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. Cass - Courtesy Posting

    Dec 06, 19 01:09 PM

    *COURTESY POSTING* 5-years old Cass is a very laid back dog, not possessive and never aggressive towards dogs or people when out on walks. He cannot

    Read More

  2. Chewing

    Dec 06, 19 06:24 AM

    My 1 yr old Pyrenees is a super chewer and finding toys is a challenge but we cope. The problem is he thinks he's part beaver and has destroyed one of

    Read More

  3. Nick and Lexi

    Dec 05, 19 08:02 AM

    DOB: 2011 We would like Nick and Lexi to be adopted together since they've been together almost their whole lives. They have only known lives as guardian

    Read More

  4. Lancelot (A.K.A. Lanny)

    Dec 02, 19 09:56 AM

    *ADOPTED* We are so happy to tell you that Lanny is staying with his foster. She absolutely loves him and we couldn't have asked for a better home for

    Read More

  5. George

    Nov 30, 19 05:16 PM

    DOB: February 02, 2013 Sweet George was found as a stray on a highway. The way he is with the goats at his foster's, we are certain he was a working

    Read More

  6. Murphy - Courtesy Posting

    Nov 30, 19 11:02 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: December 2015 Murphy is turning out to be a very sweet boy as he settles in and gets used to his caregivers. He's one happy boy right

    Read More

  7. waiting

    Nov 24, 19 07:42 AM

    why does my Pyrenees wait for me only. and no one else

    Read More

  8. Neutering my LGD

    Nov 24, 19 07:40 AM

    I acquired a Pyr that’s a yr and a half old and he’s been out with goats and chickens. He will be used for the same thing on my farm. He is in tact and

    Read More