Im just devastated

[dacasodivine]

Runamuck, good for you! A lot of people do just take it. I really love that you sat outside just to annoy them.

 

[mandomama]

You did the right thing Run a Muck. We've had to put dogs down for health reasons, the big "C" and such. Always hard, but it is our job to take care of our animals and taking care may mean putting them down.

Dogs aren't bad, owners are. Any dog can be violent if they aren't properly trained. Any dog can be trained with the right amt of attention.

I've been slowly introducing my aussies to my chickens. My young one tried to bite one of the little ones that I held in my hand. I put him on his back with my hand to his throat. Not hard, but enough to get his attention. Now he won't even look at them when I put them in his face. Then I praise, praise, praise. My older dog I had less worries about. But, she did the same thing, twice. I did the same response, twice. I am going to take them with me when I feed and clean. And reinforce the "no mouth" command. Aussies, will hopefully start gaurding the chicks once they know what their role is.

They've done the same with our cats. The three that are ours, they protect, the strays they run off. I want this to continue.

 

[Run-A-Muck Ranch]

Any time my mom gets a new animal...wether it be a chick, goat, kitten, even a horse, or human grand baby she ALWAYS tells the dogs "It's a Baby". And for some reason the dogs understand that and actually don't want anything to really do with them after the inital sniff and maybe sloppy kiss.
After a day or two the dogs will lay down and let what ever the animal is walk all over them. Had baby goats, kitten, and birds of all sorts walking on them. Even had baby colts lay down with the dogs.
For some reason if they seem to know it's a baby they are more gental. I know this might not work on all dogs, but for hers it does.

 

[SpottedCrow]

Runamuck
You can't get the enjoyment of YOUR front yard because of THEIR psycho dog...what a crock!
Especially since he's attacked you and your birds and THEIR kid...I'd SSS the parents...

Denece and Lacey,
Training goes a heckuva long way towards peaceful existence between birds and dogs.

I hope things can work out...

 

[Denece&Lacey]

Thanks spottedcrow!! We got some more chickens and so far so good. Me and lacey spent alot of time out there looking at everything and anything possible. We decided we are better at this than my husband!! He has been alot of help but he was more worried about it looking good!! I patched and fixed things I hadnt thought about. I dont know how anything could get in there at this point. Im not testing them though!!

 

[stilwellchick]

I vote for hot wire .They have a solar powered unit at TSC for under 100.00. Keeps everything that comes into contact away. You won't have to worry about your dog or anyone else's dog either. You might also consider a kennel/dog run for your dog while you are away if he stays outside. I got one on craig's list for 1/4 the price they are at TSC. Good luck with your new chicks.

 

[Denece&Lacey]

Thanks stillwell!! I had considered a hot wire. I was kind of afraid to because of neighborhood kids!! My kids are old enough to know not to touch or whatever but there alot of kids that come into my backyard and want to see the chicks!! I may do it later and just make sure its off when kids are out there.

 

[zippychickens]

mandomamma
I like your idea of putting the dog on it's back and holding it down by the throat. I think I'll use that on my dog. by the way, what is the "no mouth" command?

 

[spatcher]

No matter how much training you give your dog(s), there is nothing you can do about a stray dog or cat trying to get your chickens. The ONLY solution is to make your chickens predator proof. You give your dog to your sister only to have your chickens killed by a neighbors dog/cat! Make the coop and run secure from everything and anything!

 

[dogzrule5]

This is so upsetting; a lot of us have experienced it.

I had a litter of puppies that I was fostering for my rescue group and THEY chased and badly injured a hen. It is instinct, but none-the-less upsetting. The hen had a hunk chewed from her and she was in shock I guess - just sitting there with the puppies all over her. I was furious with the dogs and hated them for a while but calmed down. I had a neighbor put the hen out of her misery and tightened security for the chickens.

I've had other incidents, but the best thing any chicken/bird owner can do is to take as many precautions as possible for the critters on the lower end of the food chain. Everything has to eat or wants to chase prey. If we don't chose to have dogs, our neighbors do, or there are strays that have been dumped like trash that are trying to survive. Something will always be after the birds; we just have to protect them as best we can.