Honey, a one-year-old Golden Retriever, is being trained to protect chickens at her home. She currently enjoys chasing them, so her owner is helping her get used to baby chicks first.
A video shows Honey on her third day meeting the chicks. The chicks are not afraid of her, and Honey is curious and gentle. Watching them together is very cute.
On the first day, Honey’s owner explained the plan. “Honey hasn’t been good with our chickens when we’re not looking. We’re training her to be a better guardian by spending time with baby chicks each day.” They hope she will become a bird-loving guardian dog.
Now on day nine, progress seems positive.
People have different views about training Golden Retrievers as livestock guardians. One person said, “Goldens are very gentle and sweet.” Another agreed but cautioned, “With chickens, they can’t be trusted!”
Golden Retrievers are not typically suited for guarding livestock. They are bred for retrieving, which means they might chase livestock instead of protecting them. However, they are great for companionship and play.
This story first appeared on PawNation on February 19, 2026.
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Vocabulary List:
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AccentSpeed
Guardian/ˈɡɑːr.di.ən/noun
A person or animal that protects or watches over someone or something.
Training/ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ/noun
The process of teaching or learning a skill or behavior.
Progress/ˈprɑː.ɡres/noun
Forward or onward movement toward a destination or goal.
Curious/ˈkjʊr.i.əs/adjective
Eager to know or learn something.
Companionship/kəmˈpæn.jən.ʃɪp/noun
The enjoyment of being with someone especially in a close relationship.
Unsuitable/ʌnˈsuː.tə.bəl/adjective
Not appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose.
