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. Courtesy Post - Comet

    May 18, 26 06:45 AM

    Courtesy Post - Comet Location: Fergus, ON DoB: September 26, 2018, 7.5-year-old female Great Pyrenees From her owner: This is one of the hardest posts

    Read More

  2. Courtesy Posting - Oso

    Apr 29, 26 02:28 PM

    *ADOPTED* Handsome Oso is looking for a new family due to allergies in the family. They are devastated to have to let him go. DoB: April 28th, 2023

    Read More

  3. Courtesy Post - Nova and Rosie

    Apr 21, 26 12:11 PM

    Rosie and Nova
    They can go separately. Nova is the priority to find a new home. Location: South River Nova: 3-years-old Rosie: 2-years-old Children: 12 years and

    Read More

  4. Hardy

    Apr 09, 26 07:59 AM

    *ADOPTED* Hardy Location: Acton, ON DOB: Approx. January 2025 (we think he is older though) Single-family home required. Minimum 5-foot securely fenced

    Read More

  5. Whalen

    Apr 06, 26 01:24 PM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Norwood Ontario Name: Whalen Single dwelling detached home with a securely fenced

    Read More

  6. Willie

    Apr 03, 26 10:39 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Norwood Ontario Name: Willie Single dwelling home with a securely fenced yard

    Read More

  7. Bo

    Apr 03, 26 10:32 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Acton, Ontario Name: Bo Single dwelling detached home with a securely fenced

    Read More

  8. Flocon

    Mar 29, 26 05:13 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. Jan. 26, 2025 (don’t know for sure) rescued Jan. 2026 Location: Acton, Ontario Maybe this is the boy with whom you an enjoy

    Read More