Training a puppy to guard chickens

[centrarchid]

The process takes me 18 to 24 months to get a dog to point where it can be with chickens unsupervised. Not all dogs fully reliable in the end although most can be. Early on there is lots of supervision and limited direct access to chickens. I have all life stages of chickens in a variety of settings with a complex environment for mental stimulation of dogs. My old dog is with free-ranging birds around clock while adult male is out all night and for about 2 hours after sunrise every morning. Consistency is key for the latter. I have some chickens that roost on the ground such as Jersey Giants and broody hens (on nest and with chicks).

The same dogs will eat a dead chicken.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@centrarchid, your last line made me Lol

 

[Osatucker]

My dogs didn't have much of an interest in the chickens, but we did watch them and correct them as puppies. The puppies we have now are introduced to the chickens and the sheep early to try and desensitize they're reaction. No problems with the maremmas here.

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

Our puppy who is about six months old does really well with the chickens, but our dog who is almost 2 she has a desire to chase things. She has never killed anything, but it is a habit I want to train out of her. They both really like the chickens though, and "guard" them. The puppy can't be off leash or tether yet though. Lord Jesus willing this summer we can start with that training more.

 

[Osatucker]

Our puppy who is about six months old does really well with the chickens, but our dog who is almost 2 she has a desire to chase things. She has never killed anything, but it is a habit I want to train out of her. They both really like the chickens though, and "guard" them. The puppy can't be off leash or tether yet though. Lord Jesus willing this summer we can start with that training more.

I do think that is it. If you have a dog with prey drive that is high you are going to have a problem unless their drive to please you is higher.