hey i'll just back in. is the dog YOURS or your husband's? this might make a difference. all dogs have something that is important to them - one of my dogs will do anything for food. the other couldnt care less but wants every opportunity to fetch the ball. find out what will be a good correction but you need to get his attention.
if the dog is your husband's - and even if he isnt - you might want to have him correct the dog. if the dog is his - he needs to be responsible for setting the rules.
the thing is - and wow am i going out on a limb here into 'un-PC' world here - dogs understand a physical hierarchy. they all want and need it. when my husband is at home HE corrects the dogs b/c he's the biggest.
it sounds like your pooch think that HE determines the rules. i'd highly recommend getting one of the training books by that Ceasar guy (dog whisperer) to help understand the pack thinking all dogs have. also check out The Farmer's Dog which deals specifically with herding dogs - great reference.
here is what i'd do. take your man and the dog out and let the hens out. as soon as Mr Hen Grabber starts to wiggle around, or snaps have your man grab him by the scruff, point his finger right at his face, and give him a DEEP VOICED no no no! while standing over him. make him lay down and show you his belly.
its not necessarily once a hen grabber always a hen grabber but it takes work. dont ever leave him out by himself, always have him beside you (i used the command: Stick Close), and dont give up. if he is being naughty make him sit somewhere by himself. later play or run with him until he's very very tired. keep a structure, keep him working, and dont take it personally.
i dont mind the shock collar suggestion at all - he might be very very stubborn and you need to get his attention.
