Introducing Puppy to Flock

[legojenn]

I'm jealous of people who are able to have their chickens and dogs mingle. I have a slightly different issue. My dog is afraid of my chickens. He is a beagle, so he is always tied up when he's in the yard. He gets his off-leash time in a more securely fenced-in park.

My chickens free range when I'm home or my neighbour comes over to watch them. If they are close to him, they will puff up charge him until he runs inside. My previous beagle used to like to lie among the chickens and and enjoy their company. New beagle is bullied.

 

[Smr]

When I got my Jack Russell pup he was 9 weeks old. I introduced him to my flock immediately. He was leashed and I allowed him to wander and explore the birds with me. He was rewarded for ignoring the birds and if he got in their faces the birds corrected him.
I eventually allowed him to wander while dragging the leash on the ground under close supervision. If he tried to chase a bird I would step on the leash and he was self corrected. Again if he ignored the birds he was rewarded with a high value food treat.
He learned quickly to leave the flock alone.
He is now 1 year old and not interested and going to the coop with me when I tend to my birds.