keeping neighbors dogs off the property, what kind of dog can i get?

[zazouse]

Well maybe I wont get a dog :/

Where i live there really is nothing that harms or threatens my chickens. Even before the neighbors got their dogs. Once in a while at night there might be a skunk, very rarely,, ,but i lock my girls
up at night anyways. I really don't like dogs all that much anyways..maybe I'll just buy a paintball gun and give the dogs a nice rainbow design the next time i catch them over here. They are somewhat wussy dogs, I can chase them off just by yelling at them.

Be careful shooting at dogs in a neighborhood, you do not need the peta folks on your behind for animal crulty, best to remain on the down low when running off strays, use a bb gun ,not a paint ball gun but first try a note in the mail box

 

[bobbi-j]

I second the pyranese/anatolians. We have 3 at our ranch living with herds of sheep and goats, and 3 more as house pets. Our family likes them a lot for what they are bred for. What about contacting your neighbor and asking to keep their dogs off your place? To be honest, if you get one or two livestock guard dogs (LGD's - they perform best in pairs) and some neighborhood dog(s) come messin around your LGD's pack, they will kill the enemy. Trust me. Of course maybe the neighborhood dog comes over and is very submissive and a simple growl from your LGD gets him on his way. However, I have seen two LGD's grab each end of a stray dog and pull him apart with very little warning to protect their flock of goats. Maybe add a fence to keep out an honest stray dog, and if one climbs/digs in and your LGD kills it you won't feel so bad? It's sad to think about but thats what these LGD's are bred for and its what will ultimately happen. Good luck and if you decide to go with an LGD, do your homework on how to best socialize them and raise them for what their ultimate job will be, and don't just make them a house pet (easy to do since they are so cute as pups!)

The difference here is, you have a ranch. The OP only has 2.5-3 acres to protect. Not nearly enough room for a GP. At least from what I understand. Neighbors of ours had one. It wandered from home all the time. The owners just said, "Oh, that's the nature of the dog. They don't really know boundaries and need to cover a lot of ground." The dog disappeared one day and was never seen again.

well a fence would only keep these dogs out if it went all the way around my yard, which i would think is pretty expensive. where a dog would cost me what? a few bucks in dog food per month?

i think either i will get a dog, or i will give those dogs one more chance, if any more chickens get killed, i will go to the neighbor and nicely ask them to do something about it, and if those dogs come back on my property bam. im gonna shoot em with the 22.

As others have stated, a few strands of electric fence will cost you way less than a dog. Dogs are expensive. It doesn't even matter if you want a purebred or a mutt... er, "designer dog". Around here, purebreds and mixed breeds are all going for hundreds of dollars. Then there are the puppy shots, getting it fixed (either so it doesn't wander or end up having a dozen pups - depending on whether you got a male or female), heartworm pills, tick repellants, dog food, chew toys... We just got a pup last year. It's all still pretty fresh for me. Oh yeah, and the unexpected costst - like vet bills after your dog gets hit by a car when it goes on the road.

Have you ever owned a dog? a few dollars a month won't buy a chew toy much less feed, vaccinate,flea and heart-worm meds , altering and unforeseen accidents that may require a vets care.

Your question was how to keep other dogs off your place, you can not do that without a fence in your current settings, if a dog can get to your birds wild things can and have an even better chance of getting them, that is what they do for a living they hunt,stalk and kill to eat.
If you think you have no problem with wild critters it may be cause them loose dogs are keeping them away.

Once again if you get a dog that will protect your birds and run off other dogs and critters how are you going to stop it from leaving the property in hot pursuit, and what if your said dog hurts or kills someones dog that made it back to their own property? It will not matter if it was chasing your animals ,if an animal gets injured or killed by your dog on it's own property you can be held liable for the damages.

I am just trying to get you to see the entire picture here not just what you think it should be, i have been there and done that more than most folks on here living my entire 58 years on a farm and keeping my animals safe from all kinds of predators and pest with the use of dogs.

PS never ever ever confront a neighbor about their dog unless you know them well, if the loose dogs are causing someone else problems and the SSS you will most likely get the blame for it's disappearance and your life could become a living HECK... with no place to go if you own your own place. LEAVE A NOTE IN THE MAIL BOX

I have nothing more to add to this. Just wanted to say

Well maybe I wont get a dog :/

Where i live there really is nothing that harms or threatens my chickens. Even before the neighbors got their dogs. Once in a while at night there might be a skunk, very rarely,, ,but i lock my girls
up at night anyways. I really don't like dogs all that much anyways..maybe I'll just buy a paintball gun and give the dogs a nice rainbow design the next time i catch them over here. They are somewhat wussy dogs, I can chase them off just by yelling at them.

Good idea! If you don't like them, why on earth were you thinking of getting one? Because you don't want to put up a fence? It's entirely your decision, of course, but a few strands of electric isn't that expensive or difficult to install on 3 acres. Shouldn't take you more than an afternoon, if that. Step-in posts, insulators, wire and a fencer, that's it. Talk to the farm supply store, and they'll be happy to tell you how to install it. If not, come back on here - lots of knowledgeable people willing to help. That's going to be your most effective tool if you're really serious about keeping those dogs (and any other strays that come by) off your place.

