My daschund wants them for dinner

[akcountrygrrl]

My mini Doxie just turned a year old. He thinks all of the baby animals on the farm are his babies and will "protect" them from the other dogs but he also thinks that guinea pigs and rabbits are play toys. He practically froths at the mouth in his excitement over them. While he is gentle with all of the animals in my presence, I wouldn't trust him alone with any of them except maybe the goats. It was soooo cute seeing this little male Doxie licking the new born kid goats and then curling up with them on a blanket in front of the woodstove. I always take into consideration what the dog was bred for and act accordingly when they are around the other animals. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badger and other small animals. Can you imagine the tenacity, bravery, strength, and sheer stubbornness that was bred into these dogs to do that job???? I see those traits in my Frankie every day.

 

[gryeyes]

I have two dachshunds, one nearly 13 and one about four years old. I've had Zorro (the eldest) all his life, and Dooley not quite two years now. Dooley learned from watching me re-train Zorro not to kill chickens. Zorro had never seen a chicken in his life when I got the chicks, and I kept him and the cats away from the brooder. When the 8 ten week old chicks went outside, I watched in horror as Zorro chased down a pullet, vornered her, grabbed her and shook her twice, snapping her neck. After that, I watched him very closely, because he spent HOURS truing to find weak spots in the run fence, barking, whining, pawing at the ground trying to dig under the fence to get to the chickens. Two more were lost due to misadventure and my lack of vigilance.

So I had to chain him when he was in the back yard and I was doing gardening or chicken chores. First time in his life. I hosed him, yelled at him, worked with him on a leash. The chickens grew up, and one of the pullets turned out to be a cockerel (now my dominant rooster, Carl). One day, Zorro halfway moved towards a hen, just a little quick move, not even a dash orlunge, and Carl launched himself into the air to land squarely with both feet right in the middle of Zorro's side, bowling him over. Zorro doesn't chase chickens any more; he ignores them. Even young chicks. When my ducks grew up, they billed Zorro mercilessly any time he walked by. Zorro avoids ducks as a result of it.

Dooley just figured it out on his own: stay away from the poultry!

So, it is possible, but it takes work and hyper-vigilance on your part. With maybe a rooster-thrashing for good measure.

 

[chickyboomboom]

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Thanks for the article! That was great to read. I will work on just what Ceasar said. But still, will never fully trust him around the girls.

 

[chickyboomboom]

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Thanks for the story... sorry for the loss! Don't feel guilty, this is the nature of animals. I think the joy outweighs the risks.

I will try and be vigilant with Oscar. I love my dog so much- 18 years of loyalty! Even if he ate my favorite chick, he's still my loyal boy.

I'm so grateful to learn from all your stories and experiences!

 

[dancingsquirrel]

We just lost our three chickens and our beloved guinea pig to a neighbor's dachshund.

 

[crossgirl]

You're so lucky to have had him for 18 years! I have two doxies. The oldest, Oscar, of course, is somewhere over 12. He came from a rescue and I think they underestimated his age as he seems ancient. He's killed a pet hamster, a pet bunny and a litter of wild baby bunnies since we've had him. He doesn't seem to think chickens are the same though. He associates the chickens with snacks and love, love, loves to come in their padock so he can scarf up their treats and poops! Our other baby girl has a singular purpose in life and that is to eradicate lizards. She'll take an occasional break to chase a squirrel now and again but the chickens not at all. I've been so relieved as I assumed the little varmits would want to kill chickens with the same fervor they show for other things. Our toy fox terrier, despite the terrier name, has no problem with chickens either. He wanted to play with them at first but I put a stop to that quickly. Now they're all friends. I know it could all change in a heartbeat, but right now, all my animals get along! I'm truly blessed. I go out with treats and the chickens and dogs all gather round! I hope you're able to work with your Oscar but I tend to agree with the others that since he's shown a lust for your chicks, he's not going to ever be trustworthy with them.

 

[knjinnm]

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Nope, Doxies are hunters, get rid of the dog or the chickens.

 

[chickyboomboom]

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Thanks! There's hope! When the girls (chickens) go out into the coop, I'll really start trying to train Oscar not to show those behaviors. He's a very obedient dog, although ancient as well! His brother (Mayer- get it? Oscar Mayer) was 16 years old when he died and I know for sure Mayer's lust for chickens would have been stronger! He was a really good hunter! Oscar was not as interested in hunting, so I'm surprised at how excited he gets. Yes, we're so lucky he's been around for 18 years! I think he still has a few left in him... he may make it to 20! Thanks for the post!

 

[chickyboomboom]

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Nope, Doxies are hunters, get rid of the dog or the chickens.

I think I'll take my chances. I'd never get rid of the dog.... and the chickens have their own run, so I'll just really have to be vigilant.

 

[TrystInn]

My nextdoor neighbor's Doxie gets in our backyard all the time, since I installed the fence to keep my larger dogs in 4 years prior to them buying the house. *eye roll* Thankfully, he doesn't seem at all interested in the chickens or ducks, we've never had a problem with him. We've even dogsat him at our place, the biggest trick was making sure he didn't run home!