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

[ShrekDawg]

I like martingales, use them all the time. I like to train in a mostly positive way with the least amount of correction. If you use your brain instead of pain, you can have a well trained dog that will very happily work for and with you. Sometimes you have to come down hard on them and I will do that too when necessary, but that's very seldom.

ice box
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Oh yeah no I actually agree and usually try to train that same way! I love my martingales that I have and they’re definitely not really “aversive” and I wouldn’t use them that way since they’re not designed for that but I was more meaning like they could be or I guess aversive isn’t really the right word. Maybe used to communicate is better??? Like for example if the dog is pulling sometimes I’ll pull on it and that’s enough to get them to stop. Without needing a full choker or whatever. But the ones I walk are already trained how to walk so it’s more a reminder than anything, not really a correction or anything. I guess I was using that wrong. Sorry.

I find I get far better results when I use positive too.

And of course also starting with the very basics/baby steps too cause I’m finding now I’ve given the puppy too much freedom too fast and he’s starting to not want to listen or come to me or whatever so I’m thinking I might need to start with him on a leash which I should have done I begin with. Or maybe I just need food? He listens really well when I have that even if it’s his kibble haha I think I might be expecting too much as well since I haven’t really taught him an official come command yet, just come here , come on, calling him etc.

I thought I knew how to do this and then I got him and he’s just such an angel and the yard I fenced I started with the freedom. But oddly he does stick right next to me when we go anywhere like my parents and won’t wander off there. But it’s just sometimes he’s rather chomp sticks than come in. I think that’s my other problem.... usually come means we’re going inside or leaving grandpas

But he knows a ton of other stuff like sit, spin, twirl, watch me, working on wait, stay, and place, which he’s finally starting to get, and started wave yesterday, and he’s FINALLY starting to figure out down after forever LOL and how to touch/target properly without chomping my hand off

So we’re making progress but I’ve been bad about other stuff. But I’ve been making him wear the leash and collar more lately and he’s been better about it and will walk with it on now instead of refusing to move

 

[ShrekDawg]

I like martingales, use them all the time. I like to train in a mostly positive way with the least amount of correction. If you use your brain instead of pain, you can have a well trained dog that will very happily work for and with you. Sometimes you have to come down hard on them and I will do that too when necessary, but that's very seldom.

ice box
View attachment 2603544

And wow that thing is cool!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Looks like an incubator hahah

 

[Geena]

Oh yeah no I actually agree and usually try to train that same way! I love my martingales that I have and they’re definitely not really “aversive” and I wouldn’t use them that way since they’re not designed for that but I was more meaning like they could be or I guess aversive isn’t really the right word. Maybe used to communicate is better??? Like for example if the dog is pulling sometimes I’ll pull on it and that’s enough to get them to stop. Without needing a full choker or whatever. But the ones I walk are already trained how to walk so it’s more a reminder than anything, not really a correction or anything. I guess I was using that wrong. Sorry.

I find I get far better results when I use positive too.

And of course also starting with the very basics/baby steps too cause I’m finding now I’ve given the puppy too much freedom too fast and he’s starting to not want to listen or come to me or whatever so I’m thinking I might need to start with him on a leash which I should have done I begin with. Or maybe I just need food? He listens really well when I have that even if it’s his kibble haha I think I might be expecting too much as well since I haven’t really taught him an official come command yet, just come here , come on, calling him etc.

I thought I knew how to do this and then I got him and he’s just such an angel and the yard I fenced I started with the freedom. But oddly he does stick right next to me when we go anywhere like my parents and won’t wander off there. But it’s just sometimes he’s rather chomp sticks than come in. I think that’s my other problem.... usually come means we’re going inside or leaving grandpas

But he knows a ton of other stuff like sit, spin, twirl, watch me, working on wait, stay, and place, which he’s finally starting to get, and started wave yesterday, and he’s FINALLY starting to figure out down after forever LOL and how to touch/target properly without chomping my hand off

So we’re making progress but I’ve been bad about other stuff. But I’ve been making him wear the leash and collar more lately and he’s been better about it and will walk with it on now instead of refusing to move

You have a new puppy??

I fall into that same trap. I have a big well fenced yard and they're not going anywhere. If you put a leash or drag line on them it's more work for you, and the puppy is already so much work, blah, blah, blah.

I always start my pups out with "come", to me that is THE most important command. I keep a pocket full of bait, usually tiny little cubes of chicken breast, and all day long, every day, 10, 15, 20 times a day, out of the blue, "puppy, come" and treat.

It's amazing how, if you start when they are very young, it becomes an automatic response, they don't even think about it, they just come to you. Of course later on you have to proof with distractions and all that, but it gives you a good solid base to build on.

 

[DucksNchickenss]

I would try walking him out a couple times a day near the chickens on a lead. And whenever he tries chasing your birds, tell him "NO" or "LEAVE IT" and pull him back. After some time he should understand to not chase your birds

 

[ShrekDawg]

You have a new puppy??

I fall into that same trap. I have a big well fenced yard and they're not going anywhere. If you put a leash or drag line on them it's more work for you, and the puppy is already so much work, blah, blah, blah.

I always start my pups out with "come", to me that is THE most important command. I keep a pocket full of bait, usually tiny little cubes of chicken breast, and all day long, every day, 10, 15, 20 times a day, out of the blue, "puppy, come" and treat.

It's amazing how, if you start when they are very young, it becomes an automatic response, they don't even think about it, they just come to you. Of course later on you have to proof with distractions and all that, but it gives you a good solid base to build on.

Yup! Had him a few weeks now.

And yeah that’s exactly it

I like that idea though! So I think I’m gonna start doing that.

I was just practicing in the yard with his kibble and he did pretty well but I might make it even better to come back haha

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

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

My dog has only interacted with the chickens through the fence. I am not giving him a chance to fail. No reason not to keep them apart.

 

[Kiki]

My dog has only interacted with the chickens through the fence. I am not giving him a chance to fail. No reason not to keep them apart.

My dogs do not share a yard with my birds period.
My birds are 5 years old and still unharmed by my dogs because they don't share the yard.

It's one or the other out and about.

 

[Kiki]

My dog has only interacted with the chickens through the fence. I am not giving him a chance to fail. No reason not to keep them apart.

I've successfully kept mine apart for five years and not by a fence so I know it can be done.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

My dogs do not share a yard with my birds period.

MIne either, I am fortunate enough that there is enough space that they are 100% apart unless the dog is with me and goes into the chicken yard, then he is met with the coop and run. So they know each other, see but no touch.

The dog only weighs 12 pounds and I think the 15 hens would not put up with any nonsense from him. but like I said, no reason to find out.