Anyone have experience introducing ducks to dogs?

[AimToMisbehave]

We recently acquired 7 little baby runner ducklings (2 weeks old, still living in a brood box in the garage) and they're getting used to my husband and I, but we haven't introduced them to our two cattle dogs yet. Eventually we'd like to be able to use the dogs to herd and watch over the ducks, but I'm not sure how to teach the ducks not to be afraid of the dogs, or how to teach the dogs not to harass the ducks. Anyone have any advice?

 

[Darkwing4]

We kept our golden retriever separate from our 4 Anacona Ducks for about 10 weeks. They could see each other, smell each other but no close contact. A couple of times I'd put him on a leash when I took the ducks foraging. I had set up some temporary grazing pens that my dog got into and he was far more interested in the duck's feed than in the ducks. Then we took a chance and let them "free range" together and that was that. The ducks quite like the dog and run over when he's out. He pretty much ignored them like a bored older brother. He's older (10 this Sept.) but still active. Not too much of a hunter although he will get chipmunks in the fall. I had another dog that passed away 3 years ago that was a REAL bird dog. I would never have let him near them.

So, take your time. Always end on a good note. Praise your dog when he ignores the ducks. Don't wait for him to make a bad move to reprimand him. If they're too active, tire them out with a long walk or play ball first. Good luck.

 

[AimToMisbehave]

Thanks so much! Luckily neither of my dogs are hunters of any sort, but my male is boisterous and thinks everything that moves will want to play with him.