English Shepherd as Poultry Guardian

[hellbender]

Experts on this breed will be consulted.

Which breed...the English Shepherds? As mentioned before, I am NOT unfamiliar with them. I have seen a few dogs on this thread that actually represent the breed well but I have seen more that look like the so called 'Old Farm Shepherds' that my old friend, Richard Mcduffie scrounged up several years back. Please do not discount my knowledge of dogs or dog breeds...I know of which I speak.

 

[centrarchid]

As of this morning Ben's weight is exceeding 60 lbs. He is starting to fill out. He is still easier to pack than Lucy that weighs in at 55 lbs. Lucy squirms too much.

 

[aart]

As of this morning Ben's weight is exceeding 60 lbs. He is starting to fill out. He is still easier to pack than Lucy that weighs in at 55 lbs. Lucy squirms too much.

Hahaha! Squirming seems to double a dogs weight when lifting/carrying them.

 

[centrarchid]

Last night we accidently locked booth dog in until about midnight. They smell not so well so that is not best option. At about 0030 Ben began actively trying to wake me up. I responded nd let him out with he and Lucy sprinting and growling towards the brushy area they like to hunt rats. Area does not support poultry. I went back in to sleep although dogs came back every hour or so to check on me. Then about 0400 I could here a terrible commotion involving ducks so went to door. Dogs were in front yard chuffing. This went on for a good fifteen minutes at least. Something I think was getting into the neighbor's ducks. Weather has changed to what I remember as good hunting conditions for raccoons which man lots of animals changing ranging habits.

 

[centrarchid]

A great deal of barking to north for last couple of hours. Neighbors ducks making constant ruckus as well. Ben may be trying to recruit me like Scoob used to do.

 

[scottcaddy]

A great deal of barking to north for last couple of hours. Neighbors ducks making constant ruckus as well. Ben may be trying to recruit me like Scoob used to do.

Are the ducks drawing in raccoons and getting the dogs worked up?
Scott

 

[centrarchid]

I do not know. Whatever it produces a smell causing dogs to run in that direction snuffling on the ground and growling. Dogs are not able to get to perimeter of that neighbors run.




The dogs chuff whenever they hear stock distressed or sense something out of place. The snuffling probably rules out owl even when one has been working us almost continuously. Owls do not seem to produce sign with strong scent component.

 

[allenw]

I very much do not want a fair fight between my dogs and coyotes. An outright stomping each and every time plus a very strong display before hand is a must. The coyotes are not likely to distracted by a soft target and will attempt to lure a dog out of position where not enough size in dog will make for dog having a tough time.

I don't believe in fair fights with coyotes or anything else for that matter, I've a half Airedale half heeler pup running with my English Shepard. Don't tell the wife but I'm on the list for a full blood Airedale pup out of the same mother as this pup.

 

[centrarchid]

Just a little bit ago the dogs got into a raccoon on property of neighbors to the north. This time dogs actually got up by neighbors run. Wind coming out of northwest got dogs more into the mood. Encounter close enough raccoon growled where I could here it although Lucy could not get at it before it found hole in chain link fence. Getting caught by Lucy is not good even for biggest and baddest coon because she knows how to do them harm wthout getting hurt herself. Ben has some learning in that area.

 

[scottcaddy]

Will/can Ben learn the same from Lucy before he gets hurt by a 'coon?
Scott