My New Chicken Guardian Dogs

[CupOJoe42]

Beautiful pups! Enjoyed reading about their antics and hope you continue to post about their progression into adulthood. I would love to get another dog, but it's not in the budget right now. Our labbie-mix is getting up there in age and has been wonderful with our chickens. So has our cat.

Blessings! Blessings! Blessings!

 

[egg-cellent]

I love the pups. They are so cute. We have 10 little 4 week old golden retriever pups.

 

[keenecowboy]

Congrat's great looking pups. I'm jealous.

 

[lotzahenz]

Thanks for sharing such nice photos with us neighbor!

 

[<3ChickenForever]

OH MY GOSH! Too adorable!

 

[keenecowboy]

How do you train the dogs to protect the chickens?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:

How do you train the dogs to protect the chickens?

You don't.

You train them to not harm the birds, and HOPE they have guarding instincts.
It's easier with some breeds, but most dogs won't "bond" to chickens the way they will with sheep or goats, because the birds won't allow it

 

[keenecowboy]

What breed are suggested? Which are better?

 

[KellerTX]

Beautiful pups! We have a rescue Pyr mix that we think is mixed with Aussie. He is mostly Pyr except for his coloring and a little less stock (only 120+ lbs).

He is now more furry and heavier than in the picture.

 

[AlienChick]

What breed are suggested? Which are better?

You will have to determine your needs and choose a dog accordingly. I have the Pyrs because they bark and they're big.
I also have Kangals that are large dogs and will bark, but they will also go the extra mile, if need be, and attack/kill an oncoming predator.
My Pyrs are kept with the chickens and my Kangals guard my sheep.

"In general" the most popular LGD's are the Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrs, Akbash, Maremmas, etc.
Do a search on Livestock Guardian Dogs and find out what breed would work best for your situation and predator load.