English Shephers

[monkeys23]

Originally Posted by OutlineACDs

LGD's were meant to do exactly as described, patrol the farm, guard livestock, etc. I'm pretty sure an English Shepherd is more of an all purpose farm dog, and would require a bit more family time and individual training to keep it occupied.

I had an LGD chase my car as I was leaving my parent's house last weekend. What if it'd been some douche hunter from the valley or something that like to speed through that area?

Riding with my friend's hubby to go see her, we almost hit a different LGD in a different ranch area that was chasing cars on the highway. Apparently the cars on the highway were more engaging than his flock of sheep. I notice they no longer have an LGD with the flock....

Any breed of dog can chase cars.

[LostAndConfused]

Originally Posted by Hespa

I have been doing some research on this breed. The one question that we have not found an answer to is - is this breed apt to chase cars, trucks, etc. because of their herding traits? Years ago we had Shelties and that was one thing they just thought they needed to do. If an English Shepherd is taught that is not allowed as a puppy, will they not give in to temptation later on?

My English Shepherd pup is certainly interested in the cars. He is always on a leash (yard not currently fenced), but he watches them. I definitely think that he would chase cars if given the chance, especially if he is unsupervised

[MafiaPrincess]

Originally Posted by Hespa

We are on a farm. The dog needs to be able to stroll around the farm to keep an eye on anything that is not the way it should be or persons entering barns to steal tools, gas, etc. We have two sets of buildings on 150 acres and unfortunately a road disections our farm.

Even if the puppy didn't chase cars.. I'd be worried that you expect your dog to stroll I assume both sides of that road. Even if it doesn't chase cars, it may still be hit by one. Sounds like you could use an alarm system, not an animal.

[corgipower]

Originally Posted by Aleron

I would say it is because they "think cars are sheep" but herding breed dogs are wired to be motion sensitive and interested in controlling movement so it isn't all that far fetched to think some would develop car chasing issues if given the opportunity.

Being turned on and responding to movement is a prey drive thing and far from exclusive to herding.

Herding is simply a matter of channeled prey drive when used to control specific other species.