My Farm Dog Only Hates White Chickens (UPDATE)

[@nicked_fenyx]

As a dog trainer myself, the hard work you have put in with Abby clearly shows, and you deserve *so* much credit for that. My only word of caution would be to slow down a bit more. I know, I know, it's tempting to push for just that tiny bit more progress. But as you noticed, Abby is still showing a bit too much interest in the chickens. Her body language shows she's still tempted to give chase - mostly when they're running nearby. All it takes is her giving into that urge one time to not only potentially do a lot of harm to the chickens, but also set Abby's training back a *ton* - and perhaps completely ruin any future prospects for her as a poultry guardian dog. Don't get me wrong, Abby's come a long way, but it made me nervous when - even after noticing Abby showing a bit too much interest in the birds - you decided to push her even further by introducing food and the additional chaos it brings to the scenario. Here's what I'd suggest: continue the desensitization training, but stay nearby and in sight for now. Abby is not ready to be left alone with the chickens just yet. She needs to get to a point where she is completely bored around them while you are still there. Spend time with her and the chickens penned together while you're doing other stuff nearby (ie, not interacting with Abby yourself). Once you've gone a good month or so with Abby not showing any levels of unhealthy interest (ie, no taking a few quick steps towards running chickens before stopping herself, no unusual amounts of lip licking when they're nearby, no hyperfocused staring or tense body language... just the same level of general interest, or even boredom, she shows in anything else), then you can move on to the next step. As for what that step should be, again, once you're certain Abby has grown bored of being around chickens and hasn't shown any heightened interest in at least a month, you could try something similar to the first step you did today (leaving her alone with the chickens with no additional food/stimulus involved). But keep an eye on her. Either hide where she can't see you, or if you have a live video feed that won't have delay on it, use that. Keep her collar on vibration mode, and watch. This way you can still use the e-collar's vibration if she does give into the temptation to chase, which will reinforce in her mind the need to refrain from doing so even when you're not around. Do this once a day, every day, until she learns that going in that pen with the chickens is time to settle down, since she'll be in there for awhile (you could do this during your lunch break if you don't have time during other parts of the day to sit and watch). Once it's clear Abby has learned to settle with the chickens, you can add the food. And once she's mastered that, try putting her out in a more open area with the chickens where they're more likely to run (which is the biggest trigger for her). Again, make sure you're able to watch while this is happening. Once she's routinely ignoring chickens even if they run right by her while out in the open, you can relax and lighten up on the supervision. Again, you've come a long, long way with Abby. But as someone who has specifically worked with both high prey drive and high play drive dogs and trained them to consistently choose *not* to give chase in scenarios where the consequences of a slip up could be quite dire, I can see that for all her progress, Abby isn't quite there yet. I give you *so* much credit for working with her as much as you have and not just giving up on her being okay around the chickens. Just remember the old saying when it comes to dog training: slow is fast. The slower you go and the smaller steps you take, the faster Abby will progress in the end. The more you try to push her limits, the more she's going to slip up, and the longer it will take to get to where you want her to be in the end. That said, congratulations on the progress! Your hard work is clearly paying off, and that has to feel good. Love to see it.

[@threegoodeyes7400]

That was nice of you to take the time to write such a detailed comment and offer your dog training advice in a very kind way. Helpful tips and lots of praise. I hope he sees your nice comment.

[@jennifergriffiths42]

I 100% support this message. I've been working in the veterinary field for 16 years and have heard lots of crappy training advice clients have been given. This is very well put and thought out for the particular situation! 💖

[@Chantal_4107]

Great advice, thoughtfully written out for him! Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@somethingcats]

And this. Is exactly why when I eventually get a dog I'm gonna hire a great trainer. The knowledge trainers have gotten over the years and the fact I want my dog to do many many things (I have a huge list since I am a housesitter and have dealt with many poorly trained dogs) Now I'm not bashing on Morgan he's has done very well with all his animals. He, just like all of us, has things to learn!

[@Eaglebrace]

I am no dog expert but yeah i had that feeling she needs more of that training cause you can see she has that urge in her. But ye she has come a long way!

