Me and the OH were out walking our 2 boys, both are rescue dogs, the other day in the woods, off leads. When from out of knowhere 2 deer ran across the path in front of us and into the trees. Both boys set off. I bellowed "NO" and to my great surprise Tigger the elder of the two (a cross GSD, Lurcher,Boxer thingy) stopped dead in his tracks and returned to me. I was stunned! Midget however who is nearly 2 (an absolutly mad, hyper, cross, staffie, lurcher, thingy) ran into the trees for a split second and then poped back out again, had a look at me and OH, and went for a split second back into the trees and poped out again and then came back to us. Me and OH were so proud of both our boys but also a little suprised. The thing we find bazare is that if the deer had been another dog/dogs, we wouldn't have seen either of them for dust and there probably would have been quite a scene as both our boys are rather full on. Can anyone explain. Or is it as simple as, well it was a deer and not a dog! Interrested to hear what others may think Thanks.

It was probably the tone in which you bellowed

When we are shocked/surprised/scared commands can come out in a much stronger tone that the dogs often tend to respond to without thinking.

Kerioak,
I understand what you are saying, but the same tone is used when there are other dogs involved, but it never results in such immediate responses from either one of our boys. Prehaps they did just notice that they were not dogs by smell, size etc. The interest was still there from our younger dog, but to a certain extent that is his nature. He is a wee bit mad, bless him. Thanks for your reply.

I bet it's not the same tone. Same happened to me and my Sal a while ago she headed for the road with another dog just playing but scared me. I shouted and she stopped dead then flew back to me. It must have been my tone because she was really trying to reassure me all the way round the walk.
Good to know they can be stopped when you need them to though isn't it. :)
Well done
Karen   

Kazz,
I must confess both me and the OH were extremly pleased with the reaction that we got from both our boys. It really made us both feel that all the bin diving, soiled carpets, chewed cushions and training to turn these 2 scallywags into house dogs and part of the family had been worth it. They were both rescued strays. We were indeed rewarded by their behaviour. Lets hope they don't forget it should they meet deers again.

Or if they do don't worry. Time is a great teacher :)

Says she with Stafford ;)

Karen