Dogs with Fawns...

[CameronCrow]

What is your opinion of having dogs live with fawns. I have a 2 year old chesepeake bay retriever and one of the hands has an 8 month old blue healer... both are females.

Many opinions would help.

Thanks,
Cameron Crow

[PaintedMeadowsBJs]

I train dogs....
I depends on the dogs and deer!
Will the dogs chase things if they move or run?

[virgil]

If you get deer used to dogs works great. I use my dog to do my dirty work when it comes time to wipe buts plus he keeps pen clean. He is still a young dog but hoping he will protect deer in future from any harm or intruders. He is a Shepard Wolf cross very protective and good with my kids so far the same with my fawns.

[Mitch P]

A buddy of mine had a German Shepherd that took care of all the stimulating and she took care of the fawns like they were her babies. They would try and nurse from her and she would just keep licking and stepping away. I think I`ll us the baby wipes !!!

[CameronCrow]

I'm not sure if they will, i am wondering about the risk.

[PaintedMeadowsBJs]

That is what I am getting at the healer is a herding dog they chase animals...That is hard to train out of them, they need worked with ect.
They can be a great protector from bucks, but only if done correctly you could end up with dead and injured deer.
I just got a letter from a lady who bought a deer from me now... the buck is all messed up because of her own dog and she is trying to bargain me down for another deer...

[virgil]

I tried couple years ago with australian shepard didn't work so well she wanted to chase to much thats why i went with a more mellow breed this time.

[Wooden acres]

I raised a small buck fawn a few years ago in the kennel with my springer spanial and it worked great . All the time I had that buck he would come to the fence as a mature deer and lick my springer , they were like buddies . I think it really helped all the deer get used to dogs and in my opinion that has to be a good thing in the long run . Just a thought ..

[Antlershed]

all 3 of my little jack russels love the deer, especially the fawns that are pulled to feed. They are good buds. They have never shown any aggression, or any interest in chasing.

[IndependenceRanch]

When we got our Black Lab we timed it so he would come in the spring at fawning time. So he grew up with fawns and he has been great with them each year. He would lick their butts but we don't let him. (Too gross for us to think about) But he will lick the rest of them and the fawns like it. The adults will come up to the fence and lick him through the wire also. He sits tight up against the fence and takes it all in:)
Last night we brought the first 3 fawns in and sat on the couch and floor with them all evening. When Ruger (the Lab) would lick on them it made them seem more calm and relaxed. I think the right dog is a great asset when having a deer farm.

[Neeby]

My boston terrier loves hanging out with fawns!!

[Lisa]

I'm a little late on this one...but i figure i'll give my $.02 anyway!

Like Roger, I raised Charleigh (my overgrown Bloodhound with my fawns so she's used to them and doesn't chase them. But I do not want them to bond with her, I want them to bond with me. So...she goes in, helps with the "clean up" and then she's out of the pen. She will come to visit them once or twice a day during the summer, but does not stay in the entire time I feed.

I agree that the dogs presence (if CALM) will tend to settle the fawn down but they may lick 'too' much & a big dog may unintentionally knock them down with their tail. And I never leave her alone with my babies, because as much as she loves being a "mom", she is too big & clumsy.

Since it's been awhile...Cameron - have you put your dogs in with fawns or decided against it? How is it going if you have?

http://www.deerforums.com/vbforums/picture.php?albumid=47&pictureid=283

[CurtisLloyd]

Lisa ,looks like the fawn on the left will be in for a disapointment.

[Rustyblaster]

I kept my bottle raised fawns in the same kennel as my two dogs (minature daschund 7lbs and terrier mutt 25lbs). They have always gotten along good. I agree with earlier post of dogs having calming efect and desensitizing the spook reflex when a dog is spotted.