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Friday, March 20, 2009

Re: [AlpacaTalk] LGD with alpaca

I can't address the part with how he acts with the Alpacas, no experience with that; but, I can give you some info on dogs and dog behavior in general (I've raised/trained dogs for many years).  Unless someone took the time, before you got him at 7 months, to teach him sit/stay etc  there wouldn't be any way for him to know what those words meant.  The way you describe how he acts when you tried to work with him makes me think that someone was harsh and/or heavy handed with him.  I don't have knowledge on that breed; some breeds are much more sensitive and maybe that is part of it.  The barking when he's in the pasture and Alpacas are locked in the barn.....he's lonely most likely.  Sound consistant positive reward training goes a long ways.  I would think if you put him on a leash or long line....go out in the pasture with the Alpacas and if he reacts the wrong way (tries to jump at them or chase) you would then be in the position to correct
him.  You could also try with him on a short leash and take him close to the Alpacas.  The goal is for him to stay in a calm/submissive state.  Watch his body language/attitude (tensing up? head/tail up?) as you approach them.  If you see these signs, STOP.....give an upward quick pop by pulling the leash upwards...just enough to take his mind of the Alpacas which is causing his change in attitude.  This basically is to snap him out of that elevation level of excitement.  Go SLOW, it could take time to get him relaxed around the Alpacas.  I'd also suggest calling the breeder and asking them for suggestions or help.  Hope this will help you.
   Marsha

--- On Fri, 3/20/09, chrystella.volk <chrystella.volk@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: chrystella.volk <chrystella.volk@yahoo.com>
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] LGD with alpaca
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, March 20, 2009, 9:51 AM

Need some advise here.

I purchased a Maremma as a guardian for my alpaca. I brought him home at 7 months old. I was told that he was raised with alpaca and his parents were working dogs on the farm that I purchased him from.

The problem is that he chases the alpaca and jumps at them. He does not bark except if I allow him access to the pasture after I put the alpacas in for the night. He is not barking at anything. He barks to get someone's attention. He is not leash broke and does not understand the simplest commands (come, sit, stay).

I have tried to work with him in regards to the commands and the leash, but the dog will cringe, curl into a ball, and start yipping as though I was physically hurting him.

I am at my wits end and I am prepared to take the dog back for a refund. I have pregnant alpacas and do not want to take a chance of them getting hurt or stressed out from being chased.

Please advise what you think.

Chrys
Ruggles, OH

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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posted by Chaddo at 8:21 AM

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