How to Teach Your Dog to Herd Chickens

Herding chickens is a great skill that many dog owners would love to teach their furry friends. Not only can it be a fun activity, but it can also be practical for those who own chickens and want to keep them safe and contained. However, it's important to note that not all dogs have a natural instinct to herd, and some may require more training and patience than others. Here are some tips on how to teach your dog to herd chickens.

*Note: Chickens are typically more difficult to herd when compared to ducks as they do not flock as tightly together and can more more erratically, causing aroused prey drive in some dogs. 

Step 1: Start with Basic Obedience Training

Before you can begin teaching your dog how to herd, it's important to make sure they have a solid foundation in basic obedience training. This includes commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. You'll need to be able to control your dog and have them listen to your commands in order to effectively teach them to herd.

Step 2: Introduce Your Dog to the Chickens

Once your dog has a good grasp on basic obedience training, it's time to introduce them to the chickens. This should be done in a controlled environment, such as a fenced-in area or a chicken coop. Make sure the chickens are safely contained and cannot escape or harm your dog.

Allow your dog to sniff around and get comfortable with the chickens. Encourage them to approach the chickens calmly and gently, without showing any signs of aggression. You can reward your dog with treats or praise for good behavior around the chickens.

It's best to get your dog comfortable around other animals at a very young age.

Step 3: Teach Your Dog the "Go-Bye" Command

The "go-bye" command is one of the most important commands for teaching your dog to herd. This command instructs your dog to move in a clockwise direction around the chickens. To begin, stand on one side of the chickens and have your dog on the other side.

Using a treat or toy as a lure or a "herding stick", move your dog in a clockwise direction around the chickens. As your dog moves, say "go-bye" and reward them with the treat or toy. Repeat this exercise several times until your dog begins to associate the "go-bye" command with moving in a clockwise direction around the chickens.

Step 4: Teach Your Dog the "Away" Command

The "away" command instructs your dog to move in a counterclockwise direction around the chickens. To begin, stand on the opposite side of the chickens from your dog.

Using a treat or toy as a lure, move your dog in a counterclockwise direction around the chickens. As your dog moves, say "away" and reward them with the treat or toy. Repeat this exercise several times until your dog begins to associate the "away" command with moving in a counterclockwise direction around the chickens.

Step 5: Combine Commands and Practice

Once your dog has a good grasp on the "go-bye" and "away" commands, you can begin to combine them to create a full herding sequence.

Start by giving your dog the "go-bye" command and have them move in a clockwise direction around the chickens. When they have completed a full circle, give them the "away" command and have them move in a counterclockwise direction around the chickens. Repeat this sequence several times, gradually increasing the distance and complexity of the herding pattern.

Step 6: Reinforce Good Behavior and Correct Mistakes

As with any training, it's important to reinforce good behavior and correct mistakes. When your dog successfully completes a herding sequence, reward them with praise or treats. If they make a mistake, such as getting too close to the chickens or showing signs of aggression, correct their behavior immediately and redirect them back to the herding sequence.

Step 7: Practice

Practice is key when it comes to teaching your dog to herd chickens. Regular training sessions can help your dog solidify their understanding of the commands and improve their herding skills over time.

It's important to keep in mind that not all dogs have a natural instinct to herd, and some may require more training and patience than others. Some breeds that are known for their herding abilities include Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Kelpies, and German Shepherds. However, any dog can learn to herd with proper training and patience.

Additionally, it's important to always supervise your dog when they are around chickens or other livestock. Even well-trained dogs can become overexcited or display aggressive behavior, so it's important to be vigilant and intervene if necessary.

In conclusion, teaching your dog to herd chickens can be a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your furry friend. By starting with basic obedience training, introducing your dog to the chickens, and teaching them the "go-bye" and "away" commands, you can gradually build up their herding skills over time. With practice, patience, and consistency, you can help your dog become a skilled chicken herder and keep your feathered friends safe and contained.