Thanks for your opinion although it's completely unhelpful and untrue. Maybe instead of acting high and mighty you could provide some suggestions on training because he gets told and a belting when I catch him with the chickens and that doesn't deter him at all. I don't live in the states and I bought the dog chain in a pet store, it's a long chain and I take the dog for walks off the lead to use up all his energy. If you think that's cruel you should see the way store bought chickens are raised. I know because I worked as a chicken catcher, their lives are very much expendable. I was very attached to my chickens and heaps upset when my dog killed them. He got a good belting and telling off but it didn't deter him. Also you shouldn't make such a judgement of me when you know very little of my situation. And ending your post in best wishes is contradictory to you acting like an A$$hole.
Thanks for the suggestion about the shock collar, I may have to try that.
OK, I won't deny coming off like a jerk... the reason I said sorry to be rude. Yes, my response was passionate and I apologize that it wasn't helpful and probably increased your stress level. It was a gut reaction to your statements... which WAS the only information I had to go on, bolded it here.
Found out later on it was my dog although still can't explain that grain.
after this I bought 2 more chickens an ISA brown and an Australorp, which my dog killed then I bought another Australorp and he killed that too. After he killed the next two I kept him chained up in the backyard, then I let him out just for a few minutes at night for him to go to the toilet and when I went to check on him he already had the hen in it's mouth.
Now he's never unsupervised in the backyard unless he's chained up. I was very close to getting rid of my dog because of this, I'd much rather have chickens then a dog. Now I have to train it or get a separate dog (Maremma) that lives with and protects the chickens.
Sorry if my post is in a jumbled order... Have a couple of questions and suggestions.
I am not a hateful person. Even if I disagree with someone, I do not wish bad for them. And life is hard enough, I was sincere wishing you well even though I can see why it doesn't seem that way. And I can promise you that I have zero room to be high and mighty.
So excuse me while I step down off the high horse and act like the rational, caring adult that I truly am! Since you have shared a little more, including that you were quite upset when you were considering getting rid of the dog. I hate to waste time if you already plan that. But your last response indicates that you are still willing to work with the unfortunate predator, I do have a few good suggestions, if you don't mind.
Do you mind sharing a few more things? The name, age, and breed of your dog. Also how many chickens do you have? And how long have you had both sets of animals for? Does your pooch work for treats? Or does it have a different motivator? Does your dog know the basic commands? These things will be helpful to make the correct suggestions.
Since you take your dog out already for the much needed exercise, afterwards is the very best time for training. Make it an extra long running session so the dog is really tired but not quite grumpy. When you return, with the chickens inside their run and the dog still on leash, take him (?) out there and practice walking past the run. Giving a quick yank on the lead every time he starts to focus that way, even a glance. This is not meant to snap the neck, but more of a distraction. Work hard to make this a positive experience. Try to remain calm, no yelling or hitting. Use a lowered, stern voice and a simple command like NO. With my animals (and kids) I find positive reinforcement to work best, but not by itself. Realize that this will take MANY sessions and follow up is highly important. During your walks past the run, have your dog sit with it's back facing the chickens. It's difficult for a dog to turn it's back on stuff. When it tries to look around, quick correction. And aside from the correction have a redirection. Maybe have him lay down backward facing. I don't yet have suggestion for the redirection. But an example would be... when dog looks at chicken and you correct it then maybe throw a ball. Basically practice your basic commands after exercise and in front of the chickens until the dog pays less and less attention. Never allow the dog to stare at the chickens, this indicates focus.
So quick summary even though I probably have more I want to share. Exercise, Exposure, Correction, Redirection.
The shock collar can be an excellent tool when used correctly.
Store bought chickens meaning the kind we eat or raise? I do get how appalling the industry is... The reason I am raising my own.
I hope you can take me sincere this time....
Good luck and best wishes. Plus before I even heard your response I realized that I forgot to say I am sorry for your loss! And I am.
~Alyssa
