Chasing and catching bees !

[parsnip68]

About 3 months ago we rehomed a 10 year old spaniel collie cross. It was a very stressful change for her but she has settled in well. We had a few early incidents where her anxiety over the new situation/different routines etc showed as agressive possession of a 'treasure' but we have made great improvements there by using positive training and she has quickly learned that sharing is fun and rewarding. We also consistently ensure she obeys a command for every reward, which she willingly does.

However, she loves, absolutely loves, bees. I believe this was encouraged previously by being laughed at, especially as her previous owners had no garden as such so very few bees. But we have lots of flowers and lots of bees ! Mostly she is content to just gaze at them but will, if they happen to come close, leap about and snap at them, with some success at catching them too. And when she catches one she spits it out and becomes very possessive over it.

We are, of course, discouraging this and call her away if it looks like the temptation is becoming too much and rewarding her when she does. However, this is having limited success in actually breaking the habit. And if she does catch one she is very reluctant to walk away and reverts to her old habits of growling and snarling.

Can anyone suggest any other techniques for this situation ?

Thanks for your time.