Ideas for small Livestock Guardian dogs in suburbs?

[ODU Big Blue]

I live in the suburbs and have a micro flock of 4 hens and we're in the market for a puppy. I want a dog that has livestock guardian instincts to protect the flock from raccoons, foxes, bobcats, coyotes & hawks as that is all that I have to worry about in the suburbs. Because these are very small predators, I don't need a big LGD and we want the dog to be able to come in the house and we do not want a large dog in the house. I just don't want a dog that has instincts to chase and eat the chickens. A big plus is a dog that doesn't shed. Any ideas? Thanks for your help.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

All dogs have the instinct to chase and/or kill small prey animals, that includes those bred specifically for the job of guarding livestock and the small ones (who are often times more difficult to break of that habit). I'd recommend searching for a breed that fits your criteria (perhaps Google small, non shedding dog breeds) and then do lots of research about training. Also, expect that for the next year or so, you'll be conditioning and training your new best friend to not kill your birds (amongst other naughty things) and go into this adventure with the expectation that, even with all the effort, they may still not be compatible.

Research, research, research and training, training, training.

I have 3 dogs (a Doberman Pinscher, an Olde English Bulldog and a Catahoula/Austrailian Shepherd mix), none of them would be considered typical LGDs. But, through lots of training, time and patience, they are poultry, pig, cow and goat safe (unless you count their feed, which all 3 would gladly go after if given the chance).

Good luck!

 

[centrarchid]

Also invest in some poultry netting to confine chickens and perimeter fencing to keeps dog(s) on property.

 

[BreanneRN]

I would look for a dog that has a stronger desire to please you than it does a prey drive... A good dog is where you find it, could be a mutt, could be purebred, could be a shelter dog, rehome, or a stray. Breeds to totally avoid would be the Shiba Inu, Siberian Husky, Jack Russell Terrier ( I say this at the risk of getting posts about how wonderful their particular dog is, but even if that is so, you're chances of finding a rare one in these breeds is not good). I don't know of any small breeds that are bred to be guardians, because guardians have to be able to deter large and pack predators and are bred to do so. I believe the Anatolian Shepherd is shorter coated. The Poodle is very bright and trainable, has a high desire to please. We had a 40 lb Poodle when I was growing up that my mother trained to discriminate between stray cats and our own. Whenever there was the sound of cats fighting, she would send her out to break it up. She scolded her when she would chase our kitties, saying "those are OUR Kitties". Our poodle never really liked cats but she learned to never chase ours and "our Kitties" liked her... The Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)is bright and very eager to please and comes in a short hair version and could probably be trained to guard chickens if started young. Training when young and being consistent in reward for good behavior and reprimand when they may go after the chickens as puppies would be imperative. You must raise the puppy to understand that the chickens and all your animals are part of the family group and that you value them. Try to avoid a puppy that is hyper, overactive, and has a short attention span. Look for one that is alert, attentive, picks up on your cues, and affectionate.