Post by Jerseylady*Heather* on Jan 22, 2011 2:15:09 GMT -5
We have a few Golden Retrievers, all very well bred, we are quite proud of them. But what I have discovered is their versitility. Goldens are known for their bird hunting abilities. Well this past year we bought a really nice puppy. She was seven weeks old when we brought her home. At the time we had a bunch of young chickens in the front yard. We kept them there to eat the bugs, and keep them safe. Well the puppy "Rhyme" has totally bonded with my chickens. One in pariticular is her best friend. The sleep cuddled up together my husband thinks it is hilarious that she is so attached to her chicken buddies. We let some of our hens free range in our little field to keep things cleaned up. Rhyme makes the rounds and checks on them everynight.
Well the other night Rhyme was up behind the house just barking her little head off, and my husband went out there to check and sure enough there were coyotes stalking our chickens. He got mad at her because our neighbors dont like barking dogs and call the cops. Every time one makes a peep. I personally was sooo proud our little 7 month old puppy chasing off coyotes and guarding chickens. All the chickens were accounted for the next day. She is a pain in the butt as she can get out of the fence but she is very very loyal never leaves the yard. I had seriously thought about getting a LGD but knew my neighbors would never let that go over. I never thought a pretty show bred bird dog would turn in to a chicken farmer.
On a side note I trained my other Golden (my old girl) to herd the cows. She is amazing and I think she can read my mind. She is not as aggressive as a cattle dog but she gets right on them and walks them in. She is getting slow as she is getting older. But I really think if you spend the time with them you can train them do almost anything.
Well the other night Rhyme was up behind the house just barking her little head off, and my husband went out there to check and sure enough there were coyotes stalking our chickens. He got mad at her because our neighbors dont like barking dogs and call the cops. Every time one makes a peep. I personally was sooo proud our little 7 month old puppy chasing off coyotes and guarding chickens. All the chickens were accounted for the next day. She is a pain in the butt as she can get out of the fence but she is very very loyal never leaves the yard. I had seriously thought about getting a LGD but knew my neighbors would never let that go over. I never thought a pretty show bred bird dog would turn in to a chicken farmer.
On a side note I trained my other Golden (my old girl) to herd the cows. She is amazing and I think she can read my mind. She is not as aggressive as a cattle dog but she gets right on them and walks them in. She is getting slow as she is getting older. But I really think if you spend the time with them you can train them do almost anything.