DOGS!!!

[DuckGirl77]

I have 3 dogs, and they're all currently sprawled across the couch watching a movie

ROFL! spoiled, are they?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Just a tiny, tiny lil bit

 

[DuckGirl77]

Just a tiny, tiny lil bit

LOL
Mine is too. He's kind of fat from table scraps.

 

[catlvrpa]

Chickenlover, lots of great GSDs in need of rescue.

If you go through a breeder, be sure to do your research.

Are GSD's usually good with chickens? We have a 1 yr old male and are moving to a new home with 5 chickens.

 

[BabyandCotton]

This is my black Labrador, Thunder. He is 6 years old and loves out hens. The duck sleeps next to him. ( Ignore the coop in progress)
-Liv

 

[DuckGirl77]

Are GSD's usually good with chickens? We have a 1 yr old male and are moving to a new home with 5 chickens.

Beautiful!

I don't know, but you can teach them to leave the chickens alone. My dog wouldn't touch my chickens, and he's an Akita/Husky mix.

This is my black Labrador, Thunder. He is 6 years old and loves out hens. The duck sleeps next to him. ( Ignore the coop in progress)
-Liv

Awwww! I love that name!

 

[CrazedCowgirl]

Are GSD's usually good with chickens? We have a 1 yr old male and are moving to a new home with 5 chickens.

I have a 4 yr old GSD and he could really care less about my chickens...they free range in my yard while the dogs are out and I've never had a problem since the chickens are more likely to attack my dogs then my dogs are to attack my chickens.

 

[dainerra]

Are GSD's usually good with chickens? We have a 1 yr old male and are moving to a new home with 5 chickens.

it really depends more on the individual than the breed. You can train most dogs to ignore chickens. The key is that you don't give him the opportunity to chase the birds.


Find the closest distance that the dog first notices the birds in the brooder. This might be in another room if he is one to constantly glance at the door. Put your dog on leash and get some extra special treats that he only gets for this work - bacon, grilled chicken (no spices!), hot dog chunks, etc. When the dog glances toward the birds, say his name and "leave it" If he looks at you, give him a treat - if he doesn't, give a light pop on the leash (think tap on the shoulder). When he looks at you reward him.
You can also teach him "watch me" the same way. You can practice this at random times though out the day. If you have a couple extra minutes while you're watching TV or whatever, just say his name, pause, "watch me" When he makes eye contact, then reward him. You can also (if you get in the habit of keeping a small treat in your pockets) catch him looking towards you say "watch me" and then reward. Or just praise him verbally.

Once the dog is reliably paying attention to you and the birds at a distance, move a little bit closer. If he absolutely blows you off, you're too close. Just back up a bit and begin again. Eventually you will be right amongst the birds. You can then start at a distance or with a long line (20' leash or so) and work from there. I never ever leave my dogs/chickens loose unattended together.
I don't even trust Rayden
I don't mean I constantly hover over the dogs when they are out with the birds, but I am in the area and aware of what they are doing. Think of it as a small child. Even though you've taught them not to play with matches, would you leave them alone in the house with matches scattered all over the floor?

The most important part of the training is to set the dog up to succeed. Don't give him a chance to chase the birds. Don't give him a chance to disobey.

ETA: The best thing about teaching "leave it" is that it works for everything. Drop something on the floor and don't want the dogs to touch it? "leave it" See dog running toward a snake? "leave it" Lots of training and work, but it pays off!
Of course, some dogs just can't be trusted off-leash. Period. They are just too focused on the birds. In that case, just confine the dog when the birds are out.

 

[Hackle Master]

I have 2 dogs a chocalete lab female (cabella lee) and a min pin / cocker mix male (winston thomas)they are my babies just like my chickens, but they are not allowed to be around my chickens because they are hunting dogs. I had another chocalete lab male (koda bear) but he passed away, but I got all three of their names tattooed on me so they are always with me

 

[DuckGirl77]

I have 2 dogs a chocalete lab female (cabella lee) and a min pin / cocker mix male (winston thomas)they are my babies just like my chickens, but they are not allowed to be around my chickens because they are hunting dogs. I had another chocalete lab male (koda bear) but he passed away, but I got all three of their names tattooed on me so they are always with me

Beautiful!!! I'm jealous! You must love them!
Sorry to hear Koda Bear passed away.

What's the dog doing on the table lol? Actually mine gets on the picnic table outside and I don't care; I guess the view is nice up there!