can dogs be cured of killing chickens

I can only speak for Snuffy, a dog I had about 1958. He killed a chicken. By the time I came home from school, a family friend had him loaded in the car to take him away. I took him back and then sat in the yard with him most of the afternoon. Each time a chicken came in view, I pointed my finger at him and said, "No." Whether he took my message, or was just not interested in chickens after that, I don't know. But he never showed interest in them again.

I know a bunch of people are going to tell you to tie a dead chicken around the dogs neck, but it's folklore and does not work. A bird dog especially has been programed to go for birds and I doubt you are going to be able to rewire the dog's brain to stop seeing them as prey. I suggest you keep the dog contained in a fenced area. It's safer for all involved, especially the chickens.

Grew up on and in farmland USA, its not often that once a dog kills a chicken, or a rabbit, that s/he is ever gonna stop.

I've raised chickens and dogs. Once they start killing chickens, they never stop....never stop

My grandfather had a one chicken rule. A dog that killed a chicken was given a second chance, but if it killed a second chicken then it "went for a walk" with grandpa. These were the only walks on which grandpa took his .22.

You're a dog whisperer. I once saw the TV Dog Whisperer train a dog to quit killing chickens.

Sglass: You took this dog in? So, it's an adult? If so, you have a lot of intense training to do. And....to be honest..if the dog is over two years old, there's not a lot a hope the animal can be re-trained.

First, you are going to have to make sure she thinks you are the one in control. Put her on a leash and walk her around and around the neighborhood. ANY time she shows interest in something you'd not be in favor of (another dog, stopping at a bush to sniff something, anything.) tug on the leash (just a little snap) and then keep walking.

You, you must be the Alpha dog, If this dog thinks she's the one leading, you are in big trouble. Make sure every time she walks with you and behaves herself for even a few feet, that you say what a good dog she is. Praise and snaps on the lead, praise, praise, praise, snap on the lead.

Once you get her to follow your lead around the neighborhood (It could take weeks of twice a day walks) walk her by the chickens.

Put the dog on the leash and walk her by the chickens. Every time she shows any interest in any chicken, tug on the leash and say "NO" then get moving again watching the dog all the time. She'll alert on those birds until she gets the idea that the Alpha doesn't like it.

I had a girl boxer named Sophie, just like you I got her when she was older. If the back gate was open just a crack, she liked to get out and run (Mostly to the garbage bins behind the grocery store)
First, I walked her around and around the yard, then I walked her with the gate a little open, finally, I walked her with the gate open.

Then......this was after six months, I let her out in the yard. She stayed in. This yard had become her home.

Fencing her in or tying her up won't help. You'll have to keep her in or on a leash until doesn't care about chickens. You have to train her out of the behavior. You have a lot of work ahead of you or you are going to a) buy chickens and roosters until you get fed up or b) your neighbor shoots her ---which he has a right to do in most of these United States, I forget where you are.

Joe(How loud are those roosters in the morning?)Nation

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She's in Hawaii. Can't shoot nuthin' without a gun.

Any animal can be cured of behavior problems if you're willing to invest the time and expend the effort.

You think it's hard to stop dogs killing chickens? You should see how many get killed by humans!

Hah!

I wondered if that was an old wives tale. That was going to be my next question.

Thank you, I don't know how long I could deal with a dead chicken around my dogs neck.

Are you really a dog whisperer? Maybe I can ship Iki to Texas and you can fix her for me. She sure is one pretty little birddog.

Haulaiki (Iki) is ten years old.

I think the chicken killing is an inherent trait plus she is very high strung and if off-leash she will take off and go on a spree. Here on the Big Island, people have "pet chickens" that run loose all over the place.

I had her out for our walk this am and she does respond to commands, she will sit, lie down and we are working on her heeling. She is house trained.

She is absolutely gorgeous.

Being raised in West Texas I have always had bird dogs around, so I do have a certain fondness for the breed. Very sassy.

I am not going to give up on her. But no doubt I will have to keep her restrained. I'm going over and pick up her line for her run.

I can't wait to see how see likes the beach.

Course you can teach an old dog new tricks, look at me, I learn something new evey day when I'm not careful.

Sea

Yeah, the dead thing around the neck is silly. I always ask people "do you think a dog will stop eating beef if you tie a steak around it's neck?"

A good overhead run is fine, especially if the dog gets free time at the beach. Loose dogs get into all sorts of trouble, and not just chickens.

There is already an overhead run line installed, I picked up the running line this am.

Iki and I are having some fine walks (my doctor will be pleased to hear that) and I am looking forward to a beach day. We will be going to the Black Sand Beach at Punalu'u.

No damn chickens there.

Course you can teach an old dog new tricks, look at me, I learn something new evey day when I'm not careful.

Great line, Seaglass..

Thank you Osso.

socialise your dog with the chickens.
Take the dog into a chicken pen or yard and sit there with your dog until your dog stops being interested in the chickens.
Edgar has it right
Tell your dog NO! perhaps a small attention getting smack on the nose everytime the dog looks sideways at a chicken.