Sheep now safer after dog training
DOG owners learned how to keep their pets under control and stop them attacking animals.
The Sutton Parish Plan Steering Group identified a problem with livestock being chased and attacked in the parish and launched series of events teaching pet owners how to keep dogs under control.
Members held a livestock chasing event at Sutton Hall Farm with kind permission of farmer Bud Eardley who provided the land and four sheep. The event consisted of one-to-one training to tackle livestock chasing with Jez Frith, an animal behaviourist from the Animal Behaviour Clinic.
The owners who came for training had not experienced problem with their dog chasing sheep, but wanted to ensure that it never happened.
Dog owners who could not make the day are scheduled to have the training at Jez Frith’s training ground in Lower Withington.
Jez said: “Livestock chasing for many dogs is an exciting, intoxicating, game that often brings about such a high that all previous known obedience control vanishes.
“To both the owner and the farmer, a dog chasing livestock can be particularly traumatic, both emotionally and financially.
“Suddenly losing all control of your dog as it chases after sheep brings about despair and panic, but there is training to deal with the issue.”
Jane Buckley, who brought two spaniels for the training, said: “I am employing the good advice to a very positive effect with Ruby and Jack.
“I am impressed with their response and more confident around livestock.”
Kevin Hoines, from the Sutton Parish Plan Steering Group, said the group is encouraging more people to undertake the training.
He said: “There have been a number of incidents with dogs chasing livestock, sometimes with the sheep being killed or so badly injured that it has had to be put down.
“A dog chasing anything can lead to catastrophic consequences.”
Anyone interested can contact Jez on jez.frith@ btinternet.com or phone 07712 134525.