- Jun 29, 2014
- 101
- 10
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DON'T GET RID OF YOUR DOG!!!
Like the others have said it depends on the individual dog and their prey drive. We have 3 dogs... a 90lb burnese mix, a 16lb bichon mix, and a 12lb wire-haired terrier mix. All are 7 yr old male rescues. The first 2 are totally trustworthy with adult chickens; first acts as a guardian dog when we are away and the bichon acts as though they don't exist.
We got all of them as adult dogs and introduced them slowly and with much guidance... aka we yelled at them if they exhibited any prey drive or interest in the chickens. The first 2 are amazing, though that being said both have gone after chicks under certain situations (dog chasing squirrel --> chick gets in the way --> chick in mouth) They're too small and move too quickly, even our good dogs can't resist them at times.
Our third dog, the terrier (a breed bred to hunt small, fast moving prey animals) cannot be trusted around any prey animals.. small or large (he tried to attack our horse..luckily the horse is mellow lol). He is well trained to both verbal and sign commands but completely loses his mind, and all focus, when a small animal is around. He cannot be called off, and therefore is not allowed around any of the chickens. We only have a juvenile rooster who isn't yet protecting the flock so things may change when he grows up but for now the two dogs are allowed outside with the chickens, the 3rd is banished to a run when the chickens are ranging.
Your dog will likely grow into the new role and be better once the birds aren't so small and tempting. Even if he's not, you had him first, you owe it to him to work with him. Make a run if you need to, keep him away from them. We do and because of that we get to love all or our animals, flaws and all. It's not his fault that you tempted him with an unattended, open door and small fast prey items. He's just acting on instinct, give him a chance to do better.
Good luck!
Like the others have said it depends on the individual dog and their prey drive. We have 3 dogs... a 90lb burnese mix, a 16lb bichon mix, and a 12lb wire-haired terrier mix. All are 7 yr old male rescues. The first 2 are totally trustworthy with adult chickens; first acts as a guardian dog when we are away and the bichon acts as though they don't exist.
We got all of them as adult dogs and introduced them slowly and with much guidance... aka we yelled at them if they exhibited any prey drive or interest in the chickens. The first 2 are amazing, though that being said both have gone after chicks under certain situations (dog chasing squirrel --> chick gets in the way --> chick in mouth) They're too small and move too quickly, even our good dogs can't resist them at times.
Our third dog, the terrier (a breed bred to hunt small, fast moving prey animals) cannot be trusted around any prey animals.. small or large (he tried to attack our horse..luckily the horse is mellow lol). He is well trained to both verbal and sign commands but completely loses his mind, and all focus, when a small animal is around. He cannot be called off, and therefore is not allowed around any of the chickens. We only have a juvenile rooster who isn't yet protecting the flock so things may change when he grows up but for now the two dogs are allowed outside with the chickens, the 3rd is banished to a run when the chickens are ranging.
Your dog will likely grow into the new role and be better once the birds aren't so small and tempting. Even if he's not, you had him first, you owe it to him to work with him. Make a run if you need to, keep him away from them. We do and because of that we get to love all or our animals, flaws and all. It's not his fault that you tempted him with an unattended, open door and small fast prey items. He's just acting on instinct, give him a chance to do better.
Good luck!