[@CJ-BZ]

Abby overcoming her racism is, perhaps, one of the biggest arcs on Gold Shaw farm 😂

[@isthegirl1987]

😛

[@rainerainegoaway9426]

Lolololol🎉😂🎉😂🎉😂🎉😂🎉😂

[@Magical_Trash]

Im SCREAMING 😂😂😭😭

[@susanellanoble1184]

So sorry about your precious Molly. I know how you feel and appreciate you sharing with us 💔

[@ECole-le7we]

Abby has become a Livestock Guard Dog. That's why she was "standing guard" not sleeping. Love her so much. And proud of her progress. 💝

[@martineo9638]

I saw the Molly Mudermittens video and just wanted to say, speaking to the "fear" of how you will handle other passing animals....a missing animal assumed to be passed is very different to an animal you get to say goodbye to and mourn. A missing animal is hard to process because it keeps an open end.... It sucks so bad because you never know..... Dont let it stop you because as hard as it is to lose an animal, the years you have them are so much more valuable. The grief just means you loved them

[@lydias2012]

You and Abby tie. Think about all you have accomplished since starting this channel.😀

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@saraschneider6781]

@@GoldShawFarm agreed. Abby's success is all because of you.

[@michellejohnson5412]

Yay Abby. Looked like she was more concerned about where you were than the chickens. I think you were less stressed and she picked up on the confidence in you. Bravo 🎉

[@SilverwingStudios]

If the pond becomes stabalized and permanent you should get some native fathead minnows for it. They're sold everywhere cheaply as feeder fish for aquariums and bait fish for anglers. They mostly eat algae but also mosquito larvae and stuff, poop very little compared to other fish, and reproduce readily. Plus, being native they might help the native fauna. And they're like ten bucks for a hundred, depending on where you go.

[@patriciaposthumus6684]

All in all, it looks like Abby girl has passed her employee evaluation for this year. She has made a lot of progress over the summer. Good job, Miss Abby.

[@johmale1]

i love this channel so much , no religion , no politics , just some wholesome countrylife , i get my daily serotonin/endorfin fix from here.

[@-Teca-]

He is staunchly against anti-semitism so hes not a republican

[@MatchstickDaddy]

Wait he does get political tho 😅 which is fine with me honestly. But he does wanna change hound hunting laws, it’s not a huge political thing but it’s still political

[@ewenwilson6568]

Love the channel but he’s pretty clear on where he stands politically

[@johmale1]

pls explain if its "pretty clear "

[@ewenwilson6568]

@@johmale1 sure. He’s a democrat

[@prettybirdthepetgoosefrien8155]

She's supposed to not stare at them or wag her tail... ignoring them is the best behavior in a LGD. PRAISE when she ignores them, distract when she stares. This is what I learned during my research training my LGD (STILL IN TRAINING, WHO KNOWS I COULD BE WRONG)

[@RJ-go3sn]

"Release the Clucken!" LOVE! Rosie's little chicks are the cutest! Beautiful, happy critters all!

[@Aomestl]

I've wanted to share my thoughts about your sharing about Molly...I think it is great that you are able to deal with your difficult emotions by sharing your feelings....it's very healthy...and bring our followers more into your real life. Congrates to you and Aby on your progress together

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@anitraahrens905]

❤ Abby has come a very long way with the chickens. She's proving that she's trustworthy, capable of being left alone with them. ❤

[@lauradarnall227]

Sending prayers 🙏 for you and your wife on the loss of Molly murder mittens ❤

[@jessicamcwilliams3346]

Abby deserves all treats today! Give her lots of love and scratches from all of us

[@Tavpanda]

Abby’s growing up❤❤❤ I love the fact that your dog commands are in Spanish!

[@jweaver9089]

when my mom was a kid, she had a cat named sparky. one day, sparky escaped. like days later my mom and her family gave up on looking for sparky. MONTHS later [plural months many months] my mom was in the garage, and sparky was sitting outside on a mat. sparky was starved and hurt and dirty, but he was alive. never give up hope on molly, she'll come back..

