Our Dog Killed the Neighbors' Turkey Poult

[rumbleBee_STi]

I know there’s already a bunch of replies, but I figured I’d put my 2 cents in as well. Like others have said, he’s a puppy still. Full of energy I imagine. It would probably be heart breaking to y’all & to the pup if he was given to a new family, so I’m going to echo everyone else & say keep up with the training. I’m not sure how y’all did the training with him for the chickens to be off limits, but it’s probably best to touch course on a lot of domesticated bird’s whether they live near or far. Don’t blame yourself, it doesn’t sound like you have this wild animal that you set loose to run around the neighborhood terrorizing all other pets (like some people... ).

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I know there’s already a bunch of replies, but I figured I’d put my 2 cents in as well. Like others have said, he’s a puppy still. Full of energy I imagine. It would probably be heart breaking to y’all & to the pup if he was given to a new family, so I’m going to echo everyone else & say keep up with the training. I’m not sure how y’all did the training with him for the chickens to be off limits, but it’s probably best to touch course on a lot of domesticated bird’s whether they live near or far. Don’t blame yourself, it doesn’t sound like you have this wild animal that you set loose to run around the neighborhood terrorizing all other pets (like some people... ).

I appreciate your 2 cents--it means a lot! The more I hear from people the better I feel, so I am very grateful to you and the others who have posted, no matter how many or how similar. I will wait till my emotions stabilize to do anything rash, though at this point we plan to keep our beloved Albie and work with him extra diligently (meanwhile keeping any and all poultry safe from him at all times). As someone who loves all creatures great and small, it's literally my worst nightmare to have an animal that is terrorizing others' pets, so we will not let that happen! Thanks again

 

[RobertaD1]

Im so sorry to hear this story, I have a similar incident and can feel the pain you are going through.

I have a mix breed dog with mastiff and terrier mixes. Dexter... High prey drive outside the house, very protective of food. He was raised with cats and another dog from 8 weeks on. I am a former K9 handler, so obedience was something I focused on immediately. Ive also done every thing you can do for a dog with high food protection issues.

When Dex was 2 yrs old, I had the opportunity to buy a small hobby farm and got Chickens. I rarely had Dexter out when the chickens were, but the times I did- he showed absolutely no interest. Even scared really.

Then I rescued a newborn lamb and since it was the dead of winter and I had no other hoofed animals or shelter for him, I raised him inside for 4 months. I kept him in a pen, and was very careful about the dogs. Dexter never even so much growled or showed any aggressive interest in the lamb. Then one night, disaster struck.

I had fed Dexter in the kitchen. I was doing some things around the house and heard this horrifying noise. Lamb got out of his pen, wondered toward Dexter, who grabbed him by the neck. Blood was everywhere in my kitchen. It seriously looked like a horror scene. I grabbed towels etc and got pressure on my lamb (who was about 3 months old) I kicked my dog so hard several times to get him out of the house, screaming like a mad woman, ran out without even closing my door and rushed to the vet. A miracle happened and Sammy lived. But let me tell you, that scene gave me nightmares for months, and even sometimes now, 6 years later, It gives me chills to think about.

The vet said the puncture wound was as close to the artery as possible without hitting it. Was a true miracle Sammy survived.

I wanted to kill my dog. I almost did. The anger and rage I felt. I wanted to give him away and looked into doing so. But then I also had to take a step back and remember, he is a dog. And no matter the amount of training, dogs will always have animal instincts. I probably didn't secure the gate to the lamb pen.

I still have Dexter, and after we moved to another state (Sammy is with a cousin who runs a petting zoo and living his best life) I got chickens this year and they have a secure pen, so not free ranging. They love to come up to the fence to see the dog when he is in the yard, but I keep a watchful eye. Dexter turns 8 this year. He is a good dog, I am glad that I worked through what happened.

I don't know if I have any advice, but to say this. I would be extremely hesitant to allow your dog access to poultry in the future Depending on your set up, not sure how possible it is to keep them separate. Praying for you, I wish you the best outcome.

Wow... That is a horrible situation, but It is a strong person to admit that you, as the human and guardian of both of these animals, might have been the reason for the attack. I have left the door open on many a pen before. Also, in the presence of large pups who will attack. The hardest thing to do is admit that I was at fault. The dog is doing what it was bred to do, but had not been trained yet to do, which would be to leave it. I am one of those constant dog training types... They are never to old to learn.... but it has taken me many years to get to this stage with even me. MANY... years...LOL! I know my current dog would never intentionally hurt my chickens, but she does find it fun to watch them run... so they are not a free ranging flock. I try to set BOTH dog and chicken up for success.... That way...she is trained how to behave around them and if one would get out, I am praying that she will also know to leave it alone!

 

[CharcoalDragon]

(scared to use my chickens as strategic "bait" though lol).

