Livestock Guardian Dogs

One of the earliest problems faced by a sheep or a goat owner is protecting their stock from predators. One solution to this problem was the use of dogs to guard the animals. Over time we developed breeds that excelled at livestock guarding work. Recognized breeds such as the Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Kuvasz and Anatolian Shepherd Dog are still used on farms today.

Livestock guardian dogs (LGD) are large dogs weighing from eighty to almost 200 pounds. They grow two to three feet tall. A LGD is not for someone who wants a Sheltie sized dog. These dogs have a big appetite and a need for lots of room (inside and outside).

The breeds are well-suited for life outdoors and tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Very rainy climates will bother these dogs more than cold and snow. They require adequate shelter to protect them from extreme heat, cold and other adverse weather conditions.

If you decide to utilize a long-haired LGD, grooming will likely be necessary for the dog's health. Shorthaired breeds require less grooming. All dogs have the desire to bark. Livestock guardian dogs are no different. This can cause a problem with close neighbors.

A LGD must bond with the livestock it is protecting to be effective. The dogs must work alone or in small numbers and react to situations without human input. These dogs are quite independent. A good LGD considers the livestock part of its pack.

A puppy is usually introduced to the stock at eight to twelve weeks of age. The puppy learns to accept the stock as its family. Over time the dog learns what is its territory and who belongs there. Any predator or foreign person to the family group will initiate a reaction from the LGD. Socialization to the likely people and stock it will encounter is important during the initial training. However, too much human contact can hurt the dog-stock bond.

Introduce some simple obedience commands early. Once the dog reaches maturity handling is often difficult without some training. Teach the dog to allow a collar and leash to be put on. This makes it easier to move a dog into a truck or between pastures. "Come," "sit" and "no" are a few other commands commonly taught.

An LGD is one solution to predators. Donkeys and llamas have also been used to protect a herd. Some farmers have used with success mixing different species, for example, cattle and sheep, to reduce losses. Each situation is different and the farmer must decide if they want to commit to using a dog that, once trained, will prefer to live outside with the stock for many years.

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