[@Xakriuth]

Abby is so impressive! I feel like dogs really hit their stride at about 2 years. I grew up with pet chickens and was heavily traumatized when unleashed, unsupervised dogs would come into my yard and literally massacre my pets. I have a dog now, and enjoy training greatly. Our dogs are kinda the same age, so its been kinda fun, like I'm somewhat on a similar journey with you. ^_^

[@marthav2772]

I agree! Its a very nice break from the chaos going on all around us. Good girl Abby!!!😃

[@sarahHGM]

Abby has come so far. So proud of her and happy you were so patient with her. She has a great owner and that's why she's come so far!

[@Qub3rs]

The chaos of the geese feeding on cracked corn... had me flinching for some reason...

[@groundhog7092]

❤MMM❤ She was given love and a one in a million home and family. One lucky kitty I'd say😺

[@sswwooppee]

Most dogs don’t reach mental maturity until about 3 years old. It looks to me like she’s right on pace to be a good livestock guardian.

[@Lonesome__Dove]

Shes getting older and calming down good to see. Good work Morgan

[@StellaMhera]

My wife and I live out in Ohio around great farmland and beautiful leafy crossroads. I'm gonna buy a few of the goldshaw books to place at Maggie's (coffee shop for Special Needs fundraising and advocacy) and in our local "free book" barns that folks on their walks can bring with them. It'd be real neat to see farmers out here show solidarity for your work! Keep up the great work, take time to process your feelings, and know that your animals are living a slice of heaven with someone looking out and learning to be his best for his farm. It's not the seed that makes the corn, it's the care of the water-sun-and soil and you're always improving- growing. You're doing great! Excellent eye on the animal behavior!

[@shariselove]

I'm so happy that Abby is doing so good!🥰🥰🥰

[@Katie-mz9ic]

I have a 2 yr old German shepherd, and we have spent a year and a half really working hard on his training, and we are finally seeing everything pay off. He's still a happy, excitable guy, but he listens and can relax when I want to relax.

[@Justthisrode]

So nice to see this moment from the farm, how life just carries on

[@lindaward3156]

I was born with a deficit in the fear department - probably enhanced by growing up in farm country with 3 brothers, but I had/have a real fear, one of a very few, of white geese. Long story but I'm with Abby over white fowl distrust!

[@marions.3657]

Aww so glad to see abby improving It's like seeing a student who struggles final pass the class

[@finnthecat3429]

I have to admit, I was hoping that Rosie’s little white and grey baby was a rooster!! I was prepared to do just about anything to have that cutie 😂 But I’m glad she’ll be able to stick around with your other weird chickens!

[@hillbillyshadetreefarm5732]

Way to go Abby! ❤ I love seeing and hearing the chickens. It takes me back to being on my Grandma's farm watching her chickens graze in her yard and gather the eggs each morning. Very happy memories. 😊 Thanks Morgan for sharing your farm with us. 😊 ❤ - Rhonda

[@triciaeadie7426]

The progress on abby is wonderful and you can tell she is a herding dog 🐕 but such a good girl

[@shAnn0n1]

I purposely didn't read the comments, and I was terrified when Abby was alone with one of the white chickens, but she prevailed! Great video Morgan.

[@davequinlan2922]

Holy crap, ye did it!! All the patience and hard work paid off. So cool to see her being as chill as Toby Dog with the birds.

[@BaalFridge]

Abby finally grew out of her hunting dog phase!

[@knoahbody69]

Maybe the cattle knocked some sense into her.

[@BaalFridge]

​@@knoahbody69😂

[@saraschneider6781]

Nah. Didn't you see her lick her lips?

[@jlovedown]

I like to think if Molly was still alive you gave her all the love and care you can give to an outdoor cat and she is just exercising her independence and freedom and then eventually she'll find her way back to you. But if she did pass and just wanted to find a quiet secluded place to pass on then again I like to think she knows you gave her all the love and freedom that she could have wanted and then some. So don't feel bad Morgan. The memories are still there and she's alive in all our hearts.

[@benaiahandbaruch]

Well done, sweet Abbie! I love the way she showed some anxiety when her flock split. ❤ She definitely loved it when all her charges were puddled up. 🤭😍

[@shauxuhrwilsongrim]

Great job with Abby! It was definitely the right choise to keep her and keep training with her. Reminded me of a few comments back when she was not doing so great. Someone mentioning how they knew people who had just offed their farm dogs who killed chicken as puppies. This just shows what kind of people they are. I understand that not everyone has the time (or patience or motivation) to re-train unwanted behaviour, but even giving the dogs away to people who could train them would have shown that they have a heart.

