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A friend who lives at Boonah saw it too and is going to find out about her doggo attending. If she posts anything about it I'll ask if I can share here.

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to draw on the collective wisdom of the experienced trainers here for a new challenge I'm facing. Some of you might have seen my other post about our Kelpie, Pip, where we had great success using disengagement games to create a peaceful backyard. Well, it seems I'm getting a masterclass in how different dogs truly are! We also have a young Border Collie, Finn, and what worked for Pip is not even making a dent with him. He's a whole different ball game, and I've hit a bit of a wall. The Problem: Finn's interest in our chickens isn't like Pip's herding curiosity; it's a quiet, intense, and unwavering prey drive. When he sees them, his world shrinks. He drops into a low stalk, his body goes rigid, and he becomes completely deaf to commands. It's a classic, hard-wired fixation that feels much more predatory than the herding instinct I'm used to managing. As always, the chickens' safety is my number one priority. They have a fortress of a coop and run, and Finn is never unsupervised when they're in the yard. My goal is to help him learn to relax and manage his own state of mind for his own well-being. What I'm Trying (and Why It's Not Enough): I've been applying the same principles that worked with Pip, but the results are vastly different. Management: The physical barriers are all in place, including a visual block on the fence line. This is non-negotiable. "Leave It": His "leave it" is solid with toys and food, but it's powerless against the primal pull of the chickens. Rewarding Disengagement: This is the biggest difference. The "look away game" that was so effective for Pip is failing with Finn. He is physically incapable of looking away. He will strain against the leash to maintain eye contact, and there's no opportunity to reward a better choice because he simply won't make one. Exercise & Enrichment: He gets a ton of both physical and mental work every day, so I'm confident this isn't a case of simple boredom. Where I'm Stuck & My Question: I've learned that a herding drive and a prey drive can look similar but feel worlds apart to train. I need a new strategy for breaking through this intense, instinctual focus when my usual methods can't get a foot in the door. Does anyone have experience with training exercises specifically for a high-arousal prey drive, as opposed to a herding drive? I'm looking for ways to help him self-regulate when his instincts are screaming at him. Are there different impulse control games or desensitization protocols that are more effective for this specific mindset? I'm all ears and ready to put in the work. It's humbling to realize that what works for one dog can be completely ineffective for another! Thanks in advance for any advice.

G'day everyone, I'm new to posting here, but I've been a long-time owner of both dogs and chickens, and I'm always trying to find that perfect harmony between them. I wanted to share a recent success story and then ask for your wisdom, because I know every dog is different. We have a young Kelpie named Pip, and she is everything you'd expect: smart, energetic, and intensely focused. When we first let her into the backyard near our chicken run, her reaction was pure instinct. She dropped into a low stalk, her eyes were like lasers, and every muscle in her body was tensed and ready to herd (or worse). My heart was in my throat, and I knew a simple "No!" wasn't going to cut it. The one technique that truly turned the tide for us was something I call the "look away game." Instead of just correcting her for staring at the chickens, I started rewarding her for choosing to look away. We'd be on leash near the coop, and the moment her eyes flicked away from the chickens—even for a split second—I'd mark it with an enthusiastic "Yes!" and give her a super high-value treat. At first, she'd look away by accident, but she quickly learned that ignoring the chickens was the most profitable thing she could do. We practiced this for a few minutes every day. It took a lot of patience, and it wasn't a one-day fix, but now she can relax in the yard while the chickens are out, without that obsessive focus. It's a supervised peace, but it's peace nonetheless! I know this is a common challenge for those of us with a foot in both worlds. So, for those of you who have both dogs and poultry: What were your biggest challenges or best tricks for getting them to coexist peacefully? I'd love to hear your stories—the successes, the failures, and those "aha!" moments that finally made things click. Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

