Chicken Eater!

[Krikkit]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KathyB:
Yes, I live in a rural area with livestock, which is probably different from most of you, so you may not be in a position to fully understand my situation. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We live in the same type of area. We have a boundary fence and another fence inside our boundary fence to protect our dogs and wildlife from wandering strays. The biggest problem we have living in a rural area is that other people around here feel that becuase they live in the country there is no need to keep their dogs under control. Most property owners here are of the shoot first and ask questions later variety. You did not offend me in any way Kathy as we recieve many phone calls of a similar varity through the obedience club we teach at (everyone wants a 'quick fix') and I usually tell them the same thing "do not let it occur in the first place", some people listen, some don't. We also do Boxer rescue and have had a few Boxers come to us for a similar reason. It used to really irritate me that people would give up an otherwise fine Boxer when the situation is easily managed...but these days I figure if they are unwilling to do something the dog is better placed elsewhere. One of the reasons Bella came to live with us is that she was a 'killer', we could not have a better girl than her, she is a total delight and we channel that prey drive into obedience and agility competition. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. If you only get one book get "Culture Clash" - it is excellent.


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Sharon
Bella (Red&White 03.07.94) Layla (Brindle&White - 03.12.94) Ruben & Amy (Red&White littermates 15.09.98) Bo, Tess and Rebel in our hearts.
AgilityBoxer.Com

 

[Kirsten]

Just thought I would pitch in my two cents worth. First of all, let me just say, I know how frustrating it can be when your dog is a chicken-chaser. I sympathise with you because your job will be all the harder now that he has discovered they are tasty. I do not believe in over-use of shock collors but it certainly sounds like it could be usful in this case. That way you don't have to be "around" in his sight when the unpleasant reaction to chasing the chickens happens. If he could associate unpleasantness with the chickens rather than you that would help. Boxers are way too smart and I am afraid he is just going to assume that he shouldn't chase chickens when you are around because it makes you mad, not because chickens are off limits. Keep me posted as to how it goes.
K &
Me-Tu rescued female brindle w/ cropped ears and tail.

 

[April K]

Kathy,

This is a tough situation for you. Once a dog gets a taste of blood and killing chickens, they don't stop. 40 years ago my grandad beat a dog silly for it and he did stop but I don't believe that is the way that it should be handled. People today do not view things the same way that depression era farmers did with animals. Then it was perfectly acceptable to drown litters that were unwanted too. Today we live in a different society..people have developed an overactive sensitivity to certain things including punishment of children.

Everyone has their own view of what is "abuse" and what isn't.

However, that soap box doesn't solve your problem. If you want to eliminate the chicken killing problem, you are going to have to restrain the dog and it will be very difficult if he knows where the chickens are. If you have a large property...relocating the chickens and clipping their wings may be the only way to keep them penned away from the dog.

I don't necessarily agree with everyone on the board either cuz sometimes people go overboard and forget that dogs are animals and not people. They don't operate the way we do and don't see things the way we do. (not that having a pet isn't a rewarding experience and not that mine aren't totally spoiled)

The best way to deal with temptation is not to engage in a bunch of training and discipline exercises, but to simply remove the temptation. If you love having the dog too much and refuse to get rid of him, you may have to get rid of chickens altogether.

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Mom to :
Buster - fawn w/natural ears born 10/99
Molly - fawn w/natural ears born 12/99

 

[KathyB]

April,
Thanx for your reply. I am happy to say that things have settled down considerably. The pup will occasionally still chase a chicken, but it is more of a hopping/playful chase than an "I want to eat you" chase, and he hasn't harmed any since the fateful day. I'm not saying things are fixed, I'm sure they aren't, but everyone, chickens included, are much calmer. I will continue to keep an eye on the situation and if it happens again, I will clip wings and put them up at least for the time being. He is a good dog, just didnt know what was expected of him and I have no intentions of getting rid of the chickens, either. We dont use them for meals here, I buy my chicken from the grocery store, just eat the eggs, we even incubate our own chicks. Now THAT is interesting! Like I said I am not sure he is or will ever be able to be completely trusted, but right now, he seems to have calmed down CONSIDERABLY and depending on how he behaves decides whether the chickens get permanent pens or not. It may seem like a trivial thing to most people to want the chickens to roam, but free range chickens are healthier, and theres just something about watching the chickens pecking and running after bugs. Yes, I know, I need a life.

 

[Jan]

Hi Kathy
I'm glad to hear that things are working out a little better with your boxer. Maybe he will learn not to chase chickens. Remember lots and lots of praise everytime the resists the temptation.

What is your boxer's name? Is he a fawn or a brindle?

I hope you will keep coming here as it is a great place to learn about boxers.

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Jan
Markus, dark brindle
neutered male, 6 yrs old

 

[Gabi]

Kathy, I think a boxer was not perhaps the right choice for your situation. may be a collie or shepherd. A boxer takes a long time to mature. And the others are right in saying that physical punishment does not work with a boxer pup. You have to train your pup the word leave and praise when he does. I also found that (that includes my Amy girl) they are taught in a second by another dog. Like she would immitate the other older dog with naugthy behaviour, but it took me a while for her commands to stick. But what I thought her (with treats) she still remembers. My heart breaks for your little one , he has received no real training, and I can imagine the way he flinches and takes his pain only for something that came naturally. Please don not put him in that situation. My Amy would also always chase a large bird (but she would not be hungry enough to eat it).

 

[KathyB]

Gabi,
This dog didnt eat the chicken out of hunger, he is VERY well fed.

Jan,
My boxers name is Turbo and he is a beautiful fawn, black mask and white markings. He has turned out to be a very good pup and still is behaving himself around the chickens and other animals. No problems so far. (keeping fingers crossed).