My Great Dane Puppy Killed my Chicken

[Funsarah]

I'm so sad, our 3 month old Great Dane killed our chicken. I'm so sad about the chicken. I raised her as a chick. I know it's my fault for letting the dog and chickens be together. Truth be told I'm new to training a puppy and pretty new to the whole chicken thing. The dog always seemed to be frolicking around them and half-heartedly chase so I didn't really think she was a threat but should've known better. She plays with the cats and gently bites them to catch, but seems to know to let go and doesn't hurt the cats, so maybe it was an accident? I know Great Danes were bred as hunting dogs but I didn't really think the had much of a "prey" instinct anymore... I guess it depends on the dog. Anyway, just feel sad and kinda mad at the dog. I know it's not fair to the dog and not the dog's fault but just feeling mixed emotions. Thanks for listening if you've made it this far!

 

[SerrarGett]

I'm sorry for your loss.
It's likely just to be puppy energy and instincts. I once had a lab who was roughhousing with a cat and accidently killed it. Don't be too hard on yourself, but make sure you are watching whenever the dog and chickens are together.

 

[Funsarah]

Thank you... hoping it's just puppy energy. She's doesn't seem like a true chicken killer but who knows

 

[CluckerFamily]

I am so sorry.
Puppies can stay in that puppy stage for 2 years.

 

[Funsarah]

I am so sorry.
Puppies can stay in that puppy stage for 2 years.

Yeah... I think she'll mellow out- Great Danes are usually lazy

 

[Ted_Harrell]

The dog that belongs to my girls has killed several of my chickens, so now I make sure that both are not out at the same time. I am sorry for your loss

 

[CluckerFamily]

Yeah... I think she'll mellow out- Great Danes are usually lazy

They can be very gentle dogs. I think her power and excitement may have surprised her.

 

[Funsarah]

The dog that belongs to my girls has killed several of my chickens, so now I make sure that both are not out at the same time. I am sorry for your loss

Thank you <3 Yeah definitely not anymore!

 

[lomine]

Check out the YouTube channel McCann Dog Training. They have a ton of puppy training videos with lots of tips, tricks, and info. It's based on positive reinforcement learning. One very important command I think you'll need to work on is "leave it."

I wouldn't leave the dog alone with the chickens anymore and when together keep the dog on leash. I wouldn't dismiss this as just puppy energy. Many dogs would kill a chicken if given the chance but they aren't necessarily trying to kill them. For some dogs they are fluffy, squeaky plush toys that are fun to chase and catch.

 

[Funsarah]

Check out the YouTube channel McCann Dog Training. They have a ton of puppy training videos with lots of tips, tricks, and info. It's based on positive reinforcement learning. One very important command I think you'll need to work on is "leave it."

I wouldn't leave the dog alone with the chickens anymore and when together keep the dog on leash. I wouldn't dismiss this as just puppy energy. Many dogs would kill a chicken if given the chance but they aren't necessarily trying to kill them. For some dogs they are fluffy, squeaky plush toys that are fun to chase and catch.

I will definitely check that out. Thanks! She is in training classes at PetsMart and has training today, I think they are working on that today!