Chicken Dog socialization

[cap1717]

Big smile from me, today, as I sucessfully allowed my small flock and my collie dog to be in the yard together, with only the most minimal of supervision, and all is well!

On Friday, one of the chooks managed to fly out over the small fence that I use to partition off a "safe place" to munch on lawn, and when I went out I found the chook out and the dog, standing patiently near her, presumably in "protective mode"! Well I picked up the chook and returned her to her pen (with a brand new wing clip, on both wings this time), and praised the dog to high heavens! We had been working with chicken introductions, following Cesar Millans methods, and I could tell that it was working, but did not realize we had come this far. This morning I got brave enough to just let everyone out together (I took my cup of coffee outside to moniter) and we had no problems, so I eventually came back in the house, allowing the dog to use his doggie door as necessary, while watching on from a window. . . and all is fine! Whew, what a relief. When the girls are "full grown", I expect that I will be able to allow them free range in the yard most days, and expect the dog to be their "protector". . . perfect for all of us!

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

 

[momofdrew]

Great job!!! My dogs have always been "nice" to my chicks...protecting them from cats, other dogs and hawks...

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

Yeah, my dog gets along great with my birds (they don't really appreciate having their rumps licked though!) and he was almost 4 by the time we got chickens. It really depends on the dog's personality. My mutt tried to befriend a GOPHER once. My only concern was that he likes to chase.. but they brooded in the house and he sat with them everyday so they are no more afraid of him than they are of me. Whenever they squawk he is right there to see if he can help them. Hates for anyone to be upset, my Loki.

 

[cap1717]

Hi Tamra, my chicks brooded with the dog, too, but he does like to "chase / herd", and I needed to make sure he would not do that. He would never hurt them intentionally, but I was afraid he might "chase them to death". . . looks we are well on the way to a satisfactory relationship for all!

 

[rstampa]

I have a Minni Pin and they are raters like most terriers. I try to intrudes them to her with me hold onto the chick while she smells and licks her chops. I don't trust her for a split second. I missed that episode or could you tell me what the name of the Book?

 

[cap1717]

Quote:
There is a guy called "the dog whisperer", his name is Cesar Millan, and he is in Californina, I believe. He has a tv series called "the dog whisperer" where he works with "problem" dogs and their owners to change offensive behaviors of all kinds. I believe that his program on "chicken training" is on U tube, and it is very good. he basically teaches the dog to "ignore" the chickens", to understand that the chickens belong to you, and that he/she is not to "touch" them. I think that his program works well, but I am also a dog trainer, with extensive experience in obedience training, so do not have "problem dogs" to start with. You may want to work with a dog trainer in your area, if necessary, or just accept the fact that you don't trust the dogs with the chicks!

 

[cap1717]

Oh also, I took the opposite approach. . . made the dog lie down (submissive position) and then "challenged him" to ignore when I put the chicken up against him, got it to climb on him, etc. Seems to have worked, but my collie is protective, not a agressive breed, anyway. Basic temperment does have something to do with this, in my opinion.

 

[N2tropicAL]

well, as of today my chickens spent the entire day with at least one of my great danes in the dog kennel. they have roosted in the kennel tonight as well......go figure. whats next? they all shack up together in the doghouse?

i have 2 great danes and 3 rat terriers and they all get along. they all lounge in the lawn. crazy,huh?

 

[Serrin]

Quote:
Your Loki sounds so much like our Jasper. (lab x neighbors sneaky mutt

) As far as he is concerned, those are HIS birds out there!! We just take care of the chores that require thumbs to successfully complete!!

Which is why we're perfectly comfortable with leaving the girls out all day long without supervision. Something would have to get through Jasper first before they could get to the girls.

It seems that the only thing that presents a serious risk at any time are birds of prey. Oh, and that Rotten Ricky the Pomeranian from across the street. But Rotten Ricky is good about staying home and after his attack on poor Fussbutt that one time, I don't think Kelly will ever be bringing him back over for ANY reason!!

And to think, Jasper is 50% Lab....A bird hunting dog breed!!