Chicken Training

It is paramount for Rummy to be trained with our chickens. The chickens give us free eggs and we must do our part to take care of them and guard them from the predator birds.

When Rummy first came home, he would chase the chickens if he was offleash in the yard. But Rob or Mum would yell at him "No Birdies" and try to teach him not to do that. When he saw the chickens more often, he started to calm down more and would not chase them so quickly. If the humans knew the chickens were grazing nearby, they would only let Rummy out on a leash so he couldn't chase.

Day 1 of proper Chicken Training.
Rummy is on the leash, and made to stay calm and at ease while the chickens approach close.

Rummy calmly watches the chickens while they are 1 to 2 feet away from him on a loose leash.

Day 2 of training.
Rummy is on the leash, but he is free to sit or lay down calmly while not being held on leash by Mum. The chickens are gaining confidence around him because he is calm, and he can observe them close by and as they both gain more and more trust as the days go by, he will be able to satisfy his curiosity about these birds.

Rummy enjoys the mornings on the porch watching the chickens graze. They are only a few feet away from him.

Even I can relax now. I know that I don't have to keep an eye on Rummy at all times to make sure he isn't chasing or scaring our chickens. Mum has me fully trained not to chase our chickens, and I think we can do the same with Rummy. He is a smart little Airedale and it should not be a problem for us as long as we work with him everyday with the birdies.

Hugs,
Kimi