How to Find A Dog or Animal to Protect Your Sheep or Livestock
Understand the role of a livestock guardian dog., Use dogs as your sheep or livestock protectors in remote fields as well as in fenced or contained areas., Decide on a livestock guardian dog breed., Go to a reputable breeder or breed rescue group...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand the role of a livestock guardian dog.
Although many herding dogs will attempt to protect the herd from predators, their primary job is to keep the herd together and move it.
Livestock protection dogs have been bred not to chase and intimidate a herd, but rather live quietly among it.
A livestock protection dog must view the livestock as family, as the dog's relationship with the herd fuels its desire to protect it.
It is much like house dog's drive to protect its family and home.
A good livestock guardian dog must have an advanced ability to make the right decisions on its own.
That includes using aggression only when necessary, and only to protect the lives of its family. -
Step 2: Use dogs as your sheep or livestock protectors in remote fields as well as in fenced or contained areas.
They are a good choice when bears and mountain lions are a potential herd predator. , Although some people feel that a wide range of dog breeds can be raised to protect livestock, the most commonly used breeds include:
Akbash Maremma Great Pyrenees Anatolian Shepherds , Local veterinarian offices, animal shelters, dog rescue groups and animal associations may be able to provide you with contact information for locating your chosen breed of livestock guard dog.
Get your livestock guardian dog as a puppy and let it grow up with the herd that you want it to protect.
If getting your puppy from a breeder, be sure to check into its bloodlines and look for herd-work lineage.
Alternatively, if getting an older dog, make sure you get one that was properly raised and trained for livestock protection. , -
Step 3: Decide on a livestock guardian dog breed.
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Step 4: Go to a reputable breeder or breed rescue group after you have chosen the breed you are looking for.
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Step 5: Follow breeders' and trainers' instructions for training your herd guardian dog and integrating it into the herd.
Detailed Guide
Although many herding dogs will attempt to protect the herd from predators, their primary job is to keep the herd together and move it.
Livestock protection dogs have been bred not to chase and intimidate a herd, but rather live quietly among it.
A livestock protection dog must view the livestock as family, as the dog's relationship with the herd fuels its desire to protect it.
It is much like house dog's drive to protect its family and home.
A good livestock guardian dog must have an advanced ability to make the right decisions on its own.
That includes using aggression only when necessary, and only to protect the lives of its family.
They are a good choice when bears and mountain lions are a potential herd predator. , Although some people feel that a wide range of dog breeds can be raised to protect livestock, the most commonly used breeds include:
Akbash Maremma Great Pyrenees Anatolian Shepherds , Local veterinarian offices, animal shelters, dog rescue groups and animal associations may be able to provide you with contact information for locating your chosen breed of livestock guard dog.
Get your livestock guardian dog as a puppy and let it grow up with the herd that you want it to protect.
If getting your puppy from a breeder, be sure to check into its bloodlines and look for herd-work lineage.
Alternatively, if getting an older dog, make sure you get one that was properly raised and trained for livestock protection. ,
About the Author
Dorothy Taylor
Specializes in breaking down complex organization topics into simple steps.
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