Barking Problems

Question
Hi, I have a rottweiler/lab mix. She is a good dog, but I own some chickens that are free to walk around my yard. I have had to keep her in a fenced in area, but would like to let her run around more. The only problem is that whenever a chicken gets by her area, she acts very aggresive torwards it, and lunges at it. I would like to let her out, but am scared she will harm the chickens. How can I make her stop this? Thanks!

Answer
It's unlikely that you can, without a LOT of training.  The skills your dog would need would be a rock solid "stay" and "recall" and you would need to proof these skills to the max.  Even then, it's not a guarantee that your dog will not become predatory with the chickens.  My sense is that you would be much better off to have the dog and the chickens out in the yard at alternate times as you have been doing.