How to train small dogs to herd chickens??

[laylerschicks]

I have a small dog who already kind of knows how to direct a single chicken on where to go to get the chicken to me, but is there any tips on advancing his skill?

 

[HumbleAmerican]

Herding chickens would be hard to find…. Try searching how to train dog to herd sheep. They’re pretty much the same intelligence level.

I personally don’t allow my dogs to interact with them period. They are off limits, I don’t care if they are stealing the fresh beef bone I just gave you or not.

 

[neo71665]

I don't see training dogs to chase chickens ever ending well. People do it with sheep because dogs don't really see animals bigger than them as a food source. Sheep are also less likely to have a fatal injury from a dog nipping them.

 

[laylerschicks]

my dog is barely 10 pounds and he already knows VERY well that he does not touch the chickens.

 

[Folly's place]

Some dogs will happily kill or injure sheep, cattle, and horses. It depends on who they are! Herding breeds were developed to redirect this hunting behavior towards herding, not killing, over generations of breeding individuals who showed this trait.
Maybe the OP's dog has some 'herding behaviors' in there.
As mentioned, look at sheep herding training, and be careful!
Mary

 

[Geena]

I taught one of my dogs to "herd" chickens and turkeys, but she had a strong herding instinct already and was also an agility dog so used to taking off lead directions. Problem is chickens don't really herd very well, they tend to scatter. You have to train the dog to walk slowly and calmly around in order to gather them up and bring them in. Otherwise the chickens will panic and you definitely don't want to subject them to that kind of stress.

 

[Folly's place]

Chickens are much better at 'come when called' than they are as subjects for being herded. Not as tough as cats, but still...
Mine will come when I call 'chickchickchick' in a higher voice. Use treats for this!
Mary

 

[Geena]

Yep! Definitely the quickest and easiest way to get chickens from point A to point B is to call them in with treats.

Some animals have a safety in numbers strategy and naturally group together, like sheep do. Chickens have a scatter and hide strategy when it comes to predation, and therefore are very difficult to herd.

 

[KyCoop]

Not to mention chickens unlike sheep can move vertically. Get yourself something bright colored like a cup or a scoop to train them to come when they see it and you call. Only takes a few days v/s a few months to train a dog.

 

[The Moonshiner]

I taught one of my dogs to "herd" chickens and turkeys, but she had a strong herding instinct already and was also an agility dog so used to taking off lead directions. Problem is chickens don't really herd very well, they tend to scatter. You have to train the dog to walk slowly and calmly around in order to gather them up and bring them in. Otherwise the chickens will panic and you definitely don't want to subject them to that kind of stress.

Yep! Definitely the quickest and easiest way to get chickens from point A to point B is to call them in with treats.

Some animals have a safety in numbers strategy and naturally group together, like sheep do. Chickens have a scatter and hide strategy when it comes to predation, and therefore are very difficult to herd.

X2
I had aussies and they'd try to herd everything. Chickens won't play that game. Now ducks are great at being herded.