I'm so sad for my hen...and, so angry at my dog...

[countrybum]

Quote:
I agree.

 

[debakadeb]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We have three dogs that we had long before we had chickens. This year has been a bad year in regards to chickens and retriever. In this case, the chickens flew over the fence...he retrieved. Now, he is no longer able to go out without supervision.

When he is outside, he is not allowed near the chicken pen...and he knows it. He starts walking with me and I have him stop half way. Luckily, he does know the word "stay" and will obey.

 

[Casey3043]

Marla, the only thing I can think of is to put a strong line on a fence post, and hook it to the dog as you open the gate. If he runs past you, he will stop right away. Another thing that works is to holler the dog's name just the instant before he hits the end of the line. He will listen better next time he hears it.

I also do the alpha dog thing suggested by someone above, and also used by the dog whisperer----do not allow the dog to lead you. YOU are the pack leader. You go through a door or gate first, and he must wait for permission.

However, the short rope surreptitiously hooked on does get their attention!!

CASEY

 

[E-Chick]

Thanks again for responses, all very good!

Not to mislead anyone, my dog WAS PUNISHED.

I not only smacked him more than a few times, I also used a technique demonstrated by Cesar Milan...imitate a dog bite with your hand on your dog's throat. At the same time, and as I have always said, I yelled, "NO! Chickens!" I yell this every time my dogs are near the run and are focused or too interested in the birds.

I also immediately followed this by grabbing him by the scruff of his neck (another discipline Cesar Milan has mentioned) and walked him pretty roughly back to his run...about 1/6th of a mile. He got an earful the whole way back. I put him into his travel size kennel, closed the door, covered it with a blanket, and left him in it for 30 minutes. Some people won't use the kennel as punishment, but, I do. It is a good way to confine him.

Anyway, I feel he was adequately punished...as I said earlier...short of beating the crap out of him. He did get a pretty good whupping.

I again thank you all for your responses. I'm still mad at the dog, but, again...he is a predator...training or not. Be careful folks!

 

[CityChook]

Oh honey, I am so sorry this happened to you. It must feel so awful. Accidents happen. Next time will be better. Hugs to you.

 

[countrybum]

All 3 of my dogs are German Shepherds and have very high prey drives, the only difference is their prey drive is for prey and not the animals they are supposed to protect.

 

[Biddylover]

So sorry to hear about what happened! What type of dog/s do you have? I'm only curious. Poor lil hen went to her save spot that about made me cry. Some dogs can not be trusted around farm animals, I have an American Bull Mastiff but she is a working dog and supposed to 'guard' the animals not eat them. That is her job though, I'd be upset with lil doggie too but just like you said they are predators. I agree with another poster about the no going through a gate/doorway without permission, Bella has the same rules. Although she is young yet and hasn't had the test in the run yet with me holding her collar of course. Anyway my deepest sympathy's I'm just starting this chicken adventure and I'm already attached to all of them... they even have names

 

[Featherwisp]

I'm so very sorry. I know how that feels.

My bf was telling me stories of how a stray dog killed off all of the free-range chickens and their duck.

Its ok though. Accidents happen, and we learn from them. The learning part is the part we all fear and hate. I hope you will feel better soon!

 

[E-Chick]

Both of our dogs are rescued dogs from a The California German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue in southern California. Most of them are purebred and a few are GSP mixed - http://www.gsp-rescue.org/home.htm

We believe that the brown dog, "Jäger" is part chocolate Lab in addition to GSP. He has a very mellow demeanor and is very obedient. If Jäger even looks in the hen's direction, I give a command to leave them alone...he immediately stops and changes direction or will return to me. He is a very good dog.

The white dog, "Diesel" is the one that killed the hen. He is more like a typical GSP with a very active demeanor. He too, knows commands, but is very strong willed. Probably the reason that he ended up in a kill shelter and then was rescued by the GSP rescue. Both dogs like to hunt around the property. Like I said earlier, Jäger will leave the chickens alone. Diesel is way too focused on them if he is around their run.

Since Diesel killed the hen yesterday, we have been "on" him at every turn. He is definitely following more commands today. I realize it will take some time, but we both want to get him back on track with training. We've been slack as we do not travel with them and they have not, until a few weeks ago, had to be hands off of anything around here.

Thanks again for the suggestions!