Teach Dog to Herd Chickens

Dog & Chicks Meet "Hello"

Three (3) ways to introduce dogs and chickens.

Dogs are naturally a predator of chickens.  To train any dog to herd chickens, the first step is to introduce your dog and chickens to each other. 

All the while the dog and chickens are visiting with each other.  I keep my tone of voice low and soft.  When I feel anxious, I continue to keep my voice soft as possible.  The dog and the chickens all hear very well.  A loud or unexpected sound will only add to the upset and confusion. Remember to stay calm while your dog meets with your chickens.

I believe any breed of dog is capable of herding chickens.  I don't believe that only collies are capable of helping out with the back yard chicken or duck flocks.  Mixed breed dogs are wonderful pets, and could be wonderful herding dogs, if given a chance.  A dog that isn't overly aggressive or excitable would make a nice herding dog. Let the animals meet, and make a new plan from there.

Any dog can spook and scare off a chicken, not every dog is willing to let the chicken get away safely. Dogs are a natural predator to chickens, and many dogs are likely to harm a chicken. Some dogs may not be suitable to gently herd chickens around or back into the coop or coop run. Introducing your dog to your chicks is the first step to training your dog to heard chickens. Be careful, and thoughtful about this step.

I'm nervous every time I introduce new chicks to my Daisy Dog. Everything has always worked out fine, every time. I've grown used to having fresh eggs, and I like the chickens. I don't want them to be frightened or harmed when I introduce them to my dog.

I have three ways that I introduce my dog to my chickens. 

The first time my dog meets her chicks is usually with the chickens into a box, a tub or a cage, and let the dog come to the chicks and investigate and visit with the chicks. 

A second option to have your dog meet your new chicks, would be to put the dog in a harness and leash, and hold the dog while he or she meets and greets the new flock.

A third way of showing your dog to the new chicks, is to put them all together in a pen.  Most dogs and hens might be safest if this were done after much practice with the first two options above.

None of these are a one time meeting for the dog and the chickens.  I bring Daisy with me to feed and water the chicks every time, usually twice a day at the least.  When the chicks are old enough to move to the coop, the dog and the chickens are used to each other.

To train dogs to herd chickens, the first step is to introduce dogs to chickens.

Here are my three (3) primary ways of letting dog & chickens meet...

1) Show the chickens to the dog while in a box, cage or tub when you bring the chicks home

2) Show the chickens to the dog while the dog is leashed and harnessed

3) Show the chickens to the dog while free ranging on the lawn, pasture or chicken run