puppy attack

[shadylady]

We brought home a 12 week old Newfoundland/Kuvasz puppy. We have been working with her on proper behavior around the birds. Unfortunately with 18 inches of snow she was able to get out of her run and it looks like she ran down a chicken. While she did not kill it she did break the skin. Is all hope lost that she will be able to stay here or will we need to put her down or re-home her with someone with no birds. Please do not bad mouth we are heartbroken enough already.

 

[Ibicella]

No, no, don't do anything drastic! She's only 12 weeks old. She's not going to grow up completely for at least a couple of years. She's essentially like a 5 year old right now. She is going to make mistakes. Even purebred guardian dogs mess up when they are puppies and can kill birds, but go on to be great guards when they become adults.

She didn't kill the chicken. That's a good sign. You guys had one mishap because of the large amount of snow. Just keep up with your training and don't be too hard on her.

 

[aggiemae]

A Kuvasz is a soft mouth dog (I suspect that a Newfoundland is also) so though she does need to learn not to chase the chickens I suspect the injury to your chicken was accidental.

Don't give up yet, she's just a puppy she and will need time to control her impulsiveness and learn what you expect from her. Contact the Flock and Guardian Network: http://www.flockguard.org/community/ for advice and mean while, even though you are sad about your chicken, please don't be angry with a her or punish her for being a PUPPY. and remember that even though it will take some work on your part in the end a good guard dog can be a real life saver for farm animals.

 

[DCasper]

Puppies are impulsive and can be hard to train, but they are worth the effort if you have the time and patience. We had the exact same thing happen a couple months ago witha 2 inch tear in the chickens skin. The hen was uncomfortable, but it healed up with some help and some TLC.

 

[shadylady]

Thanks to you both. Don't worry I did not harm her, she was immediately crated. We have only ever had Great Pyrenees before. More intense training with lots of praise and exercise starts in the morning. Heres to hoping Harlowe and myself can do this.

 

[aggiemae]

I am sure you can, but do consider getting some support from FGN.

 

[shadylady]

Don't worry they will be contacted first thing in the am. This little doll was a rescue from a breeder/horder and deserve a chance. I think with the proper training for us both we will have a great dog and a safe flock. Thanks again.

 

[aggiemae]

Don't worry they will be contacted first thing in the am. This little doll was a rescue from a breeder/horder...

Where are you located? I recieved a Kovasz ***** from a hoarer (in Kansas) about two weeks ago and it's a rare breed. Weird.

 

[shadylady]

Northern Arizona.

 

[centrarchid]

Even if pup killed bird, she can be broken of habit. Look into dog training and do not hesitate to check out sites dealing with training of dogs, especially around livestock. Other sites dealing with dogs better since this issue is a bit of a flamer on this site.