They’re all DEAD! Feathers are strewn everywhere blowing in the wind. That was my chicken coop one glorious morning. I’m sure that you have had experience that experience, too, at least once already. It is quite the shock coming out to check your animals, who, for all intents and purposes, were perfectly fine the night before, scattered around a war zone. It certainly makes for an unfun morning.
It still amazes me how these little wars can go on without drawing any attention. We cannot be at every place on the farm at every moment. Most attacks happen in the still of the night when everyone, including the menu item, is sound asleep. When at war you ALWAYS need reinforcements and specialized troops. Time to bring in the big guns, the Livestock Guardian Dog!
There are many breeds of dog that are bred specifically to watch livestock. In this field all dogs are NOT equal. Livestock guardian dogs have been used for thousands of years to protect livestock from bear, wolf, and even large cat predators. While a pit bull, Argentinian dogo, and even a golden retriever may hunt and kill, livestock guardian dogs they do not make. What makes these guys come up short is their need to be with people. They were not bred to work independently of people, but side by side with us. Because of this you can’t leave your golden retriever outside all night and expect them to be happy.
A livestock guardian dog, or LGD, have specific qualities that make them successful in their field. Because of this not every mastiff or Great Pyranees is going to make it as a good LGD, so there are certain personality characteristics you should look for in a potential LGD puppy.
Independent
Like I said earlier, a good LGD is not going to need a person around to please. They do not need or seek human interaction or affection, but will bond and protect the smallest, most helpless animal.
Confident
Just like people, each dog has their own personalities. Your looking for a dog that isn’t fearful as a puppy, more inquisitive and not easily intimidated because when the dog matures it’s job will be to take on threats not run from them.
Bark
LGD’s need to alert to danger and will do so with their bark. Because of this trait they can be considered a nuisance, but it is absolutely necessary. For starters a bark itself may ward off an intruder, but it will also warn you something isn’t right.
Low Prey Drive
Most other breeds of dogs, especially herding dogs, have a large prey drive, also known as a play drive. Catching a ball and catching a rabbit are the same thing in the dog’s eyes. LGD’s do not have a very high prey drive. Your akbash will probably prefer watching you retrieve to going and getting it himself. This is the reason that they can be trusted with your animals. They won’t chase down your chickens, or accidentally kill an escaped piglet.
High Protective Drive
Unlike the play drive this is the ruling factor of the LGD’s brain. If there is trouble, LGD’s rise to the occasion. It’s instinctual. Every non-dog animal on your farm is theirs to protect. You, your children, your chickens, your cows everything.
Does it sounds like you may need a LGD, too? Well nothing is 100% perfect. There are some downsides to LGD’s that may prevent them from fitting in with your lifestyle. Because of that you really need to research what breed will fit in the best. They are very protective so, they can be aggressive towards other dogs. Remember, a dog doesn’t know it’s a dog, it only knows the other dogs may be a threat. Because of their protective nature they can also be suspicious of strangers and this can lead to bites if not handled correctly.
Whether you have roaming bears, prowling cats, or baying coyotes a livestock guardian dogs would help keep your critters safe and make an amazing addition to any farm. There is a breed out there right for you. But, Just like any other dog, they do need constant and consistent training but the time is well worth it for a great guardian.
It’s always best to research so start your search for a LGD breed on the LGD website. There are many breeds of LGDs and a list of breeders. Remember, any GOOD breeder will be able to help you chose the right dog for the job.