How to cure my schnauzer dog from killing my chickens

[julymc]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to cure a dog from killing chickens? I do not let them free range but my little ones have been getting out . Everytime I let the dog out I have to go and make sure there are no chicks out. We have fixed the pen, but I am tired of the dogs actions! He has got to change his behavior or leave!! So any ideas on how I can change his behavior? Or is it hopless?

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Rather than address the dog which would take tons of time and constant discipline, why don't you spend time making your coop and run unpenetrable? That will ease your mind, both for keeping your chicks in, and also for outside predators that can break in.

 

[Skamaghetten]

I have the worst dog ever! She wants to kill everything with fur or feathers. However, for some strange reason we have been able to curb her attention away from the girls.

Our dog Penny can't be around other dogs at all. We've tried shock collars, choke collars, bitter apple, positive reinforcement, and slapping on the butt. Still no luck.

We let out chickens "free range" in the backyard, along with our dogs. The first week or two was horrible, nothing butt yelling and chasing. One day I was watering the garden and instead of yelling, I hit the dog with the hose (not the actual hose). Turned up the water to high and gave it to her. After about a week of "learning" she has not desire to chase the girls. The only side affect, she runs the other way when I water the garden. Small price to pay, but she associates chickens with getting sprayed with water. If I could only take the hose to the dog park.

Hope this helps. My last resort.

 

[Cara]

He's a terrier, he's going to chase small animals. It's what he was bred to do! Effectively keep the dogs and the chickens separate. A wild predator could just as easily get them if he can.

 

[gjoyner]

ok, I have a jack russell, she also tried to attack the chickens when they were young. I had to get a muzzle for the dog...it was hard to put a muzzle on her. I had her on the muzzle and on the leash when they were all outside (i free range) than sloooowly I was able to take the leash off..than sllooooooowly I was able to take the muzzle off..and added teh leash again w/out the muzzle. Now..they are fine together. She sometimes will run through them to watch them scatter but that is as far as it goes. It took awhile but it can be done.

 

[GaNewChick]

Quote:
Fix it so the little ones can't get out. You're blaming the dog for his actions?

 

[Skamaghetten]

Fixing the coop is the number one priority, but training the dog is an immediate second. It only takes one time for the dog to get to the chickens or for the chickens to get out.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Fix it so the young chickies cannnot get out...best by putting smaller wire about 2 feet high up around the perimeter of the pen. THEN run a hot wire about a foot high outside of the pen. One touch to the dog

and he will stay FAR away from the pen....

Just know you will always have a problem with the dog and the chickens and will always have to be on the watch if you keep him.