Can you train your dogs to be around chickens after they have killed?

[blb]

I got chicks 2 years ago. The dogs got into the basement and opened the brooder killing the chicks. There was only 5. They took them outside through the dog door and daughter found them in the backyard. They looked fine, the dogs didn't try to eat them, just killed them.

Now I have 3 chicks locked in a bathroom that we are redoing. The bathtub is their brooder. I bought a better coop and run, an eglu. I have the eglu in the front yard and plan on keeping the chickens there when they feather out. The problem is my hubby. He doesn't like having a coop in the front yard. We live in a suburb. I told all the neighbors and they don't care, they all want eggs. lol. I was wondering if I could train the dogs to be around the chickens in the coop and run? If in the fall I could put them in the backyard?

I have 4 dogs; an akita, pit bull, siberian husky and a beagle. The akita and husky are the worse. I wouldn't let the chickens free run with the dogs in the yard. I just worry about them being in the run and the dogs bothering them.

Any ideas? Has anyone trained a dog after they have tasted chicken??

 

[horsejody]

Some dogs can be trained, and some can't. It depends on the dog's personality, prey drive and intelligence, and it depends on the owner's ability and level of of commitment to training. You will hear lovely stories of dogs rehabilitated to be around chickens, but remember that they are possibly the exception rather than the rule.

 

[blb]

Thank you. I know the pit bull would be easy and the beagle we got after they killed the chickens, it is the akita and husky. We also have 2 cats who they leave alone, after much training from me. I used to be a vet tech and besides the chickens my dogs are very well trained. They heel and listen. I'm just so worried that I think they are doing well and BAM they are back.

 

[geebs]

I agree with everyone about breed and temperement and predispositon... I thing the odds of rehab go down expotentially when you have more than one animal.. it gives them a pack instinct... It is tough... I did manage to rehab my killer pekapoo but it wasn't fun.. Especially for him... I turned himloose with the meanest rooster I could find... that did the trick, but he is a small dog

BTW he is now the herder of the chickens and he is great at it...He doesn't ever look at them too hard or get too close but he moves them where I tell him too... It is great for when then run under the car and I can't get them.

 

[blb]

Thanks, you right, I never thought of the pack mentality! I will start with each by themselves and then on to 2 at a time. Right now I'm not doing anything, I want the chickens to be much bigger and be able to fight back a little. I guess i will have to see.

Thanks again.