BIG QUESTION

[Bamagal]

We want to get a pup for home. Train it for a watch dog out here in the country. Anyone have any info on getting a dog that will be great with our chickens?
Just do not know what to do about this. We need a dog, but want to have our chickens safe also.
Thanks so much,
Bamagal

 

[homesteader34]

Well, I have a mini datsun that is doing great with mine. He comes inside when he wants. And we let our chics out some. We have set on the couch holding a chick while he was laying on the other end of couch. But he is a good natured dog. We also have a cat inside, and they are best friends. I think its in how you raise them. Because I always thought our dog was a bird dog and so far so good. But Im new at this, so good luck!

Also, we are having dog issues *in another post*. The belong to my inlaws(next door). They are labs, bulldogs, and hunting dogs. But I honestly think if they were treated right, they wouldnt be as mean and aggressive as they are. But im no expert.

 

[Picco]

Most dogs will be good with chickens if they are socialized with them early on. Dogs are predators and most have a killer instinct when it comes to prey animals like chickens. this instinct can be curbed a bit with training but some breeds seem to have less of it than others. Any dog that has been bred for hunting (terriers, beagles, hounds...) is generally a bad choice but some are great with chickens. Labs and Goldens are by nature calm and are genrally good choices but they will still need to be socialized. As I mentioned before socialization is the key. Behavior has a lot to do with how a dog is raised and trained.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I'm sure many people will reply with their favorite breed. Go to the AKA website and read up on the different breeds. Look for the ones that are said to be of a good temperament and historically have been used to herd animals. Many of the shepherd types are good with animals and are good watchdogs. In my experience most of the retrievers and birddogs are hard to break of their genetically inclined habits. They love to chase birds. That being said most any dog can be trained to not mess with the animals, they just need to be raised around them and disciplined not to chase them, some breeds will be harder to train than others though...

Do some research, visit with pet owners that have breeds you are interested and "interview" the dogs. When it's time to make a purchase go to a reputable breeder. Ask to see the parents. If the parents are not what you'd expect of the breed, go elsewhere.

 

[cookinmom]

Labs and Goldens are by nature calm and are genrally good choices but they will still need to be socialized

I take it this calmness develops after the puppy phase!!! My vet told me Shadow would be like he is for 2 YEARS!!!!! I've seen what he does with his toys, and even though he likes to sit outside the run and watch the chickens, I don't want him in contact with them. They'll just have to do their socializing "through the bars".

 

[Royal Oaks Ranch]

Labs and golden retrievers are hunting dogs.. IF you decide to gowith one of those know that they are puppies until at least 2 yrs old. They will have to be taught that chickens are a BIG no no.. Since in their mind its abird they will naturaly want to point or retrieve it..
I have German shpeherds.. They are excellent guard dogs. They are also good around the birds.
It takes lots of discipline and always making sure they know that the chickens are not squeaky toys no matter if they are flopping around in the dust or fighting... My bird dog has learned that the chickens are off limits... My pheasants and quail however I just make sure he cant get too.. I cant very well correct him for pointing at them LOL.. A good hunting dog needs to know what bird is okay to hunt and what isnt. So a real strict obedience plan is needed if you get a hunting dog. Noone wants their bird dog going after robins, black birds and such no more than they want them going after chickens.. Once they learn what is the correct bird to hunt they will be much happier and not as bad as a threat to your chickens...

 

[4H kids and mom]

We also have a "forever puppy" lab who is now 2 years old. He is VERY hyper and jumpy and doesnt know his own size/weight, etc. I do not allow him in the yard with the chickens or goats because they run, and he chases as a natural instinct. Labs are great dogs, dont get me wrong. They are eager to please, and VERY easy to train and housebreak. BUT they are wiggly, hyper, happy dogs that wag their tails so fiercely when they are happy to see you or someone new, that they knock things off tables and shelves! They also love to lick, lick, lick. When there is no human to lick, alot of them take to licking themselves.

A PERFECT breed to raise to protect your flock is the Great Pyrenees. They are huge, gentle giants who are bred to watch flocks. They are incredibly hairy cuddly things that do great with all animals and children. We are actually going to get one when we buy a bigger farm. I plan to let it roam all day with the flocks. Heres a website on them:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatpyrenees.htm

 

[Bamagal]

Thank you all very much for all the in put. I think I will go to the aka web site & look for a good flock dog.
Hugs & love
Bamagal

 

[BeckyLa]

Great Pyrenes are great flock dogs, though they still must be trained.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
If that's the way he is raised then that's the way it will always be until an accident happens. You need to train him as a pup. Put him on a leash and introduce him to the chickens. Go sit inside their pen and make him sit beside you. If he tries any foolishness you need to give him a sharp tug on the leash and tell him NO!. Make them short lessons, but make them often. If he doesn't know what NO means you'd better start teaching him.

After he learns those lessons you give him a longer leash until he can listen to you without the tug. Hopefully you can progress to the point where he can walk with you amongst the birds and not bother them. At that point I would still not leave him alone with the birds, you just have to hope he does the right thing when the day comes that he somehow ends up alone with some loose birds. It will happen...