[@SuperDolly64]

tiny bit anxious, lip licking and yawning, but she is amazingly improved xxx very impressive team xxx

[@judykinsman3258]

Love you music choices recently. Watch that “open mouth” Abby had when she was examining the chicks with you.

[@fifinoir]

I got so excited with how amazing Abby was with the chaos of those chickens. Well done both you and her.

[@jbbrown7907]

I listened to Tibey dig book for the third time. Driving to Ohio from Branson Missouri I was able to listen to the whole book without stopping. I love that book.

[@WebWingRecords]

It warms my heart to see Abby turning into such a good guardian dog. 🥰

[@flautalee3090]

Thank you Morgan for the Abby cam footage today. I like the music you chose.❤

[@debrafisher7373]

Abby is the bestest girl! On a related note: I'm 100% sure you probably already did this but I was laying awake last night wondering if you had checked to make sure that Molly didn't get trapped in one of the rooms in the old barn? We had crazy winds here right around the time she disappeared and I was thinking it's not unheard of for a door to get slammed that is usually left open. Just a thought from an insomniac lol

[@SharonRepici]

He went through the barn checking rooms on one of the earlier videos. He looks Nyerere in the room where Molly and Ginny were isolated when they came to the farm.

[@hayes3527]

I remember when a lot of people on the beginning after abby killed that chicken would say get rid of her she's untrainable. Look at her now! Progress! Good job to you and Abby 😁

[@Methalec1985]

I'm so impressed! Abby is so calm around chickens!! Perhaps she just needed to grow up a little?

[@BBDoesTheThing]

Look at that solar panel farm in the background! really cool!

[@vickiemeisinger9632]

It was a wonderful video and I enjoyed it entirely!!! I am very sorry about Molly barn cat❣️❣️ I am glad Abby is finally getting the recognition she’s so deserves. She’s an amazing and beautiful dog.

[@donnakearse2503]

YAY! Abby. She is a sweetie. Good job Morgan.

[@latvian_homestead]

I have cat. When he was young kitten I think 4 months or something - he disappeared one day. I and my neighbours everyone was looking for him. I did post on Facebook group but nothing until one day I reviewed phone call for daughter of one women and she says - I saw your post and my mom has taken inside and didn’t let cat go outside and it could be ours. She didn’t want to give back but still I just picked up. She basically took from our doorstep - he didn’t wonder at that age, always stayed in eyesight. Now he is 5 and happily back home - wonders around, goes missing for few days then come back and sleeps with us

[@aquaticma]

Lady Abby has definitely come a long way! ❤

[@MamaStyles]

I so needed this video today. Morgan your videos truly are therapy for me and it almost makes me cry how invested in your farm family I am. I am stuck in a city in a body that’s not working very well due to CRPS and this gets me out of the funk I have for not being able to be living off the land at the moment. As someone who’s ancestors and relatives farmed an hour or two north of you in Quebec…the beauty of Vermont is not lost on me. Plus I dig the weird chickens 🤣 So THANK YOU ☺️

[@betsytrujillo6350]

I am so happy that you are much better. The farms are our therapy. The animals are our therapists. 🤗

[@jamielandis4606]

I’m very proud of Abby dog! I knew she’d be fine.

[@craigk.235]

Abby did a good job, I'm impressed! She does good with a lot of the animals. There is always room for improvement.

[@Dylan_Leafstorm]

Hope your feeling better Morgan! Have a nice weekend

[@christinegopalan7355]

Very impressed with Abby dog. She has come a long way!!

[@mattshaffer5935]

You have the patience of Job. Very admirable.

[@PredictableEnigma]

You've made such great progress with Abby! Though her rushing the birds really scared me and made me think she's not quite ready to be unsupervised. Keep up the great work!

[@oreoorva]

Toby's face as u pet him is so cute 🥰🥰🥰 I love Rosie's babies.

