MAJOR problem with the puppies

[chickenlittle32]

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Lets dont get Debis thread messed up.. PM me if you need to.. I'll talk to ya!

AND even give you the last word too!

I DO understand and respect your opinion...but others that have used them may not. (this is a big forum...) So..drop it here..

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Stop that!

Nothing to see here people...keep on walking..nothing to see here.....

 

[chickenlittle32]

 

[insiderart]

One dog has one brain, 2 dogs have half a brain, 3 or more dogs.. no brain.

Which is no help, but I like to say it.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Its a secret..

 

[Mahonri]

Deb,

I'd rehome two of the pups, then I'd just work with the other one and watch him close to make certain that he doesn't hurt your chickens.

My Golden Retriever lets the chickens walk right over her. Guess I'd never be able to take her pheasant hunting... she'd want to play with them.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Ya know..i find this true! Ever since i got the 3rd dog...UGH! Its alot harder...

 

[BorderKelpie]

I am glad you are willing to work with them. May I make a few suggestions?
First, you are the pack leader, they need to be reminded of this. They are going through a learning period, playing with the chickens gives them practice for the future hunting skills they are developing. I would take each pup one at a time to start with, place it on a long line, and supervise closely. A well timed growled 'Leave it!' with a physical correction (if needed). Praise the instant the pup looks away from the bird and looks to you (his leader).
For this to work, though, you need the foundation. Obedience lessons, focus (Look at me), No, Leave it, Stay, etc. There are some great books out there that can give you the basics on training and canine behaviour. I recommend The Art of Raising a Puppy and How to be Your Dog's Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete.
Exercise the pups well before trying the chicken training. Tired dogs are good dogs.
Second, make sure you know your dogs and what it takes to get their attention. If I put a shock collar on either my Brenna or Coulter, I would have a disaster on my hands. It 'might' work with William and Hoppy. It has worked on Sic Puppy, but I don't recommend them as a start. The problem I see with the shock collar is youare the leader, therefore youneed to give the correction, not some inanimate object. Your dogs need to learn from and respect you, not that collar.
Training is a lifelong commintment. There are no quick fixes. Be patient, be firm, be consistant. You will impress yourself with the results.
Best wishes.
If I can help you with details, you are more than welcome to PM me. Dogs and training are a passionate hobby for me.

 

[Pupsnpullets]

Deb,

It can be done but will require constant monitering and constant very firm correction for any indiscretions. Your pup did not kill the chicken and it was imediately punished so you do have a chance. My dogs were never alone with the chickens til they were older than a year, and then it was only be accident when some idiot left the gate open when I wasn't there. My heart was in my mouth when I drove up and saw dogs and chickens all co-habiting together. At the end of the day when I did a head count everyone was present and correct.

One of my dogs is a lab/greyhound mix, a highly motivated hunter/chaser who was too interested in the chickens when she was little. However, she is totally trustworthy now.

You have 3 young dogs and I had 2, with two other pups as frequent visitors, and NO chickens were killed by that pack of babies, so it can be done. I would even let your chickens out in the late afternoon with one or more of the pups on long leashes and just quietly interact with all of them together. Get the pups used to being with chickens and if they show too much interest correct them with a firm word, then imediately refocus them on something else.

When no-one is around pups shouldn't be anywhere near the chickens, even with the chickens in an enclosed 'safehouse'. You don't want the dogs even attempting to break into the chicken run, that is too much interest and stimulation for the pups towards the chickens.

Hope this helps. On this one small area I do know what I'm talking about.