My dog chasing chickens. --solved!

[cobrien]

this is a tough one!

the only other things I can think of are:

- exercise the dog first so that she's 'almost tired' when you do the training.
- use super awesome special treats for the training around the chickens (hot dog slices, cheese, something beyond the ordinary dog biscuits) - and make an even bigger deal out of it when she does well - praise to the point of sounding ridiculous
-I would not reward if she's distracted in your case - I'd keep trying to find ways to train her around chickens when she's not distracted
-keep the training exercises around the chickens short in duration at first - maybe 5 minutes so that she is less likely to get distracted

otherwise a consultation with a trainer is probably your best bet. i do think the shock collar can be very effective if you don't get results and I don't think it's cruel if used properly, too bad they don't make one your size.

 

[nzpouter]

you need to get the dog used to your chickens and vice versa...

separating them is just waiting for accidents to happen.. put a leash on him everytime you need to do chores around your chickens and tie the other end on your belt.... this will get him used to be around them and he's within easy reach for correction.... do this routinely and before you know it, he'll ignore them.

 

[AnastasiaY]

I know this sounds cruel and gross but IF it ever gets to the point where your dog kills one, i've read about people tying the dead bird around the dogs neck and letting it rot. I'd never do this myself, but just putting the suggestion up.

 

[melissa41927]

Quote:

thats so funny. the only time my dogs will touch a chicken is if it was dead. they would just eat it off of their collar.

 

[drumstick diva]

I wouldn't count on your minpin's size as a safety issue. I've read of chihuahuas killing chickens. A chicken doesn't have as much to fight with as a dog does. Do you have a large, imposing rooster or a nasty broody who would teach her to look elsewhere for fun. Of course if she has the small dog BIG dog inside personality she probably doesn't scare easily. I have to say I would worry very much about her getting loose around the chickens. They are small but, very active, very athletic dogs as someone else wrote terrier like - which I don't think makes a good fit with chickens especially young ones.

 

[Beekissed]

You could try dominating him(roll him on his back, grasp his neck hide, give a little shake, use a deep and gruff voice ~MY chickens!) with a bird at his throat....this worked great for my Lab/BC cross. Only took one time and now he acts as if the chickens do not exist...but if I pick up one and walk in his direction, he will shy away and pose a submissive posture.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

2 words Pinch collar (training collar) you can buy them at most feed stores or pet smart/co stores belive me it will work you have to be the Dominate one so with this you will be and no it does not hurt them that bad....

 

[feathers4fun]

There's been some great suggestions already, momma hen or bossy rooster would be great. First, I'd block his view of your backyard from in your house. You don't want him sitting there and obsessing all day. Dog Whisperer techniques do work, when done properly. A LONG walk, on a leash, making him heel and focus on you and follow you-not lead. Before you ever go out in the yard, with the hens, make sure your dog understands this. When you do go in the yard the first few times, would be best to have your hens locked up, out of sight if possible. You want to walk around the yard, dog on leash, and every time you see him start to look for the chickens, get his attention and go forward. I don't psst, I do kind of a eh-eh, in a firm, more dominant sound. Not baby-talk, if you know what I mean. But not yelling or angry either. It might take some time-1/2 hour or so, of you just marching around the yard, with dog heeling. Try to really watch him closely and if he even starts to sneak a peek toward the coop get his brain back to you. If, and only if, you get complete want-to-please attention from dog would I do treats. Like if you stop and he plants his fanny to sit before you say the word-then a treat and lots of praise; he's learning to pay attention. Once he's to this point, start walking around the coop, closer and slower as he learns to not worry about whats inside. If you can do this for a few days successfully-then allow chickens out. Would do an extra lap or two around the block on this day, so he's settled down first. I'd probably use a choke-chain, even though he's tiny, it does help with the terrier mind-set. Good luck, and be patient and persistant.

 

[floridamel]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions, everyone! I only have the two chickens, and they are afraid of her (despite their size advantage). I was hoping they would fight back and scare her off, but they just run away! Busybeaver, I will try working with her exactly as you suggested starting tomorrow. I know the "eh" sound you are referring to, as that is what I was taught in her basic obedience training. I will post an update after we make some progress. Thanks!

 

[tammyd57]

Even if your dog doesn't actually attack or bite your chickens, they can still be killed. You said they 'freak out'. A freaked out chicken is very likely to run into something and break their neck while they are panicked. Or any number of other injuries.

I have a very small (3 pounds) Chihuahua, that I had behavior problems with (imagine that!

). Like you I searched for a shock collar and couldn't find one small enough. But what I did find, and it worked!, was an anti-bark collar. Those ARE made small enough and they emit a high pitched noise that dogs just can't stand. Try to find one that you can operate remotely instead of one of the automatic ones, so you can use it for any type of behavior modification.
I hope this might help you and your pets.