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A smiling older woman scatters feed for brown hens as a fawn Boxer with his tongue out watches over her shoulder. 10 / 24

Ruth Scattered the Feed and Bruno Stuck Close to the Hens

AI imageboxerchickensevening chores

Golden grains fall from Ruth's fingers in a thin shower while a handful of speckled and brown hens crowd around her feet, bobbing and pecking. She crouches in a gray cardigan over a plaid shirt, silver hair gleaming in the lamplight, wearing a warm smile as she looks at the birds. Behind her, Bruno stands with his tongue out and his big ears alert, clearly very interested in the chickens but staying right by her side. A coat hangs on a hook, a lamp glows on a table, and the evening outside the open door is dark blue.

Boxers were bred as lively working dogs, and many have a strong urge to chase anything that moves. Chickens are a very common target, so it is wise to introduce a dog to poultry slowly, on a leash at first, and reward calm behavior. Never leave a dog and chickens alone together until you are sure of his manners, because even a friendly dog can accidentally hurt a bird. Teaching a reliable sit and stay makes chores like feeding a lot less stressful. Keep chicken feed out of reach of a hungry dog too, since eating a lot of it can upset his stomach.

Bruno has not made a single move toward the hens, and the whole flock seems to trust him. Ruth finishes scattering the feed, and the barnyard goes back to quiet clucking.

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