 

[zazouse]

The difference here is, you have a ranch. The OP only has 2.5-3 acres to protect. Not nearly enough room for a GP. At least from what I understand. Neighbors of ours had one. It wandered from home all the time. The owners just said, "Oh, that's the nature of the dog. They don't really know boundaries and need to cover a lot of ground." The dog disappeared one day and was never seen again.

As others have stated, a few strands of electric fence will cost you way less than a dog. Dogs are expensive. It doesn't even matter if you want a purebred or a mutt... er, "designer dog". Around here, purebreds and mixed breeds are all going for hundreds of dollars. Then there are the puppy shots, getting it fixed (either so it doesn't wander or end up having a dozen pups - depending on whether you got a male or female), heartworm pills, tick repellants, dog food, chew toys... We just got a pup last year. It's all still pretty fresh for me. Oh yeah, and the unexpected costst - like vet bills after your dog gets hit by a car when it goes on the road.

I have nothing more to add to this. Just wanted to say

Good idea! If you don't like them, why on earth were you thinking of getting one? Because you don't want to put up a fence? It's entirely your decision, of course, but a few strands of electric isn't that expensive or difficult to install on 3 acres. Shouldn't take you more than an afternoon, if that. Step-in posts, insulators, wire and a fencer, that's it. Talk to the farm supply store, and they'll be happy to tell you how to install it. If not, come back on here - lots of knowledgeable people willing to help. That's going to be your most effective tool if you're really serious about keeping those dogs (and any other strays that come by) off your place.

My dogs can step right over or threw a electric fence as long as their nose or paws do not touch it they are insulated by their coats and they know it

 

[bobbi-j]

We fence deer and coons out of our sweet corn. We put a strand about 4"off the ground, another up 6" or so, and so on. We put up several strands so they can't go under, between or over the top. It's been effective for the several years we've been doing it. One of my dogs went under the horse fence with his tail up..... once.

 

[dekel18042]

So, you've already made up your mind to get a dog, and are looking for advice on what breed to get... You don't need to build a "big" fence to keep neighbor dogs out. Electric is fairly easy to install and not too expensive. I'd start with that, since I'm assuming you'll start with a pup to begin with. A pup won't be able to keep the neighbor's dog off your property right away, nor will it be a good guardian for your chickens. The small amount of acreage you have will not be sufficient to keep a GP, in my opinion.There are lots of breeds of *livestock guardian dogs*, and there are many, many more breeds of dogs that can guard your livestock. It's all in what you're looking for. Our last dog was a black lab and he guarded my chickens just fine. My current Redbone Coonhound mix will hopefully learn to guard my chickens too. I had some coyote losses this year, but the dog was just a pup and not old enough or big enough to be a threat to them, I think. He just turned 1 in Dec. A very frequent contributor to this forum is Centrarchid - he uses German Shorthair Pointers to guard his flock. GSPs are generally used for hunting birds, not guarding them, but it works for him. I would recommend not getting a herding type dog, or a terrier breed. There are those that have them and it works for them. Did you have a specific breed or breeds in mind?

Just want to mention the other side of the coin. My entire life with one exception I have had herding dogs (That one exception was a real misfit.) and most of my life I have had poultry, chickens, geese, bantams, ducks and guineas.) I've never had a problem, The dogs were loose with the birds and no one has ever been hurt. I would trust my dogs and the dogs I have had implicitly with poultry. I also have friends with herding dogs and poultry.
My oldest is 14 and we can proudly say nothing has ever been harmed or taken on his watch.
That said, I personally wouldn't get a border collie as some can be over the top although I do know someone who has a BC and bantams.
The herding dogs that can interact with poultry in our neighborhood are collies, shelties (more of an alarm clock, not guard dogs but that is one of the breeds I always have), English shepherds, aussies, German Shepherds, Shiloh shepherd (a type of German shepherd, it appears to me), curs, mixes and cattle dogs.
BTW, I've known some terriers who do get along with poultry, but perhaps not as a general rule.

 

[unclejohn]

Be careful shooting at dogs in a neighborhood, you do not need the peta folks on your behind for animal crulty, best to remain on the down low when running off strays, use a bb gun ,not a paint ball gun but first try a note in the mail box

haha, well i got one with the pellet gun and it didnt seem to shaken up by the whole thing. maybe if my neighbors see the paintball marks they will know to keep their **** dogs tied up or shoot them! they don't barey feed the dogs anyways, so im not worried about peta. funny thing is, when i moved in here, that same neighbor was bitching about the previous owners having dogs that came on to their property all the time.

i DO like dogs, but i just am more annoyed by them than their worth. they crap and pee everywhere, they drool, and are like babies, constantly following you and needing attention, can't ever just go into the garden without the dog there jumping over rows and walking on seedlings. ugh! no dog for me! thanks for opening my eyes everyone. i am a sucker for animals but in the end it just isn't worth it. ill carry my desert eagle style pellet gun with me and if i spot the dogs i'll go rambo! if that doesn't work ill use the 22, or maybe set out some poison for them one night when my animals are safely put away...

