New dog?

[m1chelle1]

I agree with the rest. Ive got a black lab and she is the most gentle dog i could think about, being around all other animals. Doesnt matter, shes great with the chickens, rabbits, kittens, dogs, people. All living things. But she is an excellent LSG and she is very alert with a deep loud and intimidating bark. Some might say she barks "too much". But anyways, it really depends on the individual dogs temperament. Some are just born with motherly instincts and other have higher prey drives. You can also get some good training into puppies with the right instincts and they will be excellent LSG's for you. Maybe look into a trial period? And check out the puppies natural inclinations. Good Luck!!!

 

[Momma*chicken]

Thanks for all the help everyone! We have decided to not get pyranees/maremma puppy after careful consideration. We will look in to labs or Golden retrievers. We want a dog that is good with people and doesn't try to kill our chickens. We will make sure to get it as a puppy and introduce it to the chickens from day one (leashed of course), then once it is mature enough to listen to commands, we will try unleashed.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Sounds like a plan.
Just be sure you get it from a reputable breeder. Those breeds are terribly prone to joint issues, so you want a puppy from parents who've been tested for the troublesome genes. You could also rescue, but in that case you'd want to be prepared for health issues, and I'm not sure you'd find a rescue puppy of the right breed any time soon.
And remember to be nice to the puppy. If it tries to get at the chickens, just distract. Don't hit, don't spray with water, don't even yell unless a chicken is in danger of real harm. If you train right, you'll wind up with a dog who isn't interested in chickens at all. A dog trained using aversives will be afraid to go after the chickens where you can see, but will still want to get at them.

 

[Momma*chicken]

Sounds like a plan.
Just be sure you get it from a reputable breeder. Those breeds are terribly prone to joint issues, so you want a puppy from parents who've been tested for the troublesome genes. You could also rescue, but in that case you'd want to be prepared for health issues, and I'm not sure you'd find a rescue puppy of the right breed any time soon.
And remember to be nice to the puppy. If it tries to get at the chickens, just distract. Don't hit, don't spray with water, don't even yell unless a chicken is in danger of real harm. If you train right, you'll wind up with a dog who isn't interested in chickens at all. A dog trained using aversives will be afraid to go after the chickens where you can see, but will still want to get at them.

That's good to know.. Thanks! We have 3 kids so the puppy will definitely have other things to do

 

[JaeG]

A good breeder will be able to match the right puppy to the right situation/family as well. They can identify their puppies personalities and know what kind of dog they will become.

We have a chocolate lab x english pointer and she's fantastic with our birds, big and tiny. But it's the amount of training that makes all the difference. A dog has no idea how to act in a new situation (and everything is new and exciting to a puppy) so we have to take the lead and show them how to act or they are going to rely on their instincts, for good or for ill.

I've really been enjoying reading this person's training articles:
https://journeydogtraining.com/blogs/
Wish it had been around when our dog was a pup, but there are still lots of techniques I can use even now.

Good luck! It's going to be a very exciting addition to your family. And please share photos when you get a puppy.

 

[Momma*chicken]

A good breeder will be able to match the right puppy to the right situation/family as well. They can identify their puppies personalities and know what kind of dog they will become.

We have a chocolate lab x english pointer and she's fantastic with our birds, big and tiny. But it's the amount of training that makes all the difference. A dog has no idea how to act in a new situation (and everything is new and exciting to a puppy) so we have to take the lead and show them how to act or they are going to rely on their instincts, for good or for ill.

I've really been enjoying reading this person's training articles:
https://journeydogtraining.com/blogs/
Wish it had been around when our dog was a pup, but there are still lots of techniques I can use even now.

Good luck! It's going to be a very exciting addition to your family. And please share photos when you get a puppy.

OK great! Thanks for the link!
Sure! Will do!

 

[MissChick@dee]

My suggestion would be to speak with and learn how to train your dog from a professional. At the very least take obedience training classes with your dog. No matter what breed you get if you don’t know how to be consistent and his/her pack leader you’ve set yourself and the dog up for failure. It takes as much work on your end to have a dog that knows his/her job and boundaries.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I would much rather you adopt.... you will be helping a dog find a forever home.

Check to see if they have puppies at your local animal rescue. They might even have the kind you are interested in, never know.

 

[Momma*chicken]

My suggestion would be to speak with and learn how to train your dog from a professional. At the very least take obedience training classes with your dog. No matter what breed you get if you don’t know how to be consistent and his/her pack leader you’ve set yourself and the dog up for failure. It takes as much work on your end to have a dog that knows his/her job and boundaries.

We actually do have experience training a puppy. We currently have a morkie poo and we got her when she was 3 months old. Took forever to potty train her, but she is now house broken, well mannered and even tolerant to rough play with children despite her pieuny size (4.11 lbs). I know training a large dog can be much different, but we know how to stay consistent and give positive reinforcement. Her breed is known to get very bossy and supposedly skiddish around children, not her!
So I'm pretty confident in training

 

[Momma*chicken]

I would much rather you adopt.... you will be helping a dog find a forever home.

Check to see if they have puppies at your local animal rescue. They might even have the kind you are interested in, never know.

Yes we did look at the local humane society they only have pit bull mixes.... Do NOT want a pitbull