dog breeds that will not chase chickens

[simplysophie]

Quote:
Thanks a lot! i think i will do more research on them.

 

[corgiscatsandchickens]

I'd say it's both nature and nurture. Terriers and hounds are going to be really tempted to chase your chickens no matter how you slice it. The herders are going to--unless you train that instinct. You MUST train the dog to NOT chase the chickens. The training should start at an early age and should be consistent for months and months.

When I was a kid, our German Shepherd Dog was absolutely fine with our chickens. Today our two Pembroke Welsh Corgis are totally trustworthy. Both GSDs and Corgis are herders.

Train, train, train, hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.

Good luck.

 

[MontanaMomma]

Our lab was a year old when we adopted him. He was a little too interested in the hens and chased them if they ran/flapped around at first. Now he is great with them- very gentle and protective. This summer he was very tolerant when they "negotiated" for cherry tomatoes and strawberries from the garden. That said, I'm not sure I would leave him unattended in their yard. The chickens have learned not to fear him and are not as careful as they should be. Hunting breeds will have a stronger chase/kill instinct, but with training they can even learn chasing isn't okay. I believe it is a mix of personality, breed and training. Training is most important, I believe.

 

[Mystic Chix]

Our town has a Family Farm and there are 2 Great Pyrenees who watch the flock and also the sheep... seems to work...
So that may be a posssibility as mentioned... a gentle Giant

But I have found a SMART dog is best. We have a med-sized mix
possibly an English Setter, Brittany, Husky, ??? but he's smart and likes to work.

He's really been a big help over the years with the horses and now that we have chickens for the last 2 years,
he's been great with them too(you CAN teach an old dog new tricks)..
He knows to gently chase the chickens to the safe side of the corral, and to leave them alone
when he is on their side of the corral or inside the barn, part of their domain.

Now the Blonde(Labradoodle, or something poodle)
did not get the Poddle brain, sadly, and is only OK if I'm near her..."Leave It" can be heard as soon as we get in the
barn...and she will, I can turn my back... but I don't trust her alone. Those squawking, running, feather fluffs are just too tempting..

And if you're starting with a puppy... well pros and cons to that.
Also...when you are looking, There are tests you can do with a puppy to test their smarts. Ask any trainer and they should be able to help.
Most of those "working" dogs, Hearing-Ear dogs for the Deaf... TV dogs, and even some Seeing Eye dogs for the Blind... started as pound puppies.
So you don't need some fancy papered dog. I'm not sure I'd trust someone I 'ordered' my dog from to pick my animal anyway
...just my opinion and with all the over breeding and such mutts are easy to find and healthier.

I think I'd look for a dog that is SMART, CALM and work with them ALL THE TIME. I still work with my 14 year old..'cause he's smart
and he gets bored if we're not doing something challenging... He's NOT calm, but he's trustworthy.
You'll find the right animal if you're patient and ask the universe... then check your pound!
Good Luck...

 

[wyoDreamer]

Quote:
I totally agree with the Training - Training - Training

However, I have to disagree with the "Hunting Breeds will have a stronger chase/kill instinct". Stronger than what - a rat terrior that has been bred to hunt and kill vermin, or a yappy Lhaso that was bred to be a guard dog and has the instincts to chase and bite?

Most good bird hunting dogs are bred to use their hunting skills to find game, not kill it. You don't want a dog that will mangle that bird you shot when it brings it to you. A good hunting dog will hunt to please you, not to kill game. Many a bird dog has delivered to hand a wounded bird that the hunter must then kill. I took a pheasant wing with when I went to get our English Setter. He was very excited and gently tried to take it from me - for about 5 minutes straight until I put it back in my pocket. Not a feather pulled from it or anything - very gentle. I have watche dhim, now 3 years old, track a robin across the dog yard - pointing it all the way.

If you can, check out the parents of the pup you buy. Their personallity will tell alot. Look for a pup from calm parents of whatever breed you like. Then work consitantly and firmly in training it to ignore the chickens.

 

[kota1369]

All dogs chase chickens if they are NOT taught to be submissive to the chickens. In other words, you need to teach the dog that the chickens are the boss.......... Just like you are. Look for a calm dog, or puppy........... but calm is a very very good start.

have to correct myself....... most dogs will chase chickens if not taught to. I have met some that just new they were part of the pack and to leave them alone.

 

[bobbi-j]

most dogs will chase chickens if not taught to

This. Breed isn't so important as temperament and training. Did I mention traning? Training is the most important factor as to whether a dog will chase chickens or not. Oh, and training. You'll want to do some serious, long-term, consistent training. Above all, don't forget the training.....

 

[dainerra]

and then train some more!

keep the dog on leash or confined away from the birds when you aren't there to supervise. Always keep him on leash until you KNOW 10,000% that he will leave the birds alone. The easiest way to cure a chicken chaser is to not let him start.

 

[kgdubois]

Other than proper socialization & training, the most important thing you can do when searching for the right dog is research into breeds you might be interested in & buying/adopting from a reputable breeder. Looking for a "protective" or "watch dog" type breed would be good, because if you raise the puppy to see the chickens as part of the family or pack he is to protect, they won't chase or kill them.

All dogs have what is called "prey drive," which is what makes fluttery, clucky chickens running away from them so exciting and fun. With the proper training, any dog can be taught to resist this, but until they are fully grown, your chickens will be at risk. Time, effort and perseverance!

I hope this helps

 

[kota1369]

Quote:
True true.............. I have a crazy obsessive rotty rescue who took a year to be safe around chickens. And she is safe now.... but they better watch her as she is obsessive towards squirells and does NOT look down. The chickens have learned this over time.

Fortunately if she does look down and there is a chicken in her way she will leap over it to avoid it......... she is allowed out alone with the chickens for a couple hours in the morning if she likes. If she hurts them its because she ran over them on accident. But, as I have stated in a few posts... we are both dog trainers and have the know how and take the time to turn them into what we want and expect. Not everyone has the knowledge to train the way we do. And I have to say....... I love being able to have my chickens and dogs loose together. Love it! Love it!
I believe you can see her on my page.