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| Puppies stealing food from guineas |
My dogs are trained to be used as guardian dogs for
many breeds such as chickens, ducks, guineas, and geese. I place
considerable value on my birds due to the fact that I show them which in
itself is a large investment. Having a guard dog to protect my birds
and to keep predators at bay is a necessity. Predators are always going
to be near your livestock so we are one step ahead.
The
training process starts as a pup. Our pups are penned at night with
the poultry in predator safe pens and in the morning placed with free
range birds to learn correct interactions. This is how the bonding
process works. The dogs eventually are friends to the birds and can be
trusted around them fully. In the initial learning period they need a
lot of guidance. Never put a young puppy in with your birds without
being prepared to assist him in his learning journey. Also be aware that
even a very young puppy can damage or kill a chicken in the mildest of
play activities. I usually train my puppies in the beginning with
guineas because they can fly out of reach if they need too. The
boundaries of permissible behavior is set at puppy hood and firmly
instilled in dogs. These limits of appropriate and inappropriate
behavior are set under close supervision.
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| Pyrenese mix Puppies trying out some poultry food |
I use mixed breed puppies of the guardian dog
bloodlines, Pyrenees, border collies, Australian shepherds and other
related breeds. They seem to be the best candidates for training.
Neighbor children come and interact with them so they are well rounded
in all areas. My older dog Cody keeps them in line. They learn to
respect their elders.
Cody
is a irreplaceable Livestock guardian, who is a non aggressive
protector and is a role model for my pups. I use Cody as the guideline
to mold their behaviors. The ideal poultry guardian dog has to have the
following behaviors
- Likes children
- Does not harm cats
- Chases off all predators such as coons, coyotes, unfriendly dogs, birds of prey, skunks, opossums, rats, mice, etc.
- Watches the poultry and does not bother them
- Does not hurt a chicken that disturbs him
- Barks to let predators know hes there
- Loves his owner
- Tolerates other friendly dogs
- Stays away from rattle snakes
- Alerts me when strangers approach
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| Puppies playing while guineas eat |
There are other benefits of a guardian
dog but the list is long. The above list are the more important issues.
Our dogs also learn to avoid rattlers if the time of the year is right.
That is a very important issue out in the country. I recommend that all
guardian dogs receive a rattlesnake vaccine shot.If you would like a
Guardian dog and live in Texas please email me at
carondesign@yahoo.com.
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| Bearsey as a puppy |
