Getting chicks and dogs use to each other

[Bizichick]

Myhusband and I recently started raising chickens. We only have 6 in a decent size run, but would still like to give them time to free range occassionally. As it is right now, we lock the dogs up so the chicks can be out in the yard sometimes. We have a pitt/mastiff mix and a mini doxie.
We have introduced the chicks and the dogs on a few occassions. My husband holds the chicks close to the dogs and lets them sniff them. So it is a very controlled situation. When the chickens are in their run, our bigger dog just lays outside the coop area and stares....occassionally licking his lips. The doxie gets obsessed and runs around barking at them. A few times while we have been in the run, the doxie has managed to sneak in with us but since we have caught him each time, as soon as he sees we have noticed him, he panics and runs out.
Bottom line....I don't know how they would react if given the opportunity to be in close contact with the hens. Im not sure how to find out because it seems pretty risky. I have heard/seen so many people who can let their dogs and chickens out together. Just wondering how they do it.

Any advice would be welcome!

 

[dreamcatcherarabians]

I used to own a long haired doxie and my sis in law had Silkies. About 10 of them. After Cuddles met them (I didn't know she had chickens and let him out in the yard to do his biz), she had 4. I paid for 6. Any kind of dog with a prey drive is not a good idea around flighty creatures like chickens. I have 40 hens now and 3 Jack Russells. They are NEVER allowed out of their dog yard because there's no way to train them not to respond when the chicken runs screaming and flapping away from them. The dogs yard has 6 ft chain link (I have one JRT who will literally climb a tree to get to the chickens) and top and bottom is hot wired. The bottom of the fence is also lined with hardware cloth so they can't dig under, should the hot wire ever not be functioning. It's the only way I've found to have chickens and these dogs on the same property in some semblance of peace.

 

[calamityfarm]

We have about 25 birds who free-range most days. We also have a dachshund and a lab mix. Everyone gets along fine. I never let a puppy (anything under 18 months) loose with the birds. The pup is tied up when the chickens are out. I also keep the pup on a leash with me when it is conducive, that way I can instantly correct any bad behavior. If they start to slip up later the correction is very quick and very loud, and invovles letting the troublemaker know they are to never hurt a chicken. That said, there are certain breeds that I would never have because they could never be trusted. It is a long process, but the same dogs are wonderful protectors of the flock simply by their presence in the yard.

 

[Matty]

Our Jack Russell chased our frizzle,when he managed to get into her part of the garden.We managed to catch hold of him,and frizz was fine minus a few feathers.

 

[dainerra]

the way you are introducing them is just inviting the dogs to show interest in the birds.

there are a lot of different posts in the predator forum (because that's what dogs are!) about how to introduce dogs/chickens and how to manage them.
In the end, though, it's only a matter of time before those people who leave their dogs and birds unsupervised together have an accident. It might never happen, then again it could happen at any time. Dogs are animals. Birds are animals. They act in unpredictable ways and when 1 is prey and 1 is a meat eater, the results aren't going to be good for the bird.

Here is how I train my dogs.
You already know that he is excited with the chicks. 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.

------------------

One you thing HAVE to remember? Your doxie is a hunting dog. Even if his recent history has been all housepets and cute little pups with hair bows, he comes from a long line of ferocious hunters. They were created to flush out badgers, so a chicken isn't going to be a challenge for them

 

[Bizichick]

Thanks for the advice everyone. We have a fairly narrow backyard and we have a fence built that divides about 1/4 of the yard from the rest of the yard right where the chicken coop is. The gate needs to be repaired on it but I think the best idea for our situation is to just fix that gate up and keep them seperated. We have become pretty attached to our chicken buddies (especially my 5 yr old) so probably not worth taking the risk. Thanks again for the advice.....was hoping there was some magical way that everyone could just live together but oh well!

 

[dainerra]

you are still going to need to do training unless the fence is COMPLETELY escape-proof on both sides. That means no chance for the birds to fly over, dogs dig under, birds dig under (they often like to dust bathe along fences), dogs climb over, etc etc Also you have to think of someone not latching the gate, chickens or dogs squeezing through the gate when you go in, etc.

Also, you are going to have to train the dog to not charge the fence barking at the chickens. Being scared all the time by a barking dog can throw them off their laying.

ETA: It's going to take the same amount of training either way. Owning a prey animal in close proximity to a predator is work.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

You started out fine, letting the dogs sniff until they get bored with the chickens. Second is letting the chickens run around the dogs while you have them firmly on a leash/control until they get bored. Next is having them both together but if you can't control your dog without the leash this won't work. Throuout the whole process you must always let the dog know it's tops and the chicken is not, if the dog thinks the chicken is going to replace affection it will kill it when your not looking. Second, your dog must respect you and your wishes, always.,and a pet dog is often allowed to disregard this. The whole process can be easier if you exercise your dogs beforehand. Dogs are alot like children, they really want to please and thrive on discipline. I wouldn't give up, keep at it until all are in harmony and you won't have to worry. I have mastifs and they are wonderful guard dogs, the other I don't know.

 

[Heddielynn]

Great info. We just started our flock. Like with all things new, I expected our dog to be curious and excited regarding our chickens. However, we have a Weimaraner, so her instinct is strong to go "after" birds. She is pretty trained in the "watch me and leave it" commands already. We just have to apply this to our ladies. I would never leave her alone with the birds. Great advice!

 

[AlicesSilkies]

I have three dogs, one is mine, and the other 2 are her puppies they have just had their 1 year birthday!

When i got my chicks at 2 days old the puppies were interested and just loved to sit and watch them, if you hold the chickens and get down to their level and let them sniff, they are absolutley fine.
Now look:


both fast asleep, they all get on really well, one of my puppies had a false pregnancy and thought that my mottled pekin was her puppy, she would nuzzle at her.