If you keep dogs and chickens in your yard or home, your dog's natural instincts may kick in to hunt its prey.If you want your dog to behave, you can take a few weeks to train it.By teaching your dog simple commands, slowly introducing your animals, and supervising them together, you can get most dogs tame around your birds.
Step 1: The "sit" and "stay" commands should be taught to your dog so it doesn't chase your chickens.
Don't give your dog a treat until it sits on the ground.Your dog will associate the command with a reward if you repeat it a few times.When you show your dog the treat, don't give it to him until it sits.Make your dog wait for a few seconds so it stays in place by using the words "sit" and "stay"Puppies are the easiest to train.An older dog may not want to be trained.Teaching your dog to sit and stay will keep it away from you.
Step 2: When your dog is interested in something, leave it.
You should keep a treat under your foot.The dog will get bored if it sniffs and paws at your foot.Tell your dog that it is being good and give it a treat.When the dog first notices the treat, use the words leave it.Keep training until your dog doesn't want the treat.Since the loud noise could frighten your dog, never shout or yell at it.If you can tell your dog to leave it, it will not bother your chickens.
Step 3: When your dog needs to be calm, teach it to calm down.
Tell your dog to settle down when it is laying on the ground.Reward your dog if it stays quiet for at least one minute.When you see it lay down and stay calm, repeat the command and give it a treat.Tell your dog to lay down when it starts being energetic.If your dog starts chasing chickens, the "settle down" command is helpful.When you tell your dog to settle down, use a mat or small rug as a place to go.
Step 4: Before you introduce your dog to your chickens, exercise it.
Taking your dog for a long walk or doing vigorous exercises throughout the day will help keep it calm while you expose it to your chickens.Pick a time when your dog is tired and less likely to jump.
Step 5: There is a see-through barrier between your dog and chickens.
When introducing your dog to chickens, keep them in their cage or brooder.While your dog is around, check that your chickens are still acting normal.It's important that your dog can see the chickens inside the cage.It helps your dog and chickens get used to each other.Keep your dog away from the cage for a while.Your dog should be petted while it's watching your chickens.
Step 6: If your dog tries to paw or jump at the barrier, be cold.
If your dog tries to get at your chickens again, use a stern voice and tell it to leave or settle down.If your dog behaves badly again, keep it closer to you.If your dog is acting strange, never hit or yell at it.Take your dog out of the chicken cage for at least 10 minutes to calm it down.
Step 7: Increase the time your dog spends with your chickens.
If you can spread 4-5 sessions with your dog and chickens throughout the day, they will have time to get to know one another.The session times should be increased to 10 minutes as your dog gets more comfortable.The sessions will continue for the rest of the week.If your dog is easily nervy, use shorter sessions.If your dog still isn't acting calm around your chickens by the end of the week, keep them in their cage for at least another week or until the dog starts to relax.
Step 8: While your dog is on a leash, allow the chickens to roam near you.
Take the chickens out of their cage and keep them close to you.If you have a leash on your dog, it will not run at the chickens.Before you let the chickens loose near your dog, tell him to lie down.If your dog lunges for the chickens, keep the leash firm and say " leave it" to prevent bad behavior.It may take more time to train and associate commands for a puppy.
Step 9: The dog is off of a leash for 3-4 weeks.
When the chickens are out of the cage, take the dog off its lead so it can interact with them.If your dog starts chasing your chickens, stay within 5–10 ft.Give your dog 15 minutes a day with your chickens.If your dog starts running or attacking, be prepared to stop it.
Step 10: Reward your dog with treats if he behaves well around chickens.
Give your dog a treat if you see it minding its own business and not chasing your chickens.It understands what good behavior is if you keep your voice happy.
Step 11: There are signs that your dog is going to attack.
Your dog might be getting ready to attack if it starts staring at your chickens and has dilated pupils.The hairs on your dog's back may be standing up.If you notice this, put your dog on a leash and separate it from the chickens.Ignoring commands, twitching lips, or crouching near your chickens are some of the signs.
Step 12: If your dog chases or nips at your chickens, discipline it.
If your dog gets too excited around your chickens, it may pounce or try to chase them.Say no and leave it so it knows it is bad.If you can, tell your dog to lie down or stay near you for a short time.You may need to find a trainer if your dog doesn't stay calm.