German Shepherd owners...*update*more pics

[citrusdreams]

For any dog, I love Cesar Milan, but I also love the Monks of New Skete. Anyone training a puppy (or dog) would benefit from their books or videos. I really can't recommend them enough, and hope that someone would give them a try before giving up on a hard to train puppy or dog. Here's their website: http://www.newsketemonks.com/

 

[Cock-L-Doodle Garoo]

Hello with my GSD from the Texas Hill Country here. It sure has been hot...oh yeah.
My seven year old GSD is such a good one like most all GSD's I've had as to be aware of the chickens as part of the family atmosphere. There's a couple of bantys I have that interact with him which is just too funny to watch. He doesn't do well in the heat here, mostly because of his color, but that's why we got the pet door. It works out well for him and the cat.
I don't think you could go wrong with the G. Perrencies or Anoltollies (sorry for the spellin) here also. There are some here on the ranch and they love protecting thier herd/flock.
Keep'em waterd.

 

[JewellFarm]

I had one and it tore two chickens into little bits. Needless to say it was rehomed. Get a pup and train it with them from day one.

 

[sunket77]

Quote:
Thats where I live! I live off devils backbone. I love it here! Yes it has been terribly hot

I go out at least three times a day to check on my chickens water as well as the cats.

Also thanks everyone for the training advice!

 

[cassie]

GSD's can be great dogs, but they need training. When I have had trouble with neighbor dogs preying on my goats, the dog has almost invariably been a husky, a malamute, or a GSD. The huskies and malamutes are the worst, but the German Shepherd is not far behind. You have to get it through its head early on that the chickens are OFF LIMITS.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Like any other dog they need to be trained. Mine, unfortunately, did not get very good training. She is an outside dog, and whenever I would try working with her my son would be there to distract her. I'm a single mom, and I live with my father. He would die before he helped me watch my son, or keep him occupied for 10 minutes

I was having chicks disappear for a few weeks before I caught her in the act. She is very smart, and evidently knew better than to chase them when I was outside (she was running loose at the time, about 5 months old). Once I caught her, I put her on a chain.

Now, 8 months later, she is still on a chain, and will kill any bird that gets within her chain length. Just a week or so ago she killed a young cochin that got too close. I am going to get a kennel to put around her, to keep the chickens, ducks, and geese away.

Just be sure to train the dog, and it will be the best ever.

 

[shadow2008]

I have a GSD/mix? Shadow is an awesome dog! She goes in the chicken pen with me and will "herd" them if they get out. I agree the training is a key factor, but also look for one with a temperment that suit you. The behavior traits of the GSD are amazing; honest, loyal, very trainable, and brave! I think you will enjoy having one!

good luck,

KH

 

[cmjust0]

If heat is the issue, you might consider looking into an Anatolian Shepherd. They're true LGDs, but they're Turkish in origin, so they're short-coated with built-in heat tolerance. In fact, they use them in Africa to guard goats from Cheetahs (CHEETAHS!!!). We got a Nubian buck from a couple that raised Anatolians and lemme tell ya...up close and personal, they're very impressive dogs.

As for GSDs....we have one and I'm pretty sure she'd kill chickens if she had a chance. I was discussing this very thing in another thread with another member who has a GSD that actually acts as a guard, and we agreed that it's all about the lines from which the dog was bred. As the other member put it...GSDs are bred pretty indiscriminately these days. If you're looking to get a GSD to guard, be really selective and then TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN.

Personally, though...as the very proud owner of a true LGD...I'd find an Anatolian pup and let it grow up to be exactly what it's bred to be, instead of taking a chance on having to 'modify' another breed of dog.

 

[Babe77]

I read this post due to the fact that we have a neighbor Shep. dog, who runs loose in our area. I am wondering if it would be a smart idea to let these neighbors know that we now have chicks? And at some point (hoping it would not happen) what would others do about neighborhood dogs on their property?

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
Do you have a leash law in affect in your area?

If so, simply report the loose animal. It is not mean or spiteful to report a loose animal. That is what animal control and police is there for, animal control collecting the dog or giving the owner a stern warning would only make it safer for the dog, neighborhood, and your chicks. A loose dog is a dangerous dog or a dog in danger. Loose animals often suffer vehicle collisions, dog fights, being shot at, and uncontrolled breeding. Loose animals also spread disease and are a threat to other pets and people in the area, through disease or through attacks.

Report the loose animal and allow the authorities to take care of it and the neighborhood.

-Kim