Pet dog protector

[bmt123]

So I just got my four barred rock pullets I would like my pet dog (half lab/half hound) to be outside with my chickens. She has killed a couple of bird in the past but doesn't seem to bother with the chickens. My question is how do I train her to not mess with the chickens?
Ps: she is very easy to train and is a quick learner.

 

[EsKezzy]

I'm new to this and not experienced yet but I have read a little about this on this site.

Our dog doesn't go after the chickens at all anymore. He's still in supervised time with them. He's a lab mix and loves to chase the non-pet birds in our yard and has caught many rice, rats, gophers, etc. He's scared of snakes.



We started with the chickens in a cage outside where he could sniff them but not get them. Then slowly let them out a little bit with him near by, but me holding his collar and the kids near a chicken each. He did fine until one would race and flap it's wings - his instincts would say chase! but we did eventually train him that these are pets. At this point, he'll startle when they move fast and he wasn't watching but he'll stop himself. Eventually we hope to let the chickens free range when we're home and him watch out for hawks. We'll see.

 

[centrarchid]

See following thread. It is a long-term investment with setbacks occasionally. Deals primarily with starting from pups so you will likely get desired results faster. Nonetheless I currently enjoy very good protection now and have very intelligent pets dogs as well. Neighbor, despite some problems with my pup, has realized benefits from my dogs as well. I like hounds with chickens, that is how I grew up.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/426408/planned-livestock-guarding-dog-for-poultry


P.S. Keep dog out of feeders.

 

[bmt123]

Thank you for the response hawks a problem for me as we'll so I was hoping my dog would help protect the flock.