Border Collie

[durbsguy]

I have recently got back my dog from my parents after a 5 year break, as I was transferred abroad. He has always been fine with shotguns and fire works but give him the seagulls calling and he's petrified. I used to live in Oxfordshire but now moved to Essex. If I take him down to the boulevard along the beach front, as soon as he hears seagulls calling he wet himself followed by trotting around in tight circles around my legs. At home if he hears them outside or on TV he runs upstairs and hides under the bed, which never happened in Oxfordshire. My girlfriend works from home and if she goes out she has an assistant so there is always someone there. Does anyone have any advice on how to calm him as he seems to be getting worse.

Edited September 12, 2011 by durbsguy

[kent]

Now remember Collies are half crackers. with most dogs you might presume a bad experiance in the past with a collie well

Bit like getting people over phobias, gentle exposure for lengthening periods perhaps? I

Edited September 13, 2011 by kent

[PLH1966]

Now remember Collies are half crackers. with most dogs you might presume a bad experiance in the past with a collie well

Bit like getting people over phobias, gentle exposure for lengthening periods perhaps? I

 

Just picked up on this thread.

My collie is 10 years old & for years was terrified of guns - even plastic ones - but by gradually introducing them to his everyday life he now comes out with me & even at 10 years old has learnt to retrieve & obey simple whistle commands.

It's true, he is a bit mad, but it seems age has calmed him down a bit, although his attention span can be a bit "limited" :lol:

Edited December 29, 2011 by PLH1966

[cracker]

You sure he ain't a toller in drag? If he is, you might recourse at the tips of his paws - and tail.

 

 

But five years on, you may have to live with it - or move away from the seaside (though in the States that would be of no help since gulls have "migrated" hundreds and hundreds of miles inland).

 

How is he with other birds - not necessarily retrieving them but behaviour? If you can come up with a cold pigeon and play some herding games with it...

 

Interestingly, borders are used in the US (and the UK?) to disperse flocks of geese from airport tarmacs and golf courses - so "avianophobia" ain't a concern.

 

MG

Edited December 29, 2011 by cracker

[bedwards1966]

Let him get used to them over time, as time goes on he should learn they don't hurt.

When he's worried, ignore the seagulls, don't try to reassure him that everything is OK, as doing so will tell him there is something to be worried about, pretend nothing is happening.