All About Livestock Guardian Dogs: What We Did Right and Wrong

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are essential for anyone in the sheep farming business. In this post, I’ll share my personal journey with LGDs, the lessons I've learned, and the mistakes I've made along the way. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing flock management, there’s plenty of valuable insight here.

Before we get started

As sheep farmers, we want to ensure that our operations are profitable—after all, we’re not just doing this as a hobby. We want to feed our families and bring them back to the farm. This is why I created a centralized resource at feedthesheeppodcast.com, where you can find all the information you need.

Our Journey with Livestock Guardian Dogs

Currently, we have three LGDs on our farm. Initially, I was unsure how many dogs we actually needed. After consulting with other farmers, it became clear that having two dogs is often sufficient to work in tandem. For training purposes, adding another dog can be beneficial, especially if you’re bringing in new puppies.

One of the most important things to note is the maturity of LGDs. They don’t fully mature with your flock until they reach around two years of age. Up until that point, they are still learning and may exhibit problematic behaviors. This is a crucial period for establishing their bond with the sheep.

Choosing the Right Dogs

When we first acquired our dogs, we made sure to get them from a reputable breeder who raised them with sheep. This is vital; dogs raised around sheep are more likely to bond with them. We paid extra to ensure that our puppies spent additional time with their mothers and other dogs before bringing them home.

We spaced out the ages of our dogs by about a year and a half to two years. This approach has proven to be effective, as it allows the older dog to guide the younger one. The first dog we brought home was about four months old. We initially kept her in a smaller lot to monitor her behavior closely, which was essential for her adjustment.

Training Techniques

Training LGDs is a nuanced process. When we first noticed our dog engaging in negative behaviors, such as biting sheep's ears, we acted quickly. We would raise our voices to correct her but also made sure to praise her when she behaved well. This balance of correction and praise is vital for reinforcing good behavior.

Adding More Dogs to the Mix

After a year and a half, we decided to bring in a second dog from the same breeder. This decision was rooted in the belief that similar genetics would lead to better compatibility with our existing dog. The second dog was able to learn from the first, making the transition smoother.

Recently, we added a third dog, a Great Pyrenees, who was also raised on a sheep farm. This dog has been a bit more social, often seeking affection from us, which is a change from our other dogs. While she is friendly, I sometimes wonder if having three dogs is overkill for our current flock size.

Challenges with New Puppies

One challenge we faced was ensuring that our new puppy didn’t wander too far from the sheep. We employed electric netting to contain her while she adjusted. This method allowed her to bond with the sheep while also keeping her safe.

What We Did Right

Choosing a good breeder was a crucial decision that set us up for success. All our dogs came from a sheep operation, ensuring they were familiar with their role from day one. We also made sure they received their puppy shots, which is essential for their health.

Exploring Diverse Breeds

As we look to the future, I plan to explore more diverse breeds for our LGDs. While I appreciate the mix of Anatolian and Great Pyrenees that we currently have, I’m considering adding a Maremma. These dogs tend to be more "sticky," meaning they stay close to the sheep, which is ideal for our setup.

What We Did Wrong

Looking back, there were several things we could have improved. One major oversight was not handling our first two dogs more when they were younger. They became accustomed to not being touched, which can make managing them difficult.

Bill from Texas A&M AgriLife offers great advice on handling LGDs, including getting them used to being in a vehicle and allowing us to catch them easily. This aspect of training is something I wish we had prioritized earlier.

Health Considerations

Another area where we fell short was in keeping up with regular vaccinations and heartworm medication. Initially, we provided the first set of puppy shots but neglected to continue regular maintenance. Moving forward, I plan to ensure that our dogs receive comprehensive healthcare as any employer would for their employees.

Costs and Considerations

One question I often hear is about the cost of dog food. Over the past year, we spent just under $1,000 on dog food for our two LGDs, not including the puppy. I’ve learned that high-protein, soy-free dog food is essential for their health and performance, especially during the colder months when they require more energy.

Feeding and Placement

It’s also important to place the dog food in a location where it’s safe from raccoons and other wildlife. Last year, I noticed that the food was disappearing faster than usual, likely due to nighttime bandits. This year, I’ve made adjustments to better protect their food supply.

Final Thoughts

Owning and managing LGDs is a journey filled with learning experiences. As I reflect on our practices, I realize that while we’ve made mistakes, we’ve also had many successes. My hope is that by sharing these insights, others can avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered.

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of LGDs, I highly recommend checking out resources like the American Sheep Industry podcast and the Texas A&M AgriLife YouTube channel. These platforms provide invaluable information that can aid in your livestock operation.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope this post provides you with the information you need to make informed decisions for your own livestock guardian dogs.

Referral & Affiliate Links Mentioned in Episode

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