What Kind of Dog WIll Not Chase Chickens?

[bethanyrae]

Corgis are cute, but their nature is to be a heel nipper. Fatal for chickens, even though not intended.

Be sure you check into the specific nature of the dog.

I've wondered about those sheep dogs who creep around and lay down looking at the sheep to herd them. They don't seem to be chasers....but I've no experience and no one to ask.

We have a young Miniature Australian Shepherd who can always tell when we want to move the chickens, and if he's not restrained he wants to get right in there and help. He's not trying to hurt them, but they might fly into things out of fear. He could use some good training...

I've heard it's always a great risk.
bethanyrae

 

[brownlikewoah]

a trained one! My aussie could care less about my chickens, their poop on the other hand........... ew.

 

[SillyChicken]

All 4 of my Cane Corsos have not bothered my chickens/geese in the least bit. I've not trained them at all.

 

[jacyjones]

We have Springer Spaniels and they are trained to leave the chickens alone from day 1. You have to be vigilant and keep reinforcing and they soon learn. Mine will now round up one chicken that comes in the garden and they send her back. They do this when we are not outside and do not harm her. However - I was carrying a new chicken the other day and the young grump (12months) took a leap at her - obviously I don't usually carry them and this was too exciting to resist. She got told off and looked quite surprised!!

 

[cindy99]

We have a black lab that we have had for a few years. He chased everything when he was younger. We just got chickens a few months ago - he chased my two 5 month olds - Henry stopped / turned and starting chasing the dog. That was the end of the chasing. Now there is a lot of stink-eye going on but no chasing.

I think that the dog is scared of the chickens now! LOL

 

[gavinandallison]

I have two German Shepherd Dogs both of which have been told - do not touch the chickens and they have done what has been asked - both are so well behaved and calm honest once they knew the chicks were part of the " pack " they have become protectors of the flock .

Now I also have two Pugs - the female thinks the chicks are puppies and wants to nurse them ( it is so funny ) .. but my male Pug who is the sweetest most gentle dog in the world maybe my problem , he walks around the coop and appears to enjoy watching the chicks run.. Pugsley I can not trust at this time. BUT it will not be long before the chickens are bigger than him so I think we will be fine.

Honest - if you get a puppy train it from day one - these chickens are part of the family - get a trainer to help you if you are a first time dog owner . And I would think some breeds would be better than others with a flock - working dogs have been breed to help you along with some herding breeds should be good - and of course any good old fashion mut always makes a great pet .. Dog are alot more work than chickens - read and study before adding one to your family. Good luck

 

[fwschrom]

Quote:
My Corgi is 10 months old, yes he is a heal nipper but he leaves the chickens alone, I have spent some time training but not a major effort. He just leaves the chickens alone, and really doesn't like the turkeys. I wouldn't let him in with any of really small chics, but after 4-5 weeks they are fine. I let my chickens free range on occasion and he is good at helping me round them up and get them back in their pen.

My neighbor has a Aussie and he is an awesome dog, I had one a long time ago, really a good dog.

 

[Wifezilla]

A guardian livestock dog improves your chances of having chickens without holes in them. Having a husky or Irish Setter type dog improves your chances of having well ventilated birds. No guarantee either way, but it is an odds thing.

 

[kbhear80]

My irish setter wasnt raised around chickens as a pup but doesnt really care about the goats or the chickens (though i will admit when my mother had him he did kill one of her peacocks....the peacock did torment him though). Since I have had him the only issue's he has had has been with the cat and varmits. he has made are look bad. He kills mice, rats, opposoms and raccons. He main thing is to please me so I think that is why he doent care about the livestock. he is at my side 99% of the day.

And the very best livestock dog I have ever seen was actually a mutt. A lab english setter cross. She was our farm dog for many, many, many years. She grew up with my brothers and I and we just lost her this year. But she grew up on the farm as a pup and we all worked with her from the day she came home. So i think no matter what dog you get as long as you work with them they will be ok....it will just be easier for you and the pup if you aviod the hunting breeds.

And our next dog will be a livestock guarding dog. I got some advice from a good friend/hobby farmer/dog person. She said that they would be the best and easiest choice cause they bond with the animals and will protect them with there life.

 

[cheri222]

My 14year old aussie mix could care less about the chickens, but chicken poo--that is an entirely different story. Our 3yo english springer just loves to point them and lick butts. The chickens don't really enjoy it from their reaction.