Training dog to leave chickens alone

[saltandpepper2]

so, I have a 10 month old, found-on-the-side-of-the-road bred dog that absolutely LOVES my chickens, but not in a way that I appreciate. She got loose and chased one of my chickens until it was too tired to run, and then kind of just stared at it and nudged it. ( does the same with cats too...). I keep her on a cable near the chickens to try to get her used to them, but she just sits there and barks and lunges at them, except for the bantams. Three of the Bantie Roos ganged up on her and gave her a good flogging, she leaves them alone now. My question is, is there ANY thing more I can do to get her to leave the chickens alone?

 

[dainerra]

here is the method that I use. first, though, make sure that she isn't anywhere to see or interact with the birds when you aren't around. by putting her on the cable, you are building up her frustration and making her more excitable about the chickens.

Find the closest distance that the dog first notices the birds in the brooder.  This might be in another room if he is one to constantly glance at the door.    Put your dog on leash and get some extra special treats that he only gets for this work - bacon, grilled chicken (no spices!), hot dog chunks, etc.     When the dog glances toward the birds, say his name and "leave it"    If he looks at you, give him a treat - if he doesn't, give a light pop on the leash (think tap on the shoulder).  When he looks at you reward him.  
You can also teach him "watch me" the same way.   You can practice this at random times though out the day.   If you have a couple extra minutes while you're watching TV or whatever, just say his name, pause, "watch me"   When he makes eye contact, then reward him.    You can also (if you get in the habit of keeping a small treat in your pockets) catch him looking towards you say "watch me" and then reward.  Or just praise him verbally.
 
Once the dog is reliably paying attention to you and the birds at a distance, move a little bit closer.   If he absolutely blows you off, you're too close.  Just back up a bit and begin again.   Eventually you will be right amongst the birds.    You can then start at a distance or with a long line (20' leash or so) and work from there.    I never ever leave my dogs/chickens loose unattended together.  
I don't even trust Rayden
I don't mean I constantly hover over the dogs when they are out with the birds, but I am in the area and aware of what they are doing.   Think of it as a small child.  Even though you've taught them not to play with matches, would you leave them alone in the house with matches scattered all over the floor?
 
The most important part of the training is to set the dog up to succeed.   Don't give him a chance to chase the birds.  Don't give him a chance to disobey.  
 
ETA:  The best thing about teaching "leave it" is that it works for everything.   Drop something on the floor and don't want the dogs to touch it?  "leave it"    See dog running toward a snake?  "leave it"     Lots of training and work, but it pays off!
Of course, some dogs just can't be trusted off-leash.  Period.   They are just too focused on the birds.  In that case, just confine the dog when the birds are out.   

 

[saltandpepper2]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much! She's a smart dog, so this shouldn't be too difficult. I'll move the cable so that she's not around them. I have two training sessions with her every day, so I'll just add this to our schedule. She's a rescue, so I don't know what her breed is, and if she'll just always be prone to having a high prey drive, but either way, your techniques will be very helpful in my training her for cgc. Thank you!

 

[chiques chicks]

I have a beagle mix from a shelter.

For whatever reason, she had no interest in chickens. I have walked her (leashed) in the run and she doesn't even pull. When she is chained outside, the escaped birds don't interest her.

A few days ago a 4 week old escaped the brooder when I was at work and ended up in the same room as the dog. When I got home, dog was on the couch, chick was running around on the floor.

I'm just lucky, I didn't train her.

I still would never leave her alone with my birds intentionally!

 

[saltandpepper2]

I have a beagle mix from a shelter.

For whatever reason, she had no interest in chickens. I have walked her (leashed) in the run and she doesn't even pull. When she is chained outside, the escaped birds don't interest her.

A few days ago a 4 week old escaped the brooder when I was at work and ended up in the same room as the dog. When I got home, dog was on the couch, chick was running around on the floor.

I'm just lucky, I didn't train her.

I still would never leave her alone with my birds intentionally!

You are lucky! Sounds like a great dog!
All my dogs have been interested to an extent. My pyrs are just curious, but naturally don't hurt them, my Bernese likes to run in the middle of them, watch them scatter, and then comes happily back to me. Lol. This rescue, found her on the side of the road, I'm guessing she's a pitmix. She's getting slightly better with age, but definitely needs to be trained to leave them alone.

 

[dainerra]

here is Rayden that I was talking about above.

 

[saltandpepper2]

Oh how beautiful! Much prettier than my dog in question. Lol.

 

[dainerra]

the hardest part of that picture was getting the rabbits to hold still lol

Rayden passed on 2 years ago but he was the best dog I've ever had. I don't trust Singe quite as much because he likes to play "bowling for chickens" though he doesn't try to kill them anymore

 

[saltandpepper2]

Aw. I have a pup that likes playing bowling with chickens, but once they scatter and role, he's done and leaves them alone. Lol.

This is the rescue pup that I have. I think she's ugly, but she's a sweet heart and I'm coming to overlook her looks.

 

[dainerra]

oh she is adorable!