Dogs

[Artic Chick]

I am new to back yard chickens .I get my 6 barred Plymoth rocks in June .I have a small lovely gentle little male dog . He is part poodle and terrier and around 9 years old .I'm worried about how he will react to my chickens Any suggestions how to make him comfortable with the chickens and them with him .I will have a run for them but I would like to let them free range with supervision. Thank you

 

[anderstr196]

I have small and large dogs, my small girl Vera Wang is a Japanese Chin, which is considered a terrier, she is 8 years old. I have used her harness to introduce her to the chickens but it still is a work in progress. When they flap their wings or run it’s just to much temptation. My Pugs on the other hand like to herd the birds My old man Monkey, pug, walks right passed and ignores them to get to me.

 

[BGcoop]

I used the “look but no touch” method and very slowly (over the last YEAR) have increased the exposure between my birds and dogs. For example, at first the dogs could only look through the run’s fence, then the door was left open when I would go in the coop so the dogs could look in, then the dog was allowed in the run on a leash, etc. I have a German Shepard that is a sweet heart and would never hurt them on purpose but might get too rough with play, and a lab that thinks any animal that moves on Her property should be destroyed. We are at the point where everyone CAN be out together but I still supervise closely with the shepherd and avoid putting the lab out with the birds so as not to stress her instincts too much, it’s easier on both of us.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Welcome to BYC!!! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

 

[cassie]

Bear in mind that chickens and rabbits really bring out the prey drive in dogs.

 

[TXchickmum]

I had a Yorkshire Terrier that was about 8 when we purchased our chickens. I never could get the chickens and dog together. He would even chase them when they were in the run and try to get to them. He was a tremendous little hunter/mouser. -just decided to keep him/chickens separate.

After he passed away at 15, we got another Yorkie puppy. -began getting him around the chickens immediately. He is now a little over a year old, and the gals are 8. He leaves them alone, except for the occasional attempt to play which they quickly squelch with bristled neck feathers and an upright stance.

Terriers (and many other breeds) do have a high prey drive. -just depends upon the dog and training as to whether they can exist well together. -best of luck!