Feeling Very Guilty...Need Advice

[LateBirdFarms]

I would personally build a chain link kennel if the space and resources were available, that way the dog can have the see but don't touch introduction and the chickens could have their yard time.

I know a lot of people don't agree with the use of a static training collar, but I would use one in this case. Most dogs are clever and will learn really quickly that if someone pushed the vibration or beeper button, if they don't stop what they're doing there's going to be a little zap next! And that's training you can do while your rescue is in a kennel or tied out away from the chickens. Anytime your dog lunges at a passing chicken dinner, you press a button ... eventually you might be able to trust him to be free around your chickens (with supervision of course!)

 

[beezerbrit]

I dont think you need to feel guilty, but if you do, maybe I should too! We have a newfy puppy who has been through every training program possible, and we have tried EVERY SINGLE THING we can but he has gotten 3 chickens so far and we just couldn't do it anymore.

We put a fence up on the side yard and that is the chicken zone. They free range and go all over the yard when the pup is inside, and get corralled into their zone when the dog is out. They are able to free range in their part of the yard (our side yard) and the dog has the backyard. Although after a couple weeks, they picked the side yard clean, which is why we give them access to the rest of the property as much as we can!

He is not vicious with them but he is 140 pounds and doesn't play gently. I wish we could get them all to coexist or just at least ignore each other. Good luck!

 

[333113]

Thanks for your reply. This is so difficult for me. I’m seriously considering taking the dog back, but would feel guilty about that too. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.

If you were enjoying your chickens before the dog, I don't think you have the right home for this dog.

It's okay, you gave it a good try. But you need a dog that can get along with small animals. And that should be item one on your criteria list, the way it would be if the small animals were your children or your existing pet dog or cat. Some dogs will learn to get along (at least, while you are watching), and some won't. There are lots of wonderful shelter dogs who need a home and would be happy to coexist peacefully with your flock. I know because I have three of them, a lab/border collie mix, a purebred Chinese crested, and a corgi/lab mix.

When you adopt, consider a home visit first, which some shelters will let you do. Or, ask one of your chickens to accompany you to the shelter for an initial meet-and-greet. A minute of interaction should tell you all you need to know about the basics of how the dog regards chickens.

Good luck!

 

[lbgreenfield]

Thank you everyone for your overnight replies. I’ve felt a little better after reading them this morning. I’ll answer a few questions here and provide some clarification.

We have 0.5 acres of our 3 acre property fully fenced in that is connected to our house via the patio/front door. I have been doing leashed walks around our property and to our mailbox (about 1/2 mile from our house) 3 times a day, each time walking past the chicken coop/run. The dog has been staying in the fenced area off leash, but he’s always on a leash when outside the fence.

I could tie him to a tree or put him on a short run within the fence while I let the chickens free range, but the chickens love coming inside the fence to dig through our mulch beds and sleep/preen on the patio with me. They’ve been doing that for over 2 years now and I’ve tried to keep them outside then fence but they just fly over it. I don’t want to clip their wings.

The chickens have a 16x32ft fully enclosed, predator proof run and a 8x8ft attached coop so they have plenty of room. They just hate being in there when they see me outside, with or without the dog, because they are so used to being outside with me to roam all over the yard. I’m considering getting a not-totally predator proof tractor pen so they can still “free range” if the dog is outside.

I am definitely going to hire a trainer/behavioral specialist, but am concerned with spending $$$$$ to have no benefit at the end of it. I should have taken a chicken with me to the dog pound but again, it’s a pound not a humane rescue so our initial visit with the dog was brief. Hindsight is the best kind of sight and knowing what I know now, I would have done the initial visit differently.

I think the plan for us is to give it a few months, with keeping the dog inside if the chickens are out, along with training. If after doing all that we still haven’t made any progress, we will think about rehoming the dog.

Thanks for everyone’s responses. I’ve gotten little support from my family and friends so it’s been nice to have unbiased strangers weigh in on the situation.

 

[aart]

Have you had a dog before?
They take a lot of time and energy to train...especially an adult shelter dog who may have problems. Border collies are very high strung and strong willed, takes a tenacious keeper to keep them under control and happy. It can take months of constant and consistent work to get things settled.
Professional dog training is more about training the people than the dog.
I learned a lot from taking a class with a shelter dog, it taught me how my behaviors and emotions had a huge impact on the dogs demeanor.

 

[CoopedUpFamily]

Ah ok just saw the update about separation anxiety (I have 2 of those). Is there a place outside where the dog can safely be chained or housed for the time being while the chickens get their time outside?

Depends on the dog. I foster/rescue dogs and I’ve seen all types. My personal dogs are 2x Huskies and 1 German Shepard. Huskies, like chickens, prefer free roam. My oldest husky has figured out to uncork a lead spike. They run and hurt them selves on leads trying to get off. At best they will cry until you let them off. At best they will destroy until they are free. Especially if lunch is flapping it’s wings not to far away.

 

[CoopedUpFamily]

I would personally build a chain link kennel if the space and resources were available, that way the dog can have the see but don't touch introduction and the chickens could have their yard time.

I know a lot of people don't agree with the use of a static training collar, but I would use one in this case. Most dogs are clever and will learn really quickly that if someone pushed the vibration or beeper button, if they don't stop what they're doing there's going to be a little zap next! And that's training you can do while your rescue is in a kennel or tied out away from the chickens. Anytime your dog lunges at a passing chicken dinner, you press a button ... eventually you might be able to trust him to be free around your chickens (with supervision of course!)

We put in static collars for my huskies. They figured it was worth a small zap if it meant a pets from the neighbors. Know your dog breed and individual temperament

 

[esme13]

Don’t give up just yet. It’s a new dog and lots of adjustments to be made. The dog will learn a lot within time. Border collies are herding dogs so the instincts to chase is normal. In time the dog may be condition to not go after the chickens or it may not. It will take time and lots of proper socialization. If the dog is high energy it will help to take him out several times and play ball with him, try and show his focus else where and not to the chickens. The chickens can stay in the coop for now, while the dog is in training. The crying at night will stop, just don’t give in, I know that’s very hard! You are such a good person to adopt and there are ways to coexist.

 

[LateBirdFarms]

We put in static collars for my huskies. They figured it was worth a small zap if it meant a pets from the neighbors. Know your dog breed and individual temperament

Temperament absolutely factors in. Huskies in particular would be a hard one to deter from a prey drive instinct. But if figure any suggestion might be a better option than giving up.

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. I'm feeling terrible for you and the dog!

I suggest some obedience classes for you both. Bully breeds are very good pups but they need patience and lots of love. He has probably never had either of those.

Once you have control of the dog then try again. In the meantime maybe the flock can free range without you and you can use that time to bond with the dog so he loves and respects you. That can take time.

Good luck, I hope he's found his forever home!