Tips on training puppies to manage my flock, please...

[azygous]

I think it's an exciting idea, and I think the first step I would take is the one where the GS puppies move in with the chicks, and they live with them in close proximity. Inter-species relationships are formed all the time when animals live with each other, and the resulting bonds can be intense. I see this experiment as having huge potential.

I re-homed a rooster chick, who was again re-homed six months later. The rooster now has a goat and a dog as BFFs. The dog and the chicken sleep together in the dog house. This came about on their own volition, so imagine what you can do with young puppies and chickens with training.

If it were me, the puppies would be living right next to the chicken enclosure, and inside the run as soon as they can be trusted. German Shepherds are extremely bright. I don't doubt for a minute this can be done.

 

[csaiz100]

Let me make sure I understand this, you are going to house your GSD puppy in with your chickens in order to train it as a LSG?

 

[TalkALittle]

Ummm. The imprinting stage of development in canines is between 3 and 12 weeks folks. That's the period during which pups will come to see a different species as part of their social group. Anything that happens after that is not imprinting. Conditioning can occur after that point, but not imprinting.

 

[RachelLeigh]

Well she is only seven weeks old.

 

[RachelLeigh]

Thanks Azygous! Perfect timing since we just got her! I did put her out there. It was fine. She will learn them and patience. I can only afford one dog. I have seen proof a German shepherd can do this job as a lgd would. So can mine I am home most of the day. This is gonna take work with her but it'll be worth it. My chickens are half my lively hood so this pup has a big job ahead of her.

 

[RachelLeigh]

Thanks for everyone's tips and links. I love training stories! My chickens are half my fun in life. My dog had to be apart of it all. I have one chance to get it right while she is so little.

 

[azygous]

Well, you have us on pins and needles now! We will be checking back often for updates!

Someday we may be reading here about the German Shepherd broody with baby chicks climbing all over her!

 

[AuburnJavas]

Everytime I get a dog I also get another order of chicks
your dog is a natural 'Shepherd' good choice... I chose Rottweilers for the same reason they are good at their... so dont worry I let the dogs sniff and lick while I hold them the command is 'Gently Boy' (or girl) as long as they stay calm the game goes on one by one but if they get excited the game ends to start the next day. Doesnt take long.

Soon you will be able to free range your birds and know thier dog will protect them...

 

[RachelLeigh]

Lol "steps to the perfect broody shepherd"

 

[RachelLeigh]

My puppy acts like she gets it. I have been very consistent. She is on a leash around the chickens, right by my side with no room to move unless I move. She leads to the orchard where I drop the lead. This is free time and play time. At night she goes right in her crate right at the level of the birds. I can tell the are getting used to her and her to them. They don't mind when she cries a little.

Today I had her in the chicken yard. Leashed. The three roosters didn't recognize me this way and all three started to pounce at me. I stood still but reminded them it was me and shook the leather leash end at them...the puppy never moved. She has yet to act like she wants to chase them.

Tomorrow I will start giving her a treat when she enters her crate with a word "get in". Soon she will enter on cue and love it! This is her bed. Her rest. Her blanket. Toys. And her post. Love my dream dog in with my dream hobby! Dare a creature to try and break in!