How to Stop Dogs from Chasing Chickens

Dogs that chase chickens endanger themselves as well as the chickens, especially if the chickens don't belong to you; some chicken owners will shoot dogs that chase his fowl. Start teaching your dogs when they are puppies that chasing chickens is unacceptable. If your grown dogs chase chickens, your chances of correcting them are low; you probably will be able only to manage the behavior by not giving them the opportunity to engage in it.

Things You'll Need

  • Buckle collars
  • Leashes
  • Treats

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish the distance your puppies can tolerate being near chickens without reacting to them. If they start to fixate on the chickens, back up until they stop.

    • 2

      Engage your puppies in other behaviors, such as "sit" or "down," rewarding them with treats for good performance and for focusing on you.

    • 3

      Decrease the distance between your puppies and the chickens gradually, always stopping before your puppies react and backing up if they react. Treat them for focusing on you.

    • 4

      Narrow the proximity between the chickens and your puppies more, rewarding them for ignoring the chickens, until they can stand next to the chickens and not react.