Dogs that are less prone to kill?

[hroewe]

I don't think anything is as black and white as that. My dog is being trained to stay away from the ducklings with lots of supervision. And he is completely trustworthy with the adult ducks, and all chickens. He could care less, and hasn't touched one in three years, (when his training began). He is a part of our family, and we are working through this. This is the first time we've raised ducklings. If we aren't home, he goes on a lead...and at night, the ducklings are penned. I appreciate the input, but I think MANY dogs can be trained.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Any new dog that you get is going to require extensive, ongoing training. Large breeds especially are considered pups until they are two to three years old so training is a long term commitment. Even then, ducklings or chicks running about is an awful lot of temptation for any dog. It's way to much to expect from any young, untrained dog for sure and even from an adult dog that has never been around ducklings or chicks before. And it is best if the pup/new dog never has the chance to experience chasing/catching/playing with/killing ducks/chickens. It really does set your training way back.

The best way to achieve good results and a good farm dog is to keep your birds safely penned up and keep your dog under your control at all times during training. The two should never share space unsupervised. Pups definitely need to be exposed to the birds, go in with them every day during chores etc., but on a leash so you can praise good behavior and quietly nip inappropriate behavior in the bud. Think positive reinforcement for good behavior rather then harsh punishment for bad. A quick tug on the leash along with a sharp "psssst" when pup shows inappropriate attention to the birds should suffice. My pups learn very fast that I lavish praise on them when they ignore the birds and simply lay down and wait for me to finish. Eventually it all becomes old news and the birds are nothing to get excited about any more.

 

[bhaugh]

And I also agree that many dogs can be trained to perform the duties assigned to it. However after the dog has killed, then I would never truly trust the dog to be left alone with them again. I try and not put the dog in a situation where I know the dog will fail. That falls on me not the dog. But if I cannot trust the dog, the one rule Ive always had is, they cannot stay.

My comments are pretty black and white as this is who I am. I mean no disrespect to anyone when I post.

Barb

 

[hroewe]

My dog killed a hen and a rooster when we got him as a 6 month old rescue... He was trained, and hasn't killed in years. There's a grey area in this family. Dogs are a serious time commitment, I agree. I will be looking for a companion, or replacement for him when he passes, which is why I am looking at dogs with more of a parental instinct.