New Puppy for Chickens

[Eryniel]

I recently got a Heeler-Lab puppy at 7 weeks old a month ago, and have been training her, and plan to keep her with the chickens during the day eventually. She's a very good, mostly calm puppy who loves to make you happy and is pretty easy to train. She already is pretty good with several commands (we're still working on "stay" and "drop it" atm).

My question is, do ya'll normally allow your puppies to enter the coop, or make that a "no-go zone"? Currently she's not allowed in, but wonder if that's actually a good idea, or I should start training her to accompany me while on a leash, and training her on how she needs to act in there. Or would I do that at an older age? I have some experience training puppies (only my own, and as pets) but have never trained for flocks or livestock. However, I can't seem to find a definitive answer regarding entering the coop.

She stays outside during the day, and the chickens stay in the coop, so they can see each other, but not interact. Then in the evening the chickens free range with Jessa (the puppy) for a couple hours under supervision. So far all has gone well!

I have attached some pictures for reference.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It all depends on the dog. If your dog doesn't see the chickens as prey or a squeeze toy, it can work.
I'd be suspicious about a lab though.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

We trained ours with muzzles. They won't be able to nip at them. Once the training is over and they do slip from time to time and can't resist the urge to go at the birds, place the muzzle back on. Eventually your dog will realize that the muzzle is a form of punishment (w/o corporal) and associate it with not to repeat the action that results with the muzzle entering the equation. Good luck..

 

[K813ZRA]

My dog goes everywhere I go. Of course she also thinks they are 'her' chickens and puts them to bed at night. But she came from a farm as a pup and has been around my chickens since the day I brought her home too.