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.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Anemone

    Jul 22, 24 12:04 PM

    DOB: Approx. July 2022 Location: Acton, Ontario Anemone is a sweetheart. This Great Pyr came from a neglect situation, and the SPCA asked if we could

    Read More

  2. Ramona

    Jul 07, 24 06:06 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. July 2023 Location: Acton, ON Children: Over 12 due to her lack manners at this time Dogs: Yes Cats: Unknown, but with proper

    Read More

  3. Courtesy Post - Momo

    Jun 18, 24 12:13 PM

    *ADOPTED* Momo DOB: Nov 19, 2020 (3-years-old) Location: Trenton, Ontario Good in car House-trained Fine on stairs Separation anxiety: No Reactive

    Read More

  4. The Oldest Great Pyr?

    Jun 10, 24 03:00 PM

    MG-Picture2
    Is this the oldest Great Pyr? Great Pyrs have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. This one exceeds that. Read the details here.

    Read More

  5. Mini Fee En Francais

    Jun 10, 24 02:11 PM

    MG-Picture2
    MiniFee En Francais

    Read More

  6. Courtesy Post - Maya

    Jun 09, 24 06:25 AM

    *Adopted* Location: Burlington, Ontario DOB: Jan 3, 2021 (3 years and 5 months) Gender: Female, 75lbs House-trained Good in car Walks well on leash

    Read More

  7. Miss Vicki

    May 26, 24 10:55 AM

    *ADOPTED* This sweetheart landed in a family of two adults, one toddler, and four canine pals who loves her from the moment they met her. She hit the

    Read More

  8. Buster

    May 18, 24 12:43 PM

    DOB: 2016 (7-years-old) Location: Acton, Ontario Good with people, especially children Gets along with dogs Big white fluffy mix. The rescue recommends

    Read More