How do I introduce my dog and cat to my chickens?

How should I introduce my pets to my hens?

  • Let them meet each other through a fence

    Votes: 3 50.0%
  • Keep pets on leashes

    Votes: 3 50.0%
  • One at a time

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Just be there to referee

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    6

Cathy R.

Chirping
Dec 28, 2017
13
24
64
San Diego, CA
Hi, I have a 10 year old Australian Shepherd who's pretty active and a 12 year old tabby cat who has skills as a hunter. Rose, my dog, has seen chickens in my neighborhood as we walk around and is interested but never on the other side of the fence with them. How do you recommend I introduce them to the 2 laying hens I will be getting next month? I opted for friendlier birds. I'm getting 1 Barred Plymouth Rock and 1 Eater Egger. Thanks.
 
I think every animal is different and you are just going to have see what happens. I had smaller dogs but they were terriers. We had the chicks in the house and always in their box when the dogs were around. We let the dogs sniff around and played with them. We decided to introduce them while they were leashed and one of them tried to eat/attack one ( think it was the terrier in him). After that they were separated until the chicks were bigger. Once they were bigger we tried an introduction and they learned quickly when the chicks were out, they got treats. Got this picture a while back. They are looking into the kitchen all together hoping for bread. I hope it works for you. I know this probably didn't help much. Sorry.
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I think every animal is different and you are just going to have see what happens. I had smaller dogs but they were terriers. We had the chicks in the house and always in their box when the dogs were around. We let the dogs sniff around and played with them. We decided to introduce them while they were leashed and one of them tried to eat/attack one ( think it was the terrier in him). After that they were separated until the chicks were bigger. Once they were bigger we tried an introduction and they learned quickly when the chicks were out, they got treats. Got this picture a while back. They are looking into the kitchen all together hoping for bread. I hope it works for you. I know this probably didn't help much. Sorry. View attachment 1220778
Yes treats are magic. The birds will be about 20 weeks so big, which I think will help.
 
We have a puppy and a stock tank brooder in the same room. The brooder is actually one of the walls in her play area. She can't see the chicks, but she can smell and hear them. We also take her to watch the older chickens daily at their coop and if she starts to become agitated or excited by the stimulus, we hold her shoulders lightly and calm her. The idea is for her to learn that all their movements and sounds are just normal and nothing to get excited about. Eventually we'll work up to being around them when they're free ranging and ultimately off leash. Lots of treats along the way.
 
I read something on Pinterest a post someone made they walked the dog around on a short leash an having the dog sit an watch while the chicken free ranged. Walk the dog around the chickens or near ect. Im surw you can find something more indepth of this process or others to comment. But i wouldnt just let them free while chickens arw out in about. And i have no idea about cats. I feel its natural for them to want to kill birds. But i dont know i have no cats nor a cat person. But I have a female boxer that wants to kill mine an a male bullmastiff that likes to watch them an wants to play with them. This summer hopefully i can train him to behave around them so they can be around each in the summer. Hes more of a playful lover to other animals. Best of luck!
 
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I have a German shorthair pointer and a terrier mix. I did most of my training on the leash. We would go on walks while my chickens were free ranging. My terrier was the first to be able to walk through the birds without alerting so she started to be monitored without the leash. Since my GSP is a bird dog, it took longer, but she learned to walk amongst the chickens with extra practice. Both dogs are great around the birds, but it took a lot of work to get them there. Personally, I preferred leash training so that I could correct unwanted behaviors instantly. I attached a pic of some chics riding my pointer during training.
 
honestly, you don't need to "introduce" them at all. Simply teach her to ignore them. Does she already have a "leave it" command? And the cat, since they won't be small enough to be viewed as prey, isn't likely to have much interest in them.

ind the closest distance that the dog first notices the birds in the brooder. This might be in another room if he is one to constantly glance at the door. Put your dog on leash and get some extra special treats that he only gets for this work - bacon, grilled chicken (no spices!), hot dog chunks, etc. When the dog glances toward the birds, say his name and "leave it" If he looks at you, give him a treat - if he doesn't, give a light pop on the leash (think tap on the shoulder). When he looks at you reward him.

You can also teach him "watch me" the same way. You can practice this at random times though out the day. If you have a couple extra minutes while you're watching TV or whatever, just say his name, pause, "watch me" When he makes eye contact, then reward him. You can also (if you get in the habit of keeping a small treat in your pockets) catch him looking towards you say "watch me" and then reward. Or just praise him verbally.



Once the dog is reliably paying attention to you and the birds at a distance, move a little bit closer. If he absolutely blows you off, you're too close. Just back up a bit and begin again. Eventually you will be right amongst the birds. You can then start at a distance or with a long line (20' leash or so) and work from there. I never ever leave my dogs/chickens loose unattended together.

I don't even trust Rayden

I don't mean I constantly hover over the dogs when they are out with the birds, but I am in the area and aware of what they are doing. Think of it as a small child. Even though you've taught them not to play with matches, would you leave them alone in the house with matches scattered all over the floor?



The most important part of the training is to set the dog up to succeed. Don't give him a chance to chase the birds. Don't give him a chance to disobey.



ETA: The best thing about teaching "leave it" is that it works for everything. Drop something on the floor and don't want the dogs to touch it? "leave it" See dog running toward a snake? "leave it" Lots of training and work, but it pays off!
Of course, some dogs just can't be trusted off-leash. Period. They are just too focused on the birds. In that case, just confine the dog when the birds are out.
 

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