[@Angela-xz6mn]

Aww! I'm so proud of Abby! She may have taken longer, but she is doing great work!

[@jlrbhj]

I have found your dog training journey really interesting and helpful. And I was cheering for Abby to do well with the chickens!

[@katherinegood7509]

LOL..Abby's face is like "You left me in here with the chickens? I'm boared and want to run around." Good job Abby!

[@jahnastokes4236]

Such good progress with Abby good job girl!!! I've bought your book on audible but I'm saving it to listen to it on a long road trip this Christmas with my kids but I'm so looking forward to listening to it.

[@karolschulz48]

Hey good Molly update, you looked very comfortable and ok with it. Don't worry about your feelings and showing them that is part of what makes you, you. Btw you shuck or husk corn or at least we do that in the Midwest. I can't remember what you said but it was funny. I enjoy your farmer growing spurts. Oh, got a compliment. You are one of the most well read farmers I have ever seen outside of Oliver Wendell Douglas. Take care.

[@patriciafranklin803]

Little intro on myself: I'm so happy to find your channel! Actually, I asked for Scottish Farms but youtube knew better and gave me your channel. Although I'm in CA, I love all things UK so I watched an older series on prime called This Farming Life. Usually five families each season with videos a lot like yours. One of the farms had Highland cattle so I immediately loved yours! Theirs had very curly hair so different variety? or the different locations? no matter, they are awesome cattle! The first calf I saw looked so much like a bear cub that it took me awhile to realize it was a Highland calf and not a bear with a weird shaped head! So cute! I will be moving soon to NC and am really looking forward to my new life there ... and with SEASONS! Here, it is summer and less summer with a day of not quite winter tossed in from time to time. I know nothing about raising geese or chickens or ducks; but would like to have some chickens like your weird chickens. Know a teensy bit about pigs and cattle that I learned by watching the Scottish farmers. And a LOT about cats. I have five that I love so dearly that I could never part with them, not even for a few days while the move takes place. They will be with me the whole time. Four arrived separately over a six month period about the time I retired. Those four are related; siblings of the same mother or cousins. The fifth I brought in when her mama became homeless. Since my friend couldn't get located into housing that allowed cats, I have kept this precious cat. One comment, way after the fact, about why Pablo and Molly fought so hard when they first met is because they were both Alphas. Your thinking that it was for position is probably correct. Might be why Pablo lies on the porch while Molly roams the fields, too. Please remember I am really early in your life so whatever changes might have happened that I don't know about yet shouldn't be taken into account. Please know I am sorry if I bring up bad memories. Before the five came into my life, I had to put down my beautiful black cat, Cammie. She was 17 years old. Took me awhile to have more cats after that and if it weren't for my granddaughter who was living with me at the time, I wouldn't have these in my life now. Three of them are supposed to be hers but ... things change all the time so they became mine and I'm so happy! Just a quick trivia comment: All tabby cats, including calicos and striped cats have a W on their forehead! I never noticed until I read it somewhere. I checked, and my two black and gray stripped sisters and my calico all have that W. I'm going through your playlists one by one. Thank you for putting these together!

[@urkiddingme6254]

The "Carmen" track on the cracked corn gobble-fest was perfect.

[@kearagolden120]

I’ve never been this early to a new video! Ordered a copy of the Toby Dog book this morning 😊 always happy to support

[@user-ri1xo9qx8g]

Abby mouthing at those baby birbs has me stressed out, but it seems like she's doing much better (other than that habit)

[@tigrefuego3916]

😊so proud of Abby!

[@plankface]

Flashlight is so proud…well done 🤍🤍🤍

[@Speedleking]

Well done Abby. I haven't finished the video but you can see the improvements instantly.

[@lararabb8888]

Looking forward to the chickens being added together. I like seeing the different breeds. If you don't have genetic flaws in the flock of silky chickens you don't really have to get a new rooster. BUT getting a new fellow with some striking color could make for pretty birds.

[@Dan-zs4kv]

You've also grown so much , love you man.

[@Pinion512]

So much Abby progress, it's pretty exciting to see. You mentioned the dual purpose chickens, it got me to thinking about the dual purpose birds I used to have; Black Java. They're evidently pretty rare, but they were pretty easy keepers. The roosters were pretty substantial birds and did well to protect the ladies.

