And, the skunks are common around our chicken coop. So far, our dogs have not barked at the skunks. A really good thing they haven't! My DH did meet a skunk in our barn about 2 months ago. He talked to skunky gently and walked away. The skunk was living in the barn but gave up his residence since then. Whew!
Our dogs keep the coyotes away though. Our chickens have been running loose for the past month and our dogs have kept those coyotes away still. Can't believe it.