I agree with Beekissed! If you are going to free range, the peace of mind you get from all your animals co-existing is worth it. You have to decide what you want & make it happen. I have 2 Dobermans, an Akita, & a Great Pyrenese who all needed extensive training to leave the chickens alone. The Akita even killed a chicken once. He now totally ignores the chickens but is still my best possum/racoon killer. It took time & effort but now that they hang out together it also adds the protection factor of the dogs being with the chickens. I have taught them to leave the chickens & goats alone but boy if some other critter comes in the yard watch out. One of my dobermans has even taken it upon herself to be the hawk watcher. No hawk can even make it to the ground in my yard, she chases them in the sky til they are out of her territory. When people come to my house they see my dogs, cats, chickens, peacocks, & goats hanging out in the yard together & say, wow, I'm bringing my dog with me next time! Then I have to explain to them, how much time & training went into the whole picture & that their precious fido would try to kill the chickens & goats on sight!
