I admit I did not read everything.
I will say that I have 2 bird dogs. They stare and point at the chickens from their kennel. Trust them? Only as far as I can throw them. Which aint far.
What worked for us so the hens could be out in the yard at the same time as the dogs is to make the kennel. Dogs in their part and hens in ours.
They watch them and point at them. They also keep the hens out of the strawberry bed. ( Side effect of kennel placement by the strawberries. ) They could clear the fence to get them but do not because they have been trained not to cross fences.
If I could be out there every minute the hens were out I would not worry because the dogs would listen but life happens to call me away sometimes.
The dog kennel is not small at 20 x 75 aprox.
Perhaps a kennel area in the yard would help you as well.
I will say that I have 2 bird dogs. They stare and point at the chickens from their kennel. Trust them? Only as far as I can throw them. Which aint far.
What worked for us so the hens could be out in the yard at the same time as the dogs is to make the kennel. Dogs in their part and hens in ours.
They watch them and point at them. They also keep the hens out of the strawberry bed. ( Side effect of kennel placement by the strawberries. ) They could clear the fence to get them but do not because they have been trained not to cross fences.
If I could be out there every minute the hens were out I would not worry because the dogs would listen but life happens to call me away sometimes.
The dog kennel is not small at 20 x 75 aprox.
Perhaps a kennel area in the yard would help you as well.