They don't fear the dogs

[KikiDeAnime]

Despite both mother hens raising them, our 4 baby chicks won't stay away from the fence where the dogs are. The dogs can't grab them but I worry that they wont run away if they ever come into contact with the dogs out of their yard.
Only 1 of our dogs knows not to touch the chickens unless she's merely sniffing them. The other 2 will chase the chickens and try to grab their feathers but know to stop if we yell 'Leave it' or smack them with a rolled up newspaper, the latter happening more often.

How do I get these baby chicks to fear the dogs?

 

[azygous]

The better question is, how can I assure the dogs don't kill the chicks, not why don't the chicks run away from the dogs in mad blind instinctive fear.

 

[KikiDeAnime]

The better question is, how can I assure the dogs don't kill the chicks, not why don't the chicks run away from the dogs in mad blind instinctive fear.

I let the dogs be near the chicks before they were in the yard. I smacked the dogs many times while they sniffed the baby chicks. They won't go near the chicks.

 

[townchicks]

Frankly, chickens running in blind panic are most likely to incite prey drive in even mild mannered dogs. Just keep a fence between the dogs and chickens. Also, not a fan of smacking dogs with rolled up newspaper or anything else. Try a training class instead.

 

[Folly's place]

Dogs can be taught to ignore chickens, but it takes real effort over time. Otherwise, the birds are fun toys or tasty treats, and keeping them apart is essential.
My current dogs are not fine with the chickens, and disasters have happened more than once here. The surviving birds learn, but it's really tough on the non-survivors!
One bird getting into the dog's fenced area gets killed, and their flockmates see and avoid that area. It's a lot nicer to avoid this 'training method' for the chickens!
Mary

 

[Ohmyheart]

My chickens are not afraid of my dogs. They know they cannot get to them. Right from the start the dogs were told no even if they ran to the secure chicken run. I just used the word NO repeatedly. Now even my lab can be around my chickens, and he has been right next to them in their non secure playground. The booger wanted the chicken treats. They walk all around them and he has no desire to chase or eat them. I will never 100% him as he is a dog and well a bird dog at that. But if some how the girls are lose at least I can tell him no and gather them up without fear he will eat them. Work on the dogs chickens are well bird brains they do what they want.

 

[Folly's place]

My dogs that I raised from puppyhood were trained to be good around the birds. Currently I have dogs acquired as adults (rescues) and I've gotten lazy and much less motivated to work with them enough to make them safe. With better fencing it hasn't been as essential, but then failures happen.
Mary

 

[sourland]

Try obedience training your dogs instead of smacking them. Positive reinforcement can work wonders.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Have to agree with others positive reinforcement is preferred obedience class is a better answer Please

 

[HuffleClaw]

Have to agree with others positive reinforcement is preferred obedience class is a better answer Please

Agreed!