Pup - Alone with chickens

We have a 11 week old great pyr. He has been with us almost three weeks. He has bonded with the family and spends all his time with us and other pets. He was breed/raised from flock guardian dogs. We would like him to guard our chickens. Our farm property is separate from our main residence but we will be there for several hours a day. My question is; when and if we can leave him in the barn or fields by himself? Will he try to follow us and jump fences since he is quite bonded to us? It's early days but i want to make sure i do this correctly and responsibly not only for us but for him. Thank you!

Comments for Pup - Alone with chickens

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 21, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
by: Donna

If he is the only dog, it's way too early to leave him out there alone. He won't be ready until about 1.5 years since he is just a pup. Predators would get him at this young age.

You usually want another older dog who can mentor him and/or give him a break from guarding. Note that predators will usually distract the dog while the others go in for the flock kill depending on the size of your flock, the lay of the land and how much forest, if any. If it's small enough, it should be okay.

You can certainly introduce him to the chickens, now, on leash when you're out there. Chickens can be tough especially for a pup. Puppies want to play and chickens move like a perfect target. Let him get used to the chickens.

As he gets gets older, you can start leaving him along with them for short periods once he shows signs of wanting to guard and not playing with them. Increase the time as you trust him more.

Keep him on leash around them so he doesn't get the chance to hurt one.

Working stock or not doesn't matter. All Pyrs are of the same blood. Many CKC dogs are working dogs, as well.

I hope this helps.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Causes of death

    Sep 14, 21 07:13 PM

    My 10 year old male passed away unexpectedly...has no previous health issues..he was dry heaving when we woke in morning but settled in for snuggles....when

    Read More

  2. Millie

    Sep 08, 21 09:33 AM

    *ADOPTING PENDING* Millie came to us from the Kingston Humane Society. She was found as a stray with two other big white mixes. She is about 8-years-old,

    Read More

  3. Kobi

    Sep 08, 21 09:21 AM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* Kobi came to us when his family situation changed. Kobi is very friendly, with much energy. He loves kids, and is always happy to

    Read More

  4. Biting and chewing

    Sep 07, 21 10:12 AM

    I have a 4 month old GP pup. He is obsessed with chewing and biting everything within reach including humans. He is not aggressive or mean. I know he

    Read More

  5. Back feet turn in

    Sep 06, 21 04:47 PM

    Hi there and thanks for considering my question. I recently acquired a 10 week old purebred Great Pyrenees puppy whose rear feet (toes specifically) curl

    Read More

  6. Swimming motion with front legs

    Sep 04, 21 09:09 AM

    My great Pyrenees is just turning four. I’ve had him since he was a puppy and he has always had this peculiar behavior of lying on his side and moving

    Read More

  7. Edelweiss

    Aug 17, 21 08:36 AM

    Five days before her 13th birthday our beloved Edelweiss crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully with my hand on her head. We had a wonderful 3 years and

    Read More

  8. Tina

    Aug 11, 21 03:42 PM

    D.O.B. July 12, 2017 Located in Erin, Ontario This sweetheart Great Pyr came in because she became protective of the 10-year-old child when that child's

    Read More