I should have clarified- have several layers of protection. Have him in a harness, on a long line, attached to a tree, and the chickens behind a fence. The length of the line should be enough to let him 'feel' like he's off-leash, but not long enough that he can reach the birds (probably somewhere on the order of 10-50 feet, depending on the size of your yard).
All distraction training should be done this way, because if he decided to go after the distraction, the line would stop him so that you could go up to him and say "Silly puppy! Such a cheater!" and take him back to the spot he originally was, in order to try again.
Key: Preventing him from 'self-rewarding' during training.

I've just gotten where I can pet him today, but I'm having trouble interacting with him without getting emotional/reliving yesterday's nightmare. Hoping that will pass with time. Still haunts me every time I see him--or when I close my eyes for that matter. Can't get that dang turkey's last moments out of my head.

He loves you, and will not understand why you are unhappy when he is near you. It will take time. It's difficult not to be hard on them sometimes. Animals will be animals, and we can only do so much about it.
This too shall pass. Wishing you peace and comfort.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I should have clarified- have several layers of protection. Have him in a harness, on a long line, attached to a tree, and the chickens behind a fence. The length of the line should be enough to let him 'feel' like he's off-leash, but not long enough that he can reach the birds (probably somewhere on the order of 10-50 feet, depending on the size of your yard).
All distraction training should be done this way, because if he decided to go after the distraction, the line would stop him so that you could go up to him and say "Silly puppy! Such a cheater!" and take him back to the spot he originally was, in order to try again.
Key: Preventing him from 'self-rewarding' during training.


He loves you, and will not understand why you are unhappy when he is near you. It will take time. It's difficult not to be hard on them sometimes. Animals will be animals, and we can only do so much about it.
This too shall pass. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Great idea bout the harness and line. I should have realized that's what you meant. That's originally *mostly* how we trained him with our flock (prior to that it was on leash and when he got really good we let him "off leash" but on a line). He seemed to like herding them and when he got them together he'd lay down and watch them all self-satisfied. His occasional playful behavior towards them is likely what last night's issue was rooted in, and we should have seem that coming.

You are right. I know he can't fully understand what happened or why we are upset. Thank you for the warm wishes and also all of the really valuable advice. All the best to you.

 

[RobertaD1]

I appreciate your 2 cents--it means a lot! The more I hear from people the better I feel, so I am very grateful to you and the others who have posted, no matter how many or how similar. I will wait till my emotions stabilize to do anything rash, though at this point we plan to keep our beloved Albie and work with him extra diligently (meanwhile keeping any and all poultry safe from him at all times). As someone who loves all creatures great and small, it's literally my worst nightmare to have an animal that is terrorizing others' pets, so we will not let that happen! Thanks again

Im glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better. Puppies will be puppies.... and you could have a VERY good livestock dog if you keep at it! Dogs live in the moment, so remember when you continue training, to remain calm. The turkey moment is over for him.... he wont understand your anger. Stay firm, but try to keep your emotions at bay. He will be able to read your anxiety.... and it will make training harder. Sending Positive Training Vibes Your WAY!!!!

 

[getaclue]

Things were good while you were faithful in your training regimen. Continue with the training. This is a pup. It's not hopeless, nor does it mean he won't be able to be trusted around livestock. Do keep your dog at home, and don't let it go off your property.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Things were good while you were faithful in your training regimen. Continue with the training. This is a pup. It's not hopeless, nor does it mean he won't be able to be trusted around livestock. Do keep your dog at home, and don't let it go off your property.

Yes, you are right. Back to square one with training around the birds. Albie will NEVER be setting foot on the neighbors property again. Sadly that means playtime with his BFF lab will be over or at least on hold for a while. We are mortified.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Don’t give up on your pup. Yeah, the incident was unfortunate but he is still young and impulsive. Keep training him, work on Obedience and “leave it”, and don’t allow him unsupervised around your birds.
I still won’t leave my boxers around my ducks and chickens even though they are good with my cat because they would want to “play” with them. They rough-house with the cat but the cat likes it and actively participates. Birds are too fragile for that.
Your pup likely wanted to play. The turkey ran, the dog went after it. Remember too, the dog doesn’t even remember it.
He still has to mature as well.
He is a pretty pup, by the way.

 

[ShrekDawg]

THANK YOU for the resources Especially relating to prey drive AND "excitement based reactivity"--that's exactly Albie's problem. He is so obedient in normal contexts/situations but when something new happens OR another dog is involved his mind explodes and he gets overstimulated.

He is mix--we know working line GSD in his grandparents side, husky, malamute, many other things. Not the best choice for a chicken house, I suppose, but we love him dearly. The problem is we love our (and our neighbor's) chickens, too.

I found this book extremely helpful. Maybe it will help you too.

https://www.amazon.com/Fired-Up-Frantic-Freaked-Out/dp/0985934921