Dogs and Ducks???

[Zombified]

It depends on the dog and the owner and how a dog is trained. I have an extremely high prey-driven dog, but I taught him to be calm around the ducks. I use clicker training to train(so I don't use physical or verbal punishments).

Session Six(three months ago):

In total, I think we had about ten or fifteen sessions similar to the one above(but outside).

This picture was taken yesterday:

 

[BrownEyedGal]

Aw love the pictures!

Our dog is a two year old female collie. We recently introduced 2 ducks into the garden. She's been great with them so far, most of the time she just ignores them really. They aren't too bothered by her either, if she runs to close to them they open their mouths at her. Generally she's very careful around them. Plus we are aware not to put her in a position where she might feel uncomfortable. She never shows aggression about anything though, she's a sweetie! The only thing that worries me is that the ducks like to hang out by the back door and Dora likes to run in and out so I worry she might run on them, but so far no problems

She actually makes us laugh when it's time to put the ducks to bed, she gets quite excited. She can't quite understand where the ducks go when they waddle into their house. She jumps up and peers over the fence as she thinks they've gone into next door, haha!

 

[Zombified]

Ah, Collies are usually excellent with livestock. It's generally the hunting, terrier, and working groups that have problems(minus GSDs, but then, they were originally herding dogs before they were working dogs). Lobo(the white dog in the video/picture) is a Siberian Husky/Akita Inu mix. He's older now, but when he was younger, he once dragged me across the road to go after a cat. I used to struggle with rabbits as well, but now, he's capable of walking politely beside me(he's still /very/ interested in the rabbits and cats, but he's no longer dragging me or pulling on the leash).

I've also heard from other American Akita and Japanese Akita(the type that Lobo is) owners that their dogs know when an animal is family, and when an animal is prey. BUT, I've also heard the opposite, where their Akitas will kill any small animal, even those who were very well-socialized with other animals. So, it really does depend on the dog in some cases.

Anyways, I'm happy your doggy is doing so well with your ducks! Our ducks are just now beginning to come around to the back yard(their run is on the side of the house, but the gate is kept open all day). I'm sure your ducks will see that the dog runs out and will be careful around the door. They're not always the smartest creatures, but they (usually) have self-preserving personalities and quickly learn what is dangerous and what is safe.

 

[TLWR]

The only thing that worries me is that the ducks like to hang out by the back door and Dora likes to run in and out so I worry she might run on them, but so far no problems

 

[BrownEyedGal]

Aw Lobo is gorgeous! He does look like a big strong dog though! Glad he's doing ok with your ducks.

Our ducks so far are quite quick to move out of the way but I still worry at some point they won't be quick enough. Haha TLWR, so yours do that too! Have the ducks ever been injured? Dora sometimes forgets they are there and jumps right over them too! She's very good generally. Looks like we've all got some lovely dogs

 

[inkedlady]

would not trust our dog now he has grabbed 2 and pulled out feathers it's cause he's a terrier, our runners go to try and peck him through the pen and he barks back at them

 

[Zombified]

Aw Lobo is gorgeous! He does look like a big strong dog though! Glad he's doing ok with your ducks.

Oh goodness, you have noooooo idea! There's a reason Akitas and Huskies are both popular in weight pull competitions haha. I am not a tiny person, and Lobo has never had any problems dragging me. I've been through head collars, prongs, and harnesses haha. He's walked on a back-clip harness now for safety(dogs actually have extremely sensitive throats; though I guess Lobo missed that memo haha).

Sadly, his heritage has led him to have messed up hips and he recently tore his ACL so... We can't play pull anymore. ): I had actually begun to train him to pull on cue, since he learned to walk so nicely on the leash. I was going to use it as a kind of reward for him, haha.

 

[BrownEyedGal]

Aw bless him, hope he's ok. He's lovely anyway