Our dog

[llombardo]

Assuming that Labs and Goldens are similar, I also question the hunting theory. Our last Golden was an adult when we got chickens. All we ever had to do was say "no" to her and she quickly understood that she was to leave the hens be. They would literally walk up and pluck hair from her tail and she wouldn't move.
View attachment 1823132
She left us last June. We have a new Golden puppy and it's a different story acclimating her to the birds. If she gets too close, they flap, she gets excited and gives chase. We put her on the leash this afternoon in the chicken yard and we shall see how it works - I honestly think she has already gotten the message that the chickens are a "no". Goldens are very engaged with their humans and want to please. Are Labs different?

I have two goldens and they are completely different. One is laid back and just a very good boy, the younger one has higher prey drive and is not laid back at all.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Assuming that Labs and Goldens are similar, I also question the hunting theory. Our last Golden was an adult when we got chickens. All we ever had to do was say "no" to her and she quickly understood that she was to leave the hens be. They would literally walk up and pluck hair from her tail and she wouldn't move.
View attachment 1823132
She left us last June. We have a new Golden puppy and it's a different story acclimating her to the birds. If she gets too close, they flap, she gets excited and gives chase. We put her on the leash this afternoon in the chicken yard and we shall see how it works - I honestly think she has already gotten the message that the chickens are a "no". Goldens are very engaged with their humans and want to please. Are Labs different?

Labs are very similar. Mine was very easy to train.

 

[mixedbreeds]

It took me about a month with my lab to be just fine with the chickens it just takes a little time to work with them as you say on a leash. My dog hunts ducks, geese, quail and pheasant so it’s really no problem.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

oh what a sweet baby that Lab is! @SurferchickinSB does your SB stand for Santa Barbara? Me, too!

 

[jvls1942]

any dog can be taught to leave the chickens alone.
If he chases chickens, it is the owner's fault.
I have even taught cats to leave baby chicks alone.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

oh what a sweet baby that Lab is! @SurferchickinSB does your SB stand for Santa Barbara? Me, too!

Yup, Santa Barbara! Hey neighbor!

 

[SurferchickinSB]

oh what a sweet baby that Lab is! @SurferchickinSB does your SB stand for Santa Barbara? Me, too!

Here’s the one that gave me a little bit of trouble training, lol! Puny little brat, lol! She is a rescue.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

@SurferchickinSB my hens are grumbling about the June gloom. Seriously cloudy today!