Hi everyone, I hope you don't mind a slightly different topic. I'm new to posting here, but I've been a lifelong dog owner and a passionate advocate for backyard poultry for many years. I spend a lot of my time helping people get started with their first flock of chickens, and one of the most common, heart-felt questions I get is: "Will my dog be okay with chickens, and are there 'better' breeds for it?" It’s a question that brings up a lot of anxiety for people, and rightly so. The first time I let my old rescue dog, a lovely Staffy-cross named Buster, into the garden after setting up my first coop, I think my heart stopped. He froze, every muscle tensed, and for a split second, I saw a flicker of pure predator. Thankfully, Buster was more curious than anything else, but that single moment taught me that bringing these two worlds together requires respect for the dog's nature and a solid plan. I've learned so much since then, both from my own dogs and from talking to countless others. I wanted to share my thoughts from the "chicken-keeper's" side of the fence and, more importantly, learn from the incredible wealth of knowledge you all have as dedicated owners and breeders. The Big Myth: It's All About the Breed My first and most important belief is that a well-trained, fulfilled dog of any breed is better than an untrained, bored dog of a supposedly "perfect" breed. However, we can't ignore the centuries of genetic instinct hardwired into our companions. Understanding those instincts is the key. Here are my observations on how different breed groups tend to interact with poultry: 1. The Guardians: Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) These are the breeds that come to mind first: the majestic Maremma Sheepdog, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, or the Anatolian Shepherd. Their Instinct: They were bred not to herd, but to live among and protect livestock. Their instinct is to bond with their flock and defend it from threats. My Insight & Story: I have a friend on a small acreage just outside of town with two Maremmas and a flock of about 50 chickens. It is truly a sight to behold. The dogs move slowly and calmly among the birds, and the chickens are completely at ease, often dust-bathing right next to them. The dogs are gentle giants with their flock but are an intimidating and effective deterrent to foxes and eagles. However, these are not your typical suburban pets. They need a job, they have a protective bark that your neighbours might not appreciate, and their independent nature means they often "work" on their own terms. They are a serious commitment for a serious environment. 2. The Herders: A Study in Controlled Chaos This group includes some of Australia's favourites: the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie, and Australian Cattle Dog. Their Instinct: To control movement. They are intelligent, energetic, and have an innate desire to chase, circle, and gather. My Insight & Story: Herders are a fascinating case. Their intelligence makes them incredibly trainable, but their drive can be a double-edged sword. A bored Kelpie can decide that its new "job" is to herd the chickens relentlessly, causing immense stress and potential injury. I once worked with a family whose young Border Collie was a nightmare. It wouldn't hurt the chickens, but it would "stalk" them with the classic herding "eye," pinning them in corners for hours. The solution wasn't to punish the dog, but to give it a better job. We introduced advanced obedience, scent work, and puzzle toys. Once the dog's brain was tired, it lost interest in terrorizing the flock and became their watchful, but respectful, overseer. 3. The Hunters: Gun Dogs & Terriers This is a huge and varied group, from the family-favourite Labrador and Golden Retriever to the feisty Jack Russell Terrier. Their Instinct: To find, flush, chase, and (in some cases) retrieve game. My Insight & Story: This is often the group that causes the most accidental tragedies. A gentle Golden Retriever, known for its "soft mouth," can still be triggered by the frantic flapping of a startled hen. The instinct to chase and grab is powerful. Terriers, bred to hunt vermin, can see a small chicken as the ultimate prize. Success here is almost entirely down to management and training. A rock-solid "leave it" command isn't a suggestion; it's a life-saving necessity. My How-To Guide: A Three-Pillar Approach to Harmony Over the years, I've developed a simple framework for anyone trying to create peace between their dog and their chickens. Pillar 1: The Environment (Management is Your Best Friend) You cannot train out instinct entirely, so you must manage the environment. Fort Knox Coop: Your chicken run should be 100% dog-proof, even when you're not home. This means buried wire to prevent digging, a solid roof (or netting) to stop climbing, and secure latches. This is the chickens' safe space. The "Two-Fence" Rule: When your dog is in the yard, it should not have direct access to the chicken run fence line. A second visual barrier or just distance prevents fence-running, barking, and barrier frustration from building up. Pillar 2: The Training (Building a Neutral Association) The goal is for the dog to see the chickens as a boring, neutral part of the landscape. Start on Leash, Always: For the first few weeks or months, every interaction is on a leash. Walk the dog calmly around the outside of the secure run. Reward the Disengage: The second your dog looks at the chickens and then looks away, or shows any sign of calm disinterest (a sniff of the ground, a relaxed posture), mark it with a "Yes!" and a high-value treat. You are rewarding the choice to ignore the chickens. "Place" is Your Superpower: Train a solid "place" or "mat" command. When you're in the garden, the dog's job can be to lie on its mat. This gives it a clear, incompatible behaviour to perform instead of fixating on the birds. Pillar 3: The Dog's Mind (A Tired, Fulfilled Dog is a Peaceful Dog) This is the most overlooked pillar. A dog with pent-up energy will find an outlet. Exercise Before Exposure: Never introduce your dog to the chickens when it's full of energy. A long walk, a game of fetch, or a training session before they are in the yard together sets you up for success. Give Them a Better Job: As with the Border Collie story, engage their brain. Puzzle toys, chew toys, and training games are not just fun; they are essential for draining the mental energy that might otherwise be spent plotting a coop break-in. My Big Questions for This Community: I've shared my perspective from the poultry world, but I am so eager to learn from you all. What are your personal success (or failure) stories? Have you had a breed that completely surprised you, for better or for worse? Are there any "under-the-radar" breeds you think would make fantastic, gentle companions for a home with poultry? I've always been curious about some of the calmer giant breeds or certain companion dogs. A question for the breeders: Is temperament around other small animals something you consider or select for in your breeding programs? How much of it do you believe is nature vs. nurture? Thanks so much for reading this long post. I'm really looking forward to the discussion and learning from your expertise

What a great initiative - for the dogs, and workers

Working dogs are a must I did hear yesterday though that there is talk of robot dogs being used in dairies and on farms !

