave the livestock alone. Believe me, the best way to prevent your dog from chasing the livestock is to train him not to.

But remember he is a dog and dogs need exercise. Make sure he gets that exercise from playing with you. If he wants to chase something, let it be a ball. Keep your dog from searching out his own form of excitement and fun by teaching him that livestock are not part of his play regime.

Learn more about this author, Shelia West.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.