We have a 5 year old Schipperki with a not so nice personality. Our chickens and ducks are in enclosed runs. He lunges at them against the chicken wire. He tries to dig under. I am afraid it is just a matter of time before he hurts or kills one. Is there any hope for him to stay here? Our other 2 dogs do not act like this.
Of course, but you'll need to work with him. I suggest professional help - look for a good dog trainer in you area who can show you what to do. If you are consistent you have a chance. Do not let him keep failing in the meantime - meaning, make it impossible for him to behave around the chickens in any way inconsistent with what you want. Leash, crate, whatever is needed and then start training!
I tell him NO but my husband is too gentle about it. We keep fighting about this but this is serious. This is one of my two husbands dogs and he just is not firm enough.
Maybe when he does it and you tell him no, if you can immediately pick him up and put him inside or in a crate it may get the point across without creating a battle between you and hubby. And if he'll leash, only let him go out when he's leashed. That's a tough one...But keep at it, youll find a workable solution.
Put up a few strands of electric fence, one or two zaps is usually all it takes and he'll learn fast. Not only will it keep your chickens and ducks safe from your dog, but also all other sorts of predators. I have it up around my flocks and it's quite the peace of mind. I've gotten zapped, our dog has and even the chickens have and it hurts but doesn't do any damage.
My dog has killed 5 hens. I was being to nice. Finally, I decided enough was enough. I have her on a 100 ft dog zipline/leash during the day, and let her off at night. She is an outdoor dog. It is working really well.
If your hubby basically lets him get away with it, I wouldn't expect any improvement soon. put the hot collar on your hubby and when the dog acts up. zap hubby.. now you will have both of their attention. I am guessing you did not raise this dog from a pup.? like maybe you inherited someone else's problem.? in short, the whole family has to be of one mind and lean on the pooch together..
that's what I would use, he will get the point quickly, craiting or taking indoors for punishment may backfire. This way neither of you will be the bad guy in the dogs eyes (seems to be a problem) and the collar can be activated while on lead or off. he will get the point, some are even adjustable, it's a voltage thing, yeah it will bite, but there are no amps to it, that's what will kill. I had beagle coon mixes that dug out of yard, fenced in a large area with electric fence and a 1/2 mile fence charger. They learned very quick. Would not leave that area unless I let them out of the kennel gate. When I said inside, they went in the same gate. kept them off a busy street and safe.