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-24/the-working-dog-worth-3-billion-to-the-australian-economy/105679938

That's so beautiful! It's not far from me but I've never heard about it before.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-24/dog-day-care-bus-scenic-rim-helps-disabled-people-make-friends/105635824

Thank you, T for your view. I didn't even read the original - came straight to you! I agree with you.

The footage shown is disturbing for sure. What stands out is that it looks like the owners of the dogs in question are there and trying to help get them away from the target, but the lack of leads and collars is making that difficult. At no stage do the dogs seem to be targetting any humans, and appear to be being handled by at least 2 individuals with no aggression shown. The target is solely the on-lead dog, which is clearly not impressed at being approached in an aggressive manner and is trying to retaliate. Notably, not one of the 3 off-lead dogs is of any bull breed mix visible to the eye. This sort of reporting both highlights the issues that are becoming more prevalent, but also incites negative reactions to dogs being out in public spaces - especially larger breed dogs. Dog are increasingly being restricted from more and more places other than their own homes, which in turn reduces the opportunities to socialise them to multiple scenarios and experiences. Is it any wonder that we are seeing less sociable behaviours? Legislators are all too happy to enact laws without considering the long term effects of that legislation. Also, it's far easier to legislate a ban on anything they don't like than it is to legislate anything that requires policing/enforcing. The problems we are seeing here are a result of poor legislative application - especially in the policing/enforcing of said legislation. The article highlights the lacklustre responses from police and local council officers when called to deal with an incident - time matters here, and neither enforcement agency mentioned seems willing or able to allocate resources in a timely manner when an incident occurs. What we have here is not simply a "dog problem", it's a policing resources problem. I fully agree that there is no room for antisocial dogs in public spaces, but we also need to consider the statistics here. Consider how many pet owners have larger breed dogs in relation to the number of negative interactions with larger dogs in public spaces. What is less likely to be reported (or factored into dog attack data) is the number of negative interactions with smaller breeds of dog, simply because the damage incurred is less than that of a larger dog. The data is therefore skewed to one particular premise - that is that larger breed dogs are all inherently dangerous - and can lead to knee-jerk reactionary legislation based on that skewed data. T.

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/horror-as-killer-dogs-cause-havoc-in-booming-inner-sydney-suburbs/news- story/07a9f3bf6f42a18bf361b6bae36fd502

I rented when I owned 5 Rottweilers... never lost a cent of my bond at any place I rented, and always got glowing reports from each agent as to how well I kept the places I lived in. I always left a place in better condition than when I'd moved into it. T.

When I was a renter in my previous life, I had a dog and two cats - there was no damage whatsoever ...except cat scratches on my furniture , I got a lovely reference from one landlady ....

As a long term pet owner, most of the damage is to my furniture (from dogs getting up and down) and personal possessions that get stolen and chewed on. The tiled floors are not damaged in any way, the pet mesh on the screen doors is still looking the same, do skirting boards or doors have been chewed on. Even on the patio the damage is to the outer dog beds and not the structure. Mine have not been diggers either so the garden and yard still looks the same. And in all the decades I've had dogs I've never had a flea infestation. I'm sure some property owners go straight to worst case scenario, but if your tenant has shown they are capable of looking after themselves and your property, they will look after a pet to the same standards.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-17/tribunal-sides-with-tenant-new-nsw-laws-pets-in-rentals/105604368

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-17/keeping-dogs-safe-on-south-australia-beaches-algal-bloom-sa/105646382

A puppy stolen in Penrith and discovered trying to cross a six lane highway in Liverpool was identified by her microchip and owner notified to come pick her up

why take staffy x puppies - and so young? They are not worth heaps of money ...and need a lot of looking after

https://www.9news.com.au/national/calamvale-brisbane-police-hunt-thieves-after-early-morning-puppy-heist/d31693bf-4e17-4003-bb40-e5ddb8d11be0

Very strange- dear little things .I do hope the owner is OK .

Wow! One lucky dog

In the days before widespread microchips, the Petsearch newsletter had many stories of dogs being "on the lam" for many days and travelled considerable distances. The Anatolian Shepherd I found was from a few suburbs away and had crossed a six lane road.

Just saw a new post from Squishy Faced Rescue - they've remained in contact with council and are willing to assist but council said they have it under control, if the owner doesn't come forward they will desex and rehome them with their own rescue protocols. Apparently council is surprised by all the interest in these 2 and none for their other dogs. Sounds like owner still not found though.

That's good news - wonder what her next adventure will be ?