ANOTHER tragedy!

[kmollyhughes]

My dogs didn't like our chickens for the longest time. We have around 70 chickens that free range on our property and through last summer and all winter the dogs were either in the front yard or their large run. Guess seeing but not touching for so long made it easy for them to get over the excitement. Don't give up on your dog! They're curious but can be taught! My pitbull couldn't care less about the flock now.
A couple years ago I would've said it wasn't possible.

Our pitbull watching over a few of the girls:

My lab, more interested in more food than a chicken. Don't let that cute face fool you. He's an egg thief and pushes his way under the hens in the nesting boxes for fresh eggs.

There is hope...just takes working with the dog.

 

[Cindy in PA]

Sorry for your loss, but dogs will be dogs. Has your daughter tried training classes? Running in the yard is not enough exercise for a strong 1 year old dog unless it is for hours at a time. Puppies are a big pain! Large puppies are worse. Mental stimulation with training would help. Your only choice right now is a fort knox coop & run or never leave the dog out when the chickens are. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Most dogs can learn to leave chickens alone, but it takes a lot of training. Only you can decide if you have the patience & love this dog enough. I could never choose chickens over a dog, but that's just me. I know it makes everything much more complicated. Good luck.

 

[Newbeloveschics]

Thank you. Pretty good advice.

 

[Newbeloveschics]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have a lot to think about....

 

[byc4me]

A 1 year-old dog of any breed that 'can't' be walked or exercised is frustrated and chewing out of boredom and lack of stimulation. The dog is cooped up and full of energy that it can't get rid of. These types of dogs chew and dig and bark out of shear boredom. Take the dog to an obedience class and teach it how to walk on a leash and make him into a better pet. Dogs don't exercise and train themselves. If he's digging to find some cool, he may be better off inside. They're a lot of work for sure, but just like kids you only get out what you put in. I once had a puppy who chewed down so many of my shrubs and I had chickenwire wrapped around things all over my yard (before I even had any chickens). I was so frustrated with all the things she did . . . until, I realized that it wasn't Bitter Apple spray and chicken wire she needed -- it was exercise and LOTS of it. We were both MUCH better off because of it. Good luck.

 

[Peeps61]

Hello again! You have a dog who is in the equivalent of the "terrible twos" as far as a human child goes! Take him/her to training. If you can't do it because of your health concerns, pay for the class and take the dog and your daughter to it. Most classes meet once a week and you learn a few new things each class and practice them during the week. Generally, each person and dog team will need to demonstrate the "learned" commands before the class begins with the new ones for that session. It was the best thing I ever did with my 8 month old Golden Retriever puppy, who was terribly destructive, but turned out to be a wonderful dog once she had learned some self-control and settled down somewhat. Pitbulls are hard-headed sometimes, but they are smart and can learn quickly if reinforced correctly - whether it's a reprimand for bad behavior or praise for good behavior/responses. Good luck! The obedience class is well worth it in terms of bonding with your dog and getting them to see YOU as the authority figure. My dog would not mind anyone else but me if I put her under command. If she was in the yard, she'd mind anyone who called her, except for strangers. They weren't allowed in the yard without a family member. Also, you learn the training methods as you go along, so you can use them with any dog you may get afterwards. I have two mixed breed mid-sized dogs who will come when I call them and leave my chickens alone. Our Golden (not the one from above) has since passed away, so she's no bother to the birds. Good luck to you in your situation. It's very frustrating having a puppy that age that won't mind at least some of the time and is eating your house down around you. I gave my puppies big rawhide bones to chew on. It kept them busy for a while, anyway.