 

[bobbi-j]

Just want to mention the other side of the coin. My entire life with one exception I have had herding dogs (That one exception was a real misfit.) and most of my life I have had poultry, chickens, geese, bantams, ducks and guineas.) I've never had a problem, The dogs were loose with the birds and no one has ever been hurt. I would trust my dogs and the dogs I have had implicitly with poultry. I also have friends with herding dogs and poultry.
My oldest is 14 and we can proudly say nothing has ever been harmed or taken on his watch.
That said, I personally wouldn't get a border collie as some can be over the top although I do know someone who has a BC and bantams.
The herding dogs that can interact with poultry in our neighborhood are collies, shelties (more of an alarm clock, not guard dogs but that is one of the breeds I always have), English shepherds, aussies, German Shepherds, Shiloh shepherd (a type of German shepherd, it appears to me), curs, mixes and cattle dogs.
BTW, I've known some terriers who do get along with poultry, but perhaps not as a general rule.

As with any breed, there will be some that will work out and some that don't. I wasn't trying to make a blanket statement, just a generality. Would you recommend a herding breed - say Border Collie or Blue Heeler for someone who's not experienced with dogs? I know BCs are very energetic and are happiest when they have a job. I would think Blue Heelers and other herding breeds would be the same. I am glad that you chimed in, though. It's good for people to know that not ALL dogs of any one breed are the same. They all have different personalities, and I believe with the right people training them, most can be trusted around chickens.

 

[rjackh]

Dogs are a major investment both financially, emotionally, and time wise. A cheap backyard bred dog could be plagued with health problems down the road. A well bred dog is less likely to have health problems, but costs more up front. We have had many of both, and this thread is not to debate a well bred dog from a breeder vs a $20 dog off craigslist. Whatever route you go, it is a lot more than a few dollars in dog food per day. It is a major commitment for the life of the dog, which is hopefully ~15 years.

 

[dekel18042]

As I said I personally wouldn't have a border collie, although I know a lot of people who do (Guess I hang with a lot of dog people). Now I have an English Shepherd and shelties but a collie would be an excellent choice (The come in both a rough and smooth variety and I've had both) for a less experienced owner.
As with anything, you get from a dog what you put into him, and I think anyone getting any dog should at least take him through basic obedience classes. You will have a much better behaved dog, dog who is easier to live with, and you can communicate with, and communication goes in both directions.
Any breed someone is interested in, talk to breeders and owners. Ask what is the least favorite thing about the breed. If you can live with a breed's downside, you can live with the breed.
In picking a puppy, a good breeder after talking with you and learning all she can about you, can often chose the right puppy for you. After all, she is familiar with her puppies' different temperaments.
As much as I love my breeds, I rarely recommend them to other people. The question is never, 'What is the best breed of dog?" It's what is the best breed of dog FOR ME?
Herding dogs are my forte. I'd rather be dogless than have something else. I've had shelties, collies,(rough and smooth) English shepherds, and herding mixes (One was a lab/BC cross). I find it interesting that although my parents liked and had herding dogs (Even as a small child I insisted on a collie like Lassie), both were terrier people hence I know that terriers and poultry can get along.
The favorite saying of an obedience instructor I know is, "Everyone gets the dog he/she deserves." I find that so true.
In looking for a dog, talk to people who have dogs under conditions similar to yours. Ask where they got him. What do they like or not like about him. It's fascinating what can be learned.

 

[bobbi-j]

As I said I personally wouldn't have a border collie, although I know a lot of people who do (Guess I hang with a lot of dog people). Now I have an English Shepherd and shelties but a collie would be an excellent choice (The come in both a rough and smooth variety and I've had both) for a less experienced owner.
As with anything, you get from a dog what you put into him, and I think anyone getting any dog should at least take him through basic obedience classes. You will have a much better behaved dog, dog who is easier to live with, and you can communicate with, and communication goes in both directions.
Any breed someone is interested in, talk to breeders and owners. Ask what is the least favorite thing about the breed. If you can live with a breed's downside, you can live with the breed.
In picking a puppy, a good breeder after talking with you and learning all she can about you, can often chose the right puppy for you. After all, she is familiar with her puppies' different temperaments.
As much as I love my breeds, I rarely recommend them to other people. The question is never, 'What is the best breed of dog?" It's what is the best breed of dog FOR ME?
Herding dogs are my forte. I'd rather be dogless than have something else. I've had shelties, collies,(rough and smooth) English shepherds, and herding mixes (One was a lab/BC cross). I find it interesting that although my parents liked and had herding dogs (Even as a small child I insisted on a collie like Lassie), both were terrier people hence I know that terriers and poultry can get along.
The favorite saying of an obedience instructor I know is, "Everyone gets the dog he/she deserves." I find that so true.
In looking for a dog, talk to people who have dogs under conditions similar to yours. Ask where they got him. What do they like or not like about him. It's fascinating what can be learned.

Very well stated!