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!

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Mar 21, 2019
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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.

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