Lurcher Will Not Jump During A Chase

[jhiggins 48]

I have a 18 month old bitch that is doing really well.

 

The only problem I am finding recently is that when the rabbit goes under the fence or gate or hedge, she tries to go through the same hole instead of jumping over.

 

As you can imagine, this has lead to some nasty grazes, bruising and a lot of escaped bunnies!!

 

She is more than capable of jumping a five bar gate and jumping into the back of the truck no problem but when her blood is up, all this goes out the window!!

 

Anyone come across this problem or think of any ways to solve it??

 

J

[Bosun11 537]

The dog lacks confidence in its own ability. Though it can jump, i'll bet it has not been schooled to jump and therefor, when under pressure, takes what it thinks is the easy option.

 

Back to the drawing board, start very small and increase week by week. Use wire, chicken is best, as it stretches easy and increase it bit by bit over the next few weeks. Have it jump all sorts of obstacles BUT don't over match it... Confidence is key!

Always use a word when training (I use 'hup') so the dog knows when its jump time.

 

Make sure the dog see's it as fun, so don't over match it and put pressure on, if its confidently hopping, then flying over stuff, more likely it will do it without thinking in the field.

[bird 9,984]

will it chase balls or retrieve dummy , if so throw them over a small fence 1st, just to get it used to them.The ball better really as the dog in chase and will or should go right after it, and the fence shouldn't stop it. Not saying this will make it go over a fence if the rabbit hits the edge, but at least it knows it can jump if it wants to .!

 

 

[pip1968 2,490]

its not uncommon as you think that dogs pull up or go under gates or fences,iv seen very few dogs when chasing look for another route rather than go over

[jhiggins 48]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

I do put a lot of time to teaching her to jump over a range of things.

 

I dont think confidence is the key. She will retrieve her dummy over fences, gates and logs no problem.

 

I think the problem is associating the rabbit going under the fence with her needing to go under the fence, in the same way that when i throw her dummy over the fence, she goes over to get it.

 

I think i need to start throwing her dummy through the fence instead of over it, what do you think??

 

Thanks again for the replies

 

J

[bird 9,984]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

I do put a lot of time to teaching her to jump over a range of things.

 

I dont think confidence is the key. She will retrieve her dummy over fences, gates and logs no problem.

 

I think the problem is associating the rabbit going under the fence with her needing to go under the fence, in the same way that when i throw her dummy over the fence, she goes over to get it.

 

I think i need to start throwing her dummy through the fence instead of over it, what do you think??

 

Thanks again for the replies

 

J

try it you never know, it might work

[socks 32,253]

Whatever command you use to get the dog to jump use it when the dog is chasing a rabbit and reaches a fence or gate ... Scream and shout it if needs be to start with until the dog automatically does it ........

[johnharris 177]

I wish mine didn't jump, he got caught on a fence 2 weeks ago, cost me £300 in the vets and he is off for the rest of the season. I would of rathered the rabbit got away :_(

[Country Joe 1,411]

Unless the rabbit goes through the fence onto ground where a catch can be made, but most will hit a bury, the Whippet X Beddy bitch i had, usually found a way, but would not jump the square mesh with wire on top, I usualy take a single ferret and a few nets in my pocket when just out for a mooch, and my dogs will usually pick up the scent and take me to the bury.

I have seen a few bad tears in the past with dogs having to go to the Vet, not worth it for a rabbit.

[baw 4,360]

It's still only young and I'm guessing on its first season. I'd just keep at it mate, it'll click or take it out in daylight with an experienced dog.

[brendy mc l 694]

Could be worse could stand and look at running away

[nothernlite 18,089]

give it time mate still learning

[Phil Lloyd 10,738]

This is a swings and roundabouts kinda predicament,...albeit one with an often dangerous conclusion...

 

Whist it is useful for a running dog to be capable of negotiating obsticles,.. in a safe and competent manner,...you gotta ask yourself the all important question,..."How fecking badly do you need that particular rabbit or hare "....

[Hot Meat 3,109]

most folk iv watched only ever teach a lurcher to jump from a standstill, and as a result one of most common things im asked for advice for is jumpin, my kids teach my mutts to jump now, 1st thet start wirh jumps from a stand still, then they move onto jumpin whilst trotting. they do that by getting dog used to jumping small ditches rather than over things, more a long jump than a high jump, then it gets put together until young dogs are jumpin over things whilst running, then just increase the height an speed, most stuff my mutts catch over a jump is usually within a yard or 2 of other side

[wirral countryman 2,110]

Many lads start pups off on the lamp,they are taught to come straight back when the quarry hits the hedge or the lamp was shut off,this may be a possibility with yours ?? is this the way you started off ??? that could explain it if so,there are lots of lads that wouldn't be bothered by what you describe but it is impressive to see your dog jump a hedge and come back over with its quarry in its mouth, WM