my own dog is the predator :(

[MHG]

I have a 1.5 year old GSD...male...he has had two instances where he could have killed one of my chickens...but didn't! The first time was when they (chickens) were about two months old...he got into our barn where we kept them...he picked up one in his mouth and held it. He walked around with it in him mouth like he had done something great!

The second time was about three weeks ago when a 6 month old chicken flew out of a holding pen...he chased it around and finally caught it between his paws and just looked at it...I called his name and commanded "leave it" he let it go and sat down looking very pleased with himself!

I have always wondered if he would kill one if given the chance…he loves to sneak up to the run and try to scare the chickens…I have been training him not to do this but I can see he get a lot of enjoyment seeing them all scurry away.

 

[blackjack1]

Let me say Im sorry for your loss!!!


You can train your dog to watch over them and not harm them. But it will take a lot of work.
I have 2 hunting dogs and my old dog will kill anything that goes in his kennel but will leave them alone if he is out. My other hunting do will not hurt them unless I shoot them the watch out.
My friend had a 11 month old shep mix and he really likes to chase everything but after about 3 day he will watch my geese and my yard bird walk right past him and not move.

Do I trust him NO but if he was my dog it would take long for me to!!
SORRY AGAIN FOR YOUR LOSS!!

 

[TennesseeTruly]

I just saw your posting and I wanted to send you a great big hug. My 2 dogs killed 37 of my chickens and 5 of my guineas the same day. I'm absolutely devastated as I know you are.

We're keeping the dogs for the time being but we've decided that one, the instigator of our bunch will be going to NY to live with our son in the very near future. He doesn't have chickens.

I just wanted to let you know that if you need a shoulder, I'm here.

HUGs

Laurie

 

[tstefanick]

So, I have a border collie/pom mix. Adopted him 2 years ago from a rescue group. He's a great dog. Beautiful, loving, ENERGETIC! Unfornately, he got the energy of the border collie but definitely not the brain. And, he is exceedingly crafty with a strong will to run. Last year he and his buddy, the pitbullmastif, killed 3 chickens. This year I got 6 guineas and while they were raised with the chicks they've decided they need to sleep outdoors. That means they're free-range during the day while we are gone to work. He has killed two of them in a week. I really don't want to get rid of him although it would be the easiest route to take. How do these shock collars work when training a dog not to eat lunch that some days is everywhere he looks?

 

[tstefanick]

I'm new to this and posted my reply/problem at the end of all the posts, in other words, back at the beginning. please read it. I feel terrible about all the chickens you lost. That is so sad.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

>>Have you thought about tying the dead chicken around his neck and letting him drag it around for awhile?? Everyone says it works<<

Didn't work for me and I let it stay on until it REEKED. My GP just killed another young chicken today and this time was EATING it. She has to go! I will not have another one of my chickens killed by a stupid dog.

 

[chickerdoodle]

Quote:
Dogs are not stupid--they act just like a dog is supposed to--kill prey. Researching the best breed

to have around chickens and positive training is up to the owner. It seems it would be better for you to either find her a home that's better fit or start training with positive reinforcement (clicker training is fabulous). Another option is to start over after doing the research if you want another dog. Once you find the right one be prepared to properly train. Pups raised around chickens may be easier or a dog that already is safe with birds.

Sorry about your chickens.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Dogs are not stupid--they act just like a dog is supposed to--kill prey. Researching the best breed

to have around chickens and positive training is up to the owner. It seems it would be better for you to either find her a home that's better fit or start training with positive reinforcement (clicker training is fabulous). Another option is to start over after doing the research if you want another dog. Once you find the right one be prepared to properly train. Pups raised around chickens may be easier or a dog that already is safe with birds.

Sorry about your chickens.

Constructive criticism is always apprciated but am pretty tired of people coming back and telling me what a bad trainer I must be. I used to show and train dogs professionally so I am not a complete moron in that area.

This dog is not just playing with the chickens and accidently killing, she is eating them...in my opinion she is not going to change. If anyone thinks better they can come get her and let everyone know how may chickens it cost until the same conclusion is reached.

I did lots of research and based on that research and the GP dog my parents owned, that I grew up with, decided a GP was a good choice and determined a young puppy would be best.

Since she was born on a farm with goats and chickens and cats running around I "thought" with proper adjustment to my place, she would be likely to work out with my chickens and cats.

And I will find her a home that is "better fit" ... WITHOUT

CHICKENS to kill as she is, otherwise, a wonderful dog.​

 

[mayden]

I live in the country and while there are a lot of predators in this part of the country I have found the biggest predators are dogs. I recently lost 2 of my chickens. I've been letting them free range in the yard during the day. Keep in mind I have 21 acres and I have at least 3 acres of mowed yard. The chickens generally stay in the yard around the house and all of a sudden a new dog appears and nails two chickens. I get my 22 and shoot towards it to chase it off and it took off running. Haven't seen the dog since.

 

[FluffyColor]

I wouldn't put down the dog.He's your pet,just like those chickens.Right now,my dog us laying on the floor.She's old and very sick.I love chickens (but don't have any until (hopefully)the arrival of my eleven chicks,)but if Ebony killed one,I would be very angry,but i sure wouldn't kill her.