Hey Reader,

Only a few more weeks until these pups are ready for their new homes!

And honestly I'm not sure how we're going to get them easily to their next vet appt.

This week we took them for their 9 week appointment and Blue and Red are leading the pack at 17.6 and 17.4 pounds respectively. 😳

Thankfully they're very well behaved so the vet visits are a breeze.

so do you really need a LGD?

Here's some guidance.

1. Farm dog vs LGD

Sometimes a full fledged guardian dog is not required and an all-around farm dog is better suited.

If you don't have livestock or predators (tell me where that exists?) then you don't need a LGD.

While a LGD would still protect its humans and the property, it is more suited to guarding livestock. And there are other breeds that are better suited for guarding humans and your farm.

I also do not recommend LGD breeds as companion pets.

So do you have livestock or are you looking for a general farm or human protection dog?

2. Herding dog vs LGD

This should be obvious but LGDs are not meant to herd livestock. Encouraging behavior like that is also not advised as it could lead to injured or dead livestock.

There are amazing breeds specifically bred to herd livestock. If you ever get a chance to watch them work, I highly recommend taking that opportunity.

Be wary of mixes in LGDs as well. I've seen people sell Border Collie/Great Pyrenees mixes as livestock guardian dogs stating they'll do a great job keeping your flock safe....

In my opinion this does a great disservice to the dog, the flock, and the newbie owner.

So do you need a herding dog or a protection dog?

3. Predator load

If you have chickens, you know everything loves to eat chicken.

And unfortunately no enclosure is truly predator proof. Bears can tear through a coop easily and even raccoons can rip through wire like you wouldn't imagine.

Coyotes and stray dogs also love chickens, sheep, and goats.

Sometimes you can get away without a LGD if your livestock are stationed close to your house so that predators are deterred because of human presence. But this can be risky.

So do you have a heavy predator load or have you experienced livestock loss already?

4. Time Commitment

As I've mentioned previously, these dogs take 2 years (on average) to be reliable and trustworthy with livestock.

And it takes time and patience to spend daily observing and correcting them around livestock. Now it doesn't have to be an all day event, but they need consistent guidance and correction.

Are you ready to take on the responsibility of training a LGD (acknowledging the 2 years to maturity)?

5. Risk Tolerance

Within those 2 years of learning and maturing, a dog may injure or kill livestock. Most of the time it'll be due to playing with livestock and not understanding the consequences.

Are you willing to take on that risk?

6. Acreage

Needing a LGD doesn't come down to the amount of acreage you own, your need is based on your predator load.

A low predator load can mean just one dog is needed (although they work best as a team).

A high predator load could mean 3, 4, or more are required.

Now you won't want to put livestock and dogs in a small enclosure in your backyard, but you also don't automatically need 5 dogs if you have thousands of acres.

These dogs shouldn't be roaming thousands of acres because they should be with your livestock.

Match the LGD need to the predator load.

7. Livestock type

Some livestock will not tolerate a dog as they may see it as a predator. For example, horses and cattle could kick and kill a dog.

And this decision comes down to your understanding of your livestock and your need for a LGD.

Some dogs and cattle get along fine. It just depends.

Maremmas do protect cattle in some areas of the world.

Do your livestock need a LGD and will they tolerate a dog?

8. Right to farm

Dogs bark. That's a vital part of how a LGD works.

But also your neighbors like to sleep.

Consider how close your dogs and livestock will be to your neighbors and how accepting they will be of potential barking.

Also research your location and your Right to Farm status.

Many times dogs are considered livestock in agricultural areas and you can be protected from neighbors who may complain about your dog doing its job.

Or you can always offer to buy them a white noise maker if it becomes a problem.

Are working dogs protected where your livestock are located?

To summarize

1. Do you have livestock that require protection?
2. Is your predator load heavy or have you already lost livestock to predation?
3. Can you put in time and effort for potentially 2 years to guide a LGD? Can you handle an immature dog potentially injuring livestock?
4. Do you need a dog just for livestock protection purposes?
5. Will your large livestock accept a LGD as protector?
6. Are you located in an area that will allow for a barking working dog?

If you answered yes to all 5 questions, then you should consider getting a LGD.

Next week I'll share some more thoughts to consider before getting a LGD to help guide you through the process.

Ciao for now!

Jamie

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