How can I train my dog not to chase my chickens?

[Lacy Duckwing]

The trick with the shock collar is you're supposed to use it right before they start doing the behavior. So for example, if you see him staring at your birds and you can tell he's about to rush at them you shock him right then and snap him out of it (I wouldn't recommend bringing him directly into the chicken pen because that can be too stimulating). It can be totally counterproductive to shock him if he's already in the act of doing the bad thing. If you are concerned about using the shock collar, they also have a vibrator collar (I think it's called an e-collar) which is a similar principle, but you don't have to worry about actually hurting the dog physically as it only vibrates. It still has the startle aspect which stops them from doing the bad behavior in the first place, but like the other poster said, you have to use it properly or it won't work. I have seen Cesar Milan use this in his videos on YouTube and it explains it very well to see it in action.

Ok. On the vibrating collar, would that still work with a long haired dog? He has the husky fur.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

The trick with the shock collar is you're supposed to use it right before they start doing the behavior. So for example, if you see him staring at your birds and you can tell he's about to rush at them you shock him right then and snap him out of it (I wouldn't recommend bringing him directly into the chicken pen because that can be too stimulating). It can be totally counterproductive to shock him if he's already in the act of doing the bad thing. If you are concerned about using the shock collar, they also have a vibrator collar (I think it's called an e-collar) which is a similar principle, but you don't have to worry about actually hurting the dog physically as it only vibrates. It still has the startle aspect which stops them from doing the bad behavior in the first place, but like the other poster said, you have to use it properly or it won't work. I have seen Cesar Milan use this in his videos on YouTube and it explains it very well to see it in action.

In my opinion, this is a much better option.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Ok. On the vibrating collar, would that still work with a long haired dog? He has the husky fur.

You'd have to lift up his fur and clip the collar on under it.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

You'd have to lift up his fur and clip the collar on under it.

but yes, it would work.

 

[Isadora]

Ok. On the vibrating collar, would that still work with a long haired dog? He has the husky fur.

It will work as long as you make sure the probes on the collar are long enough to reach the skin underneath. You could also make sure to give him a good brushing each time before you put it on and pet/smooth the fur aside to make sure the contact is there.
I would also recommend doing any training with the chickens after a long exercise session. If you tried to work with him when he has a bunch of pent-up energy, it will be too tempting to go after the chickens.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Do shock collars really work? Everytime I see one being used, it never seems to work.

Yes. When they don't, it's because of the trainer, not the collar.

The best way to use a shock collar is to never let the dog know what shocked them. Let the dog wear the collar around for a while, not getting shocked, so they don't associate the shock with the collar. When you're ready, make sure you have the controller ready to go and that the shock is working (test on yourself). When the dog starts to chase the chickens, give them a loud NO, or OUT or Leave it!, (whatever command you use, be consistent). Use a voice like you're scared, warning the dog of danger, not like you're angry. Wait a fraction of a second, and if the dog ignores the command, shock immediately. Then call the dog. When he returns to you, tell him he is a VERY GOOD BOY, and maybe have some treats ready. The dog's experience is that there is a danger, you warned him, and you are a safe place to return to. The shock is something that happens when he chases birds, but you and the collar have nothing to do with it.

You're going to have to be really consistent and do a lot of work with a husky mix. It's in their nature to kill small prey. I probably wouldn't totally trust even a well-trained husky to be alone around birds. Good luck!

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Also, (my main focus is on Sterling on the moment, but am bringing it up while I'm thinking of it.) There's a friend's dog that might be hanging around a lot soon (after she's fixed according to her owner.). She is a small pit bull/boxer mix named Millie. I probably won't be allowed to put anything on her. Is there anything that I can do to maybe train her not to go near them too? When she starts hanging around, I'll probably not have the chicken run winterized anymore. I was told that she's good around geese, and I've seen that she likes to help collecting eggs. She's two years old. Any suggestions on her, too?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

On Sunday, I finally got a dog. His name is Sterling and he is a Lab/Husky mix. I have six hens who are most of the time in their coop and run. I don't think that Sterling would purposely eat my hens, but I am concerned that he'd try chasing them to play with, then accidentally hurt or kill them. How can I train him not to chase/play with them (without losing any of them)? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!

Congratulations on your new dog, Destiny! First of all, you should never ever trust him alone with the chickens - even when he is trained. It's not worth it. He could kill all of them in a matter of seconds.

I suggest putting him on a lead when he is outside. This is what my neighbor does with her dog and it works great! 1) Sterling can't run off 2) He can't get to the chickens.

Something like this would work great. Just attach it to a cement block or a post (it depends on how strong the dog is)

Put a shock collar on him when he chases zap him.

@Lacy Duckwing - I really wouldn't use a shock collar. I'll tell you about it later.

Sterling is 2.5 years old. I introduced him to my chickens last night. They were supposed to be roosting, but for whatever reason, they were still up when I brought him over to them. They were in their run (winterized) when I brought him in. He appeared to want to eat the chickens poop more than even noticing them. So he was ok around them until they started clucking. The clucking got him excited so he tried going after them. I held tightly to his harness so he couldn't get them. He almost got Rocky my Golden Comet. Rocky was doing most of the clucking which was getting him super excited. Princess my Buff Brahma was quiet and walked slowly around, so Sterling never even noticed her. After they all roosted, I put Sterling outside of the coop and closed the door. He didn't really try coming back in except for wanting to be with me when I put him out.

Aww, Sterling wants to be with you. Be careful - glad Rocky's okay!

Do shock collars really work? Everytime I see one being used, it never seems to work.

Not really. They are kind of cruel.

They have to be used at the right exact time.

That would be hard for her - and if it doesn't work, her flock is in huge trouble. What if he just ignores the shock? Or she doesn't see him in time? A dog-chicken attack happens so fast, it's not worth the chance IMO.

How many hours a day do you plan on spending to train your dog?

My suggestion is do not introduce the dog to the chickens at all.

That is not a good plan, IMHO, Destiny. Sterling will have to get to know the chickens because now he lives with them pretty much!

Oh. I don't know if I'd want to use something like that.

thumbs up**

Don't know. I could have all day to a couple of minutes to train him.

True.

Oh. Even without me introducing him to them, he'll most likely see them around during the day. Especially when they move into a non winterized run.

so true

Ok. I also don't know if my Mom will approve of one.

I hope she doesn't. It's pretty cruel. It could also make in aggressive towards you.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I've talked with my Mom about the shock collar. She doesn't approve of it at all. Is there anything that I can do to train him without a shock collar? Thanks!

 

[MountainWoman73]

I suggest putting him on a lead when he is outside.

They are kind of cruel.

Of course, how to train your dog is a matter of personal style. There are lots of good ways that don't use shock collars. But I reiterate -- if the shock collar is used irresponsibly or cruelly that is the fault of the trainer, not the collar. I personally think it's cruel to keep a dog on a lead all the time.