Ideas on training my dog to leave the birds alone?

[Izzymoon]

I saw that episode, but mine a little puppy and even when I was holding May she jumped up and tried to grab her again. Today she never went near the new coop, which is fine. May got spoiled today and I hand fed her and watered her, and took her out and down with the other girls so they know she's still part of the flock. She's still woobly, but the other girls were nice and helped her clean her feathers. She's in good spirits

 

[dainerra]

just slow and consistent. With a puppy, they aren't going to be mature for at least a year. Maybe longer. Just keep her on leash and keep working with her. Often, it's one step forward, two steps back

 

[Carebearsmiles]

just slow and consistent.  With a puppy, they aren't going to be mature for at least a year.  Maybe longer.    Just keep her on leash and keep working with her.    Often, it's one step forward, two steps back

She's 6 years old.
But I'm trying to be consistent. She tried to go around the coop, but I cut her off and rewarded her for being on the other side of the yard.

 

[dainerra]

She's 6 years old.
But I'm trying to be consistent. She tried to go around the coop, but I cut her off and rewarded her for being on the other side of the yard.

don't give her a chance to do that. If you are doing something that you can't keep her on a regular leash, at least keep her on a long line. That way, you always have a way of getting her under control. If you have to run around to try to cut her off, she can easily think it's a new game. Kind of like if you want to catch a loose dog, you don't chase them - you run away and get them to follow you.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm sorry to hear that she already attacked your hen. She is motivated to go after the birds, and will only get more efficient at killing them faster.. You wi;ll have to work her on leash a lot, and not give her any more opportunities to 'watch intently' or chase! Hope it works out for you. Mary

 

[Carebearsmiles]

don't give her a chance to do that.     If you are doing something that you can't keep her on a regular leash, at least keep her on a long line.   That way, you always have a way of getting her under control.     If you have to run around to try to cut her off, she can easily think it's a new game.     Kind of like if you want to catch a loose dog, you don't chase them - you run away and get them to follow you.

I meant on a leash. Sorry. She tries to head that way and I stop here and we go the other way.
This evening I actually was able to leave her leash dropped while I played in the garden. She didn't go towards the coop.
It's only been about 3 days now and hopefully that means she is getting it.

 

[Carebearsmiles]

I'm sorry to hear that she already attacked your hen.  She is motivated to go after the birds, and will only get more efficient at killing them faster.. You wi;ll have to work her on leash a lot, and not give her any more opportunities to 'watch intently' or chase!  Hope it works out for you.  Mary

Thank goodness she hasn't gone after my pullet and duckling.
I've actually took my game up a bit more and followed some tips mentioned here. She's gettig better she doesn't stare at them anymore.

Amelia has never hurt anything. But I'm like you all, I don't want to give her the chance.

 

[Mountain Man Jim]

Carebearsmiles,

If you like I can PM you my long winded tips on training Chicken Guard Dogs. It's not unlike dainerra's tips but, I've try to turn the ideas into a training program. If works for me. We "trained" 7 dogs over the years to be 100% reliable with the birds.

Jim

 

[Izzymoon]

luckily Funky May is doing better and I found her down in the run when I came home from work. She's a tough little bird. A bit wobbly, but she'll be ok...if your dog is interested in the chickens I would just keep them apart...this was so scary to go through

 

[bochelle6563]

I just recently got chickens and I have a 15 year old terrier who, as far as I know, has never seen a chicken before. I spent a lot of time with her while holding the baby chicks and letting her smell them when they were young. Now they are 6 months old and quite big for her to want to mess with, but I also STILL sit on the ground and give the chicks some scratch out of my hand while having her lay next to me and feeding her small treats like bits of ham or training treats. I'm trying to teach her that good things come when she is near the chickens. So far so good, but just stay close to your doggie while she is interacting with them and don't let her chase them. As they get bigger they will teach her some manners especially if they are used to seeing her and growing up with her. I have found that my chickens are much more interested in my dog than she is in them now.

good luck.