Dog training

[huntingirl]

I have a Chesapeake bay retriever and she is a killing machine. When he gets the chance she kills. We recently lost and had injured 2 chickens because she got out. Any ideas on what to do? She's a pure bred bird dog, so...

 

[aart]

Yes, dog(and owner) training would be a good idea.

 

[TalkALittle]

Better managment to contain and prevent the dog from engaging in self-reinforcing behavior until training is complete.

Reinforce chicken enclosure should management measures fail.

Escape/avoidance training with a remote collar. (I recommend Dogtra or Tritronics.)

 

[huntingirl]

Ok. Thx. We are going to take her out on the leash this weekend

 

[poorfarm]

In general, you will likely find that you have to keep any bird dog separated from your poultry, going after birds is in the genes. However, retrievers aren't supposed to harm or maul the birds they pick up in their mouth. For training a dog to leave poultry alone, the best, fastest, most effective method I've tried is the electric shock collar, same as use to train those field trial retrievers. I bought a Maremma pup to guard my poultry, and the breeder recommended this. (Maremmas are sort of hardwired to protect things like sheep and goats, but need help to extend that idea to small feathered things).

In my area, these collar trainers are available from TSC (Tractor Supply Center) and Rural King stores. Best wishes for an amicable ceasefire between your critters.

 

[TalkALittle]

Whatever you do, don't buy a Petsafe collar. Their collars are crap.

 

[huntingirl]

We have a collar. Not sure what brand anymore. It's worked very well for years