marshhens Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Hi - I've read all the good stuff posted about chickens and dogs, but have an additional question! One of my Daxies (the pup) ignores the chickens. The other (3) is a pain! Our friend has chickens and whilst Lil gives a quick chase, they stand up to her, a quick peck and she settles. Ours were POL and not used to dogs. They are used to her from the inside of their runs, they walk quite close when she is out there on her lead. But . . . if I give her free reign she tries to chase and they flap off, which excites her even more - she wants to play with them. What I want is for them to stand up to her - a quick peck would be helpful. Do you think that when they are older/laying they will be a bit more assertive? Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogs Too Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 All I can report is my own experince. Our dogs are both black labs, Abby is 4 yrs old and Benson (who is a guide dog puppy) is 6 months old. We introduced the dogs to the chickens whilst the chickens (at POL) were in the Eglu run. At this point it was lots of discipline if they showed too much interest in the birds, Benson just wantd to play but lots of "No! Leave" seemed to work. We then moved on to the birds semi free behind some plastic netting and followed the same pattern and now they free range and the dogs ignore them to a greater degree. If one of the dogs gets too close the birds have a good sqwark and move away and the dogs get shouted at and normality returns! BUT if one of the girls gets a slug and the others chase her the dogs then prick up their ears and would join in if they could! Bottom line, in my opinion, slowly introduce the dogs to the birds and vice versa, the dogs learn to ignore the birds and the birds become more confident with the dogs around. I think hounds as opposed to gundogs may present different problems as hounds are bred to chase down their quarry. Hope this helps, ang Qs and I may have an answer, but I may well be wrong!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 My experience is similar. Dennis is an 8 year old Westie - full terrier instinct, chases anything that squeaks. We introduced them gradually and with discipline. Now they all mix together (he hides amongst them when he's in trouble). But if they do jump and flap he gets all excited and runs at them. But that's all he does 'cos they are bigger than him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