[@shkvorrel9660]

I'm 4 mins into this video and can say it has more suspense than most of what comes out of Hollywood, Netflix and the likes.

[@AangAirB]

So proud of the ABBY MOMENT OF ZEN. Proud of you too Morgan, most improved farmer award LOL, I really liked the music choice this video. Power to Molly

[@jw4879]

Rosie's chicks are simply adorable overload!

[@barbarar3338]

Old way to “break” broodiness: as high temp is involved in hens going broody, submerge the hen’s body in a bucket of cold water, lifting her wings to get cold water under them. Hold her in the water several minutes. Repeat if she goes back to the nest. You will learn where the old saying “madder than a wet hen” came from.😊 Good luck!

[@yorilamaz]

Hey Morgan! It’s been a while. Great vid. A random thought came to me wondering how many bugs you’ve accidentally ingested from riding your e-bike this summer 😂

[@GoldShawFarm]

Easily triple digits! Extra protein!

[@devmeistersuperprecision4155]

What bugs? Chickens love bugs. Hang a protein feeder and find out. A protein feeder is a shop light hanging close to the floor. It attracts bugs. Chickens love it.

[@brtruiz]

As you correctly said, there is still room for improvment. If a little chicken slips out of your hands I'm almost sure Abby will chase. Specially since most of her food already comes out of your hands.

[@saraschneider6781]

So glad Mr. Frizzle is being adopted rather than roasted.

[@RoseNZieg]

I look forth to seeing the new stud for your weird chicken.

[@ede-jomadden8182]

Excellent results, Abby and Morgan!! Good dogs uh, good work!!

[@dndfszk22]

Thank you for the morning cereal offer. I ordered my first pack of cereals, the honey taste.

[@pnhnut]

Morgan, have you thought about the next round of pigs to try to improve your pond with their help by fencing them in that area with clay? Farmers around here do it and it works pretty good they say...

[@lauriemartin7358]

It is great to see Abby's improvement and a blossoming friendship with Pablo. I hope the barncats stick close to the dogs. Do you think Belinda with challenge Audrie 1 for boss cow status?

[@wildbrookies]

This is way awesome. I’m still not over how cool it is. I need to see more.

[@bjarnemcdonald6333]

About Molly: All your animals have one bad day at the farm. If you have locked her inside, them maybe she would be around, but her job is to catch rodents, and she did her job well and she needed to be out to do the job. Your animals have a "job" or a reason to be at the farm. I think it's wonderfull that you respect their jobs and their contributions to your farm. Lots of love!

[@jennifergriffiths42]

I think your girl has absolutely improved, I also think the REAL real test will be once the chickens have more room to run farther. The running can trigger that predatory reflex and the squeaky toy noise does seem to affect her a little. But absolutely lovely improvement overall!!! She is a good girl. 🥰❤🎉

[@jonathancraft549]

Bahahaha!!!! You had the Irish accent when you started talking to the cows.

[@krispy777]

17:18 The geese went “holy shite, JACKPOT!”

[@miaf8393]

Yeah!! Wow what a good work you did with her - and what a good dog she is. Congrat!

[@patriciafrancis9134]

Amazon delivered my copy of the book about 2 hours ago. I can't wait until tomorrow so I can read it.

[@FeedMeSalt]

If we can teach barn cats, we can teach dogs. Good work Morgan

[@lilolmecj]

We adopted a puppy from rescue, her genetics were misrepresented. It is ok, we love her. She was supposed to be half Belgian Malinois remainder unknown. She is in fact half Great Pyrenees. This dog has had the longest “puppyhood “ of any dog I have had in my entire life. At 62, that is a lot of dogs. She does have a lot of natural instinct for herding and protecting our chickens. We have about four that get out of their enclosure every day. It really aggravates her! And she did kill one, but it was purely over enthusiasm and just being rough. She still takes a run occasionally, but recalls pretty well. I think Toby was very unusual in how readily he took to training.

[@joyrainesjones3043]

Love Abby and just give her time to adjust to the chickens. Maybe do this once a week.