Introducing chicks to family dogs.

[Denise Mic]

Since i am new to the chick world,I am wondering how do I introduce my 3 dogs to my chicks? the coop is inside a chain link fencing with chicken wire. My Lab will put her nose to the wire and the chicks will actually come up to her and gently peck her nose while she just stand there like a statue.
VERY interested. I am a dog trainer but I just don`t know the right way to introduce her to the chicks.
I want to keep everyone safe. thanx for any advice. Denise

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

If your not going to free range then I would just let them associate through the fence and let it be as is.
If your going to let them intermingle then I would keep the dog on leash around them while they are out to make sure the dog is not going to go after them like prey. You could try cupping one in your hand and see how the dog tries to interact. Some dogs can pick up that they are yours to be protected and some think you have new toy for them to tear into. If your dog has a prey drive then you'll have to do some serious training. Other advanced dog trainers on here have been able to break a high drive dog but I have never been successful. You know your dog and should be able to tell which direction your dog wants to take with the new intruders.
I have a cane corso pup that I've been working with since she was 6 weeks old and shes around 6 months old and I've trained her to ignore them. I also have her kenneled side by side my chickens so she knows they are part of " our pack". She's doing real good but I still would not leave her unattended with them because you never know if she'll get the puppy crazies and go on a rampage with no guidance. I had to re-home a beautiful shepherd pup I had before her because his prey drive was off the charts and I could not break him; So I'm sure you'll get good advise from others more into dog training than my level but I just figured I'd share my experience.
Hopefully your dogs will be happy to cohabit with your chicks. Good Luck!