Dog passed the test...so far

[Darklingstorm]

My black lab mix male failed the test horrible and actually ended up killing one of my chickens just a couple of days after testing him. Yesterday I decided to test our female full blood lab. SHE PASSED!!!!
I had her on a chain so that she could move around and the chickens & ducks were all out. With one hand on chain and heart pounding, I watched as the chickens & ducks got closer. They got as close as two feet away and my girl just laid there next to me. Then without warning one of my bossy hens chased one of our ducks right in front of my dog, within inches of her face. She didn't try to snap or even give chase. OK after my heart slowed down to a normal beat, I let my dog off the chain. I watched every move she made expecting the worse. Here she goes, she is getting really close to the chickens, I move to the edge of my chair ready to run, she sees them, sniffs the area and then moved on. *sigh* I'm so glad she didn't hurt anyone. Still don't trust her 100% yet but with supervised watching and training, I'm hoping for a relaxed backyard. Especially since she is my 2 yr old son's dog.

Sept. 2009

April 2010

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

I would suggest that you spend some time with your mix training him not to fixate on the chickens. Even your female could unintentionally kill one of the birds if she gets excited and wants to play with them. The most important command you should teach them is leave it. It was one of the first things I taught my lab and has saved him from trouble and harm more than once. I also introduced him to the chickens while they were still chicks by allowing him to sniff and see them but no licking. If he fixated or became excited around them, a simple leave it or correction was made immediately. I started with him on a leash so that I was in control. Once he learned to be relaxed around the birds, I let him off leash and he ignored them. He has now appointed himself flock watcher when I am outside freeranging the girls. However, as good as he is, I would never leave them alone together. A dog is first and foremost a predator and instinct can override training and bad things can happen. Try your male on a leash for a while with consistant training. Be patient and consistant. If, after some time, he still goes for the chase and kill, you will know that either the dog or the chickens will have to be locked up. Good luck with your training! I hope you will be able to enjoy the interactions of your dogs and chickens the way I do with mine.