New Dog Attacking Chickens

[Zookeeper9000]

Read the dog whisper books ya can get them at the library. I LOL at the post never beat a dog, every dog is different just like every kid what works for one may not work for others. And the breed does matter. Dog first, Breed second.

Good luck with your heeler pup once ya got them where ya want them then they are the best dogs. He loves your wife because she is the top dog, as she took charge to teach him a lesson.

 

[ruth]

My four dogs, of different breeds, do not bother my free ranging chickens. I'm currently working with two puppies - a seven month old German Shepherd and a stray someone dropped off, a seven month old MinPin. The GSD has learned not to chase the chickens but the MinPin still battles it. She doesn't catch them but the puppy in her, or the breed, just loves to do a run-by and watch the chicken run/jump. My oldest GSD, Rex, sleeps with baby chicks/ducks in a box and guards them - won't let anything near them.

The way I work with the newest dogs, and the puppies, is to take them out there amongst the chickens while I work and feed and clean the coops. If necessary, if the dog won't mind a firm "no", use a leash and give them a tug if they run toward a chicken or even give it that "look".

I have way too many gates and fences around here to try and keep the dogs confined and the chickens and ducks and peacocks separate so everyone (including the cats) has to get along. The dogs keep the predators away since we are surrounded by thousands of acres of heavy hunting woodlands.

Instead of trying to keep the dog separated, take it amongst the chickens all day long while you are out there. Hold and pet a chicken and let the dog sniff. Hopefully, eventually, it will learn the chickens are part of the family.

 

[LynneP]

There are many Newfoundland dogs here, and you have to remember that they were bred to grab things, especially in water, and to bring them safely to shore. Is your dog a puppy? If so, you may be able to teach him to 'DROP' on command. for a reward...

 

[chickenpiedpiper]

Quote:
I have raised and trained many herding dogs, and you are absolutely right on most points. They are smart and high energy, BUT, you need to do some research and training of yourselves if you wish to be truely effective. Healers as well as most other herding and sporting dogs, NEED a job to do. They have been selectively bred for untold generations to WORK. Sitting in a kennel may make them act cowed, but believe me, his little puppy mind is still thinking silkie=chewtoy. the fact that it is the silkies is proof! he knows the others are birds and off limits, but to a dog, silkies dont look like a bird, more like a squirrel or kitten?

Find a local breeder or trainer of herding dogs, or go to a derding demonstration, take your dog, and arrange a few lessons. They are usually inexpensive, and will make the relationship with your dog so very much richer! Believe me, those trainers are not teaching thier dogs over and over, when you are in tune with your healer, it will only take one word from you, he will understand. But right now, you are not in tune yet. Close, tho!

Also, try some of the dog whisperer basics before you try any more live chicken training. Start with a good long WALK. put a back pack on the dog, a couple bottles of water. Suddenly your pup will be all business, and the chickens will be forgotten. Healers are great dogs, and you are good people for trying so hard, you just need a bit of hands on help! Find a local enthusiast, and you will be amazed at what your little dog is capable of... have you seen this video?

<http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212075880x1200752631/aol?redir=http://news.aol.com/elections?ncid=emlcntusnews00000001>.

check out that healer, who just needed something to do, note the reference to the dog almost being put down cause of 'neighbors complaining of mischief' sound familiar?

Good luck!

 

[cherylhoner]

I feel for you! We have a springer that is also obsessed with our chickens. She is a bird dog and I believe it is just instinct. We tried everything to get her to leave the chickens alone but it just won't work. We had to build a 100' X 50' pen ( with double wire) so the chickens could "free range" safely. We have to be extremely careful when entering the pen or coop because she will run you over to get at those chickies. She had pups (a neighbors Newfoundland made his way over) and their owners have the same problem. Sorry I have no good news for you.

2 BR, 3 BO, 1 austorlorp, 3 EE's and 6 mutts.

 

[SussexInSeattle]

Your Springer is not respecting your leadership. Stop trying to train it to interact with the chickens and get the dog a running chain collar, a leather lead and a good book on basic obedience. Practice on-lead basic obedience for 20 minutes twice a day.

My dogs have their naughty moments when they won't listen when they are barking their heads off at the neighbor dogs but they would not dare to run over the top of me when I go through the chicken yard gate!

There are three of them, 110 pounds, 100 pounds and 8 pounds. If they wanted to act like your Springer, they would just bowl over my flimsy 3 foot chicken wire and rectangle wire fence when I am not out there, never mind when I go through the gate.

There has to be some form of leadership when having canines around prey animals, otherwise it is best to stick to just canines or just prey animals.