How do I get my dog to stop attacking?

[krawphish]

My first chickens were (3) 6 month old mixed breed bantams and things were going really great. The chickens and dogs (Mini schnauzer and terrier mix both male, mix is fixed, schnauzer isn't) would split back yard time (fenced) unless we leashed the dogs. The mutt lost interest for the most part as soon as we told him to "leave it" but the schnauzer would only lose interest until the chickens moved again. Through some early morning grogginess and miscommunication the dogs and chickens found themselves sharing the back yard, and you can imagine what happened. Funny thing was that the chickens weren't mutilated or torn to bits. Seemed like they caught them, killed them and dropped them. So after a proper funeral and lots of the kid and girlfriend crying, I ordered 8 chicks. We have done exposure training and tried to get everyone used to each other through the chicken wire. Just the other day while feeding, the dogs were inside, one of my 6 wk old chicks panicked and flew over the fence. After searching for HOURS to no avail I gave up. Monday afternoon my girlfriend got home and apparently the chickie decided to come back at some point during the day, chouldn't get into the run, and the dogs got her. I got the tearful crying call at work. I don't know what to do!!! If they just have to split yard time we humans will hang a sign on the back door so communications don't fail again, but I'd really love for them the be able to live in harmony and the dogs not attack! Any advice or help is greatly appreciated!

 

[canada-goose]

There's only one way I can think of. It involves a gun.

 

[A1 Steak Sauce]

Quote:
Yeah, that's about it.

 

[Kittymomma]

Lots of threads on this. I'd say you'll have to split up the backyard time. Dogs with a high prey drive and chickens don't mix. Don't get me wrong, it works sometimes--my dogs are the best protection the chickens have from coyotes and the neighborhood strays, but your schnauzer has not only killed them, he's excited by them just moving. You may be able to train him to leave them alone while you are watching, but IMO as soon as your distracted you'll have more dead chickens. Sorry.

 

[jeremy]

Kooshie... I don't see how that was helpful.

Have you considered getting a rooster? It might not be a quick fix to your situation, but a rooster to guard over your flock should keep small dogs away. As long as he establishes himself as a superior to the dogs.

Otherwise if you're going to raise the chickens maybe you should consider rehoming the problem pooch.

Sorry.

 

[Longhaven Hen]

Unfortunately, you're probably going to have to choose one or the other...dogs or chickens, or you are going to have to make a COMPLETELY SECURE ENCLOSURE for your chickens (think Fort Knox). And remember, dogs dig! Make sure to bury chicken wire or hardware cloth below ground level and curved away from the enclosure to deter digging. Sorry for your losses.

Good luck!

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
You would probably just end up with a dead rooster.

 

[redhen]

You have some tough decisions to make or some secure runs to make. Either one, sorry about your loss.

 

[redhen]

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You would probably just end up with a dead rooster.

Agreed..

 

[A1 Steak Sauce]

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You are kidding right? I've had the neighbors' stupid little chihuahua take out a mean A rooster twice its size, along with half my flock a while back. Trust me, a rooster will do no good against a dog with a high prey drive. I've been around chickens since I was born, I've NEVER seen a rooster be able to keep away a dog.