I"ve said it once, I'll say it again-
MOST dogs will do well with chickens IF and I'll repeat IF the owner takes the time to train it.
Hunting dogs, bird dogs, cow dogs, etc.....all can be trained. My labs were trained to duck and pheasant hunt and both leave my chickens and ducks alone---and yes, they still fetch the ducks I shoot (well, coco is retired at age 13.5).
I will agree that pyranese were bred to protect herd animals (including chickens)...however they tend to need lots of space and bark all the time. Every breed has it's pros and cons...and yes even a pyranese will take some training.
So for me, it's find a dog that works for you.....then before you actually bring it home decide on how much training you're willing to do. It's time consuming, but done right- it will eventually be just "upkeep training time".
Some tips are:
1. CONISTENCY IN TRAINING AND FOLLOW THROUGH IS MOST IMPORTANT....do not let your dog get away with anything just because you're tired---this is the beginning of the end!
2. besides basic comands, teach the command "leave it"
3. FROM DAY ONE- take your dog to do chicken chores with you. Put it on a leash, so you have the dog in control at all times (tie it to yourself if need be). Be firm in your comands ("NO", or "LEAVE IT").
4. Praise the dog for GOOD behavior (for example, ignoring the chickens as they walk by)
5. The WHOLE FAMILY has to be on board
6. Even once they get it....continue to praise for good behavior---for the rest of their lives.
7. This process more easily taught to puppies(under 1year old) than adult dogs, but both are doable. Adult dogs with good basic training are easier than adult dogs with little to no training.
GOOD LUCK
Sandra
