just please remember smart dog with nothing to do (any breed).. usually will "find" things to do,, and you wont like it when he finds things to keep himself busy...
this usually means... digging, chewing,, destroying, chasing,, and killing
ruth.. well good for you.. i am glad where you live it is like that...
but for the rest of us.. roaming dog means DEAD birds and stock.. just read the many, many other threads on the subject..
also when the shepard breed was developed the SHEPARD HUMAN was with the flock.. with the dogs.. ALL...
you got the wrong dog....
yes they CAN BE TRAINED.. but there NATURAL instincts are to HERD and/or drive flocks... NOT protect them...
lots of training.. never let him ONCE chase those chickens...
for the next 2 years you should always BE THERE when he is around the chickens so you can curb...