ibizan

Bosco: Sighthounds (ibizan hounds in particular) training? i'm really thinking of getting a ibizan hound...I have found a wonderful breeder of show dogs (which i would be getting) but i was wondering about training off leash. I know off leash is a big deal with these guys since they chase things..but is it possible to ever have them off leash outside (in a non enclosed space) I do quite Alto of training with my dogs..And their stays are proofed to the point if a wild animal is running past they will not leave..Is it possible to do with these guys? I know it will take ALOT of training..but i was just wondering..:) Thanks! thank you..:) I have aussies so sight hounds are completely different for me.. I plan to show this dog in obedience and agility..:) So i was just trying to figure out if this type of dog WOULD be good for me..:) I could always just show inside! Photo Credit: Marianne Perdomo/Flickr CC Answers and Views: Answer by walking lady RIP Tom I've had dozens of sighthounds and while you may think your dog's 100% reliable, NO sighthound can overcome thousands of years of genetics in any obedience course. They WILL run if a rabbit or deer or cat crosses their path and they won't ever hear you calling them. Having said that, I've had afghans, 2 greyhounds, and an Irish wolfhound who could be let off leash - BUT - you have to know the area and your dog very, very well. If you get an ibizan, you have to be prepared to never let him off lead in an unfenced area. I do a lot of proofing with my dogs, too. I just in the past couple of weeks called my 13 month old Belgian terv off a rabbit. He came instantly. No sighthound would. Answer by Epic Proportions I’m a sighthound owner and can say with confidence, off-leash is a bad idea unless the area is completely secure. Training is one thing, but you can’t train instinct out of these most noble breeds. Any reputable breeder or enthusiast of any sighthound breed will caution you against allowing such a dog off leash. Answer by ragapple Beezers are famous with the lure coursing crowd - they run the course after the lure and then rerun the course without lure - and rerun the course.... Tales tell of THREE HOURS getting a dog to stop and yes owner was calling, waving toys, treats ect. Proofing a stay while wildlife runs past- gee can you teach a bird not to fly? seriously I DO have sight hounds (whippets which are worse than Beezers for chasing everything that moves) and DO do obedience (outside) and agility. Training area needs to be enclosed (especially in beginning) but by the time you have them in compotion they generally are proofed to the normal distractions and the chances of a deer or rabbit running through a show ground with hundreds of dogs is slim... Now last week it was a "versatility" event - on the edge of the running field - my girls brain fell out every time we heeled toward the field. (but she did stay in heal position sorta)... you could pick the up with least sign of lure drive in the litter... HOWEVER - as an OB? Agility dog there is another problem... like many sighthounds Beezer typically are not driven to please you IE: no treats in ring so why do I do this? Know better? Give your own answer to this question! Photo Credit: andreaarden/Flickr CC