Our

Livestock Guardian

Dogs

We have two LGD's here at Irish roots acres. They have been raised with livestock, including chickens and goats, since they were eight weeks old. They work as a team, with one watching, while the other rests and taking turns patroling their territory.

We made the decision to enter into the facinating and complicated world of LGD ownership after one of our ducks was killed at night while we were asleep. The next day I saw that Cleo and Caesar were for sale and it seemed like fate! The wonderful people who owned them had sold their goats and knew that Cleo and Caesar needed a goat family to protect! LGD's are not truly happy unless they have a 'herd' to protect!

It was amazing how seamlessly they fit into our farm. It was as though they had always been here. The chickens climb all over them and even perch on their back when the mood strikes. We have had no more loss of livestock to predeters since these two wonderful pups came to live at Irish Roots Acres. They truly are a part of our family and we love and value them as a very important part of our team here on the farm! They are currnetly five months old and we cant wait to see how they mature!!

Caesar

Caesar is our male LGD. He is one fourth Anatolian and three fourths Great Pyraneese. He is our watcher and he is always on alert, keeping an eye on his charges. He is so sweet in a shy way and a true lover once he gets to know you. He always reminds me of a big sweet teady bear. He can often be seen in a high spot on sentinel mode and takes his job very seriously.

Cleopatra

Cleo is our female LGD. She is full blooded Great Pyrneese. SHe is definitly our goof ball and loves to play, especially in her kiddie pool. She is very sweet and loving, but also takes her job very seriously. She prefers to patrole the area in intervils to make sure everyone is where they should be. She is a wonderful companion and partner for Caesar.

About LGD's

The term “livestock guardian dog” is sometimes misunderstood among farmers and ranchers.

Many people feel that their farm dogs of all breeds make excellent guardians for their livestock.

I have heard this said of herding dogs, companion dogs, and all-around farm dogs.

However, there are several breeds categorized as livestock guardian breeds due to their deep instincts and drive to protect and defend their stock no matter what.

These dogs

spend their days and nights watching, roaming, and patrolling.
deliberately mark the perimeter of their territory.
bark out warnings to potential intruders.
are large, strong, and powerful.
are willing to fight to the death if necessary to protect their charges.

Livestock guardian dogs are typically gentle and peaceful unless provoked by intruders. They systematically respond to potential threats and perceived danger, beginning with deterrents and attacking only as a last resort.

First, they seek to prevent the approach and entry of intruders with territorial marking.

Secondly, they will deter approaching intruders with deep barking.

Thirdly, they will repeatedly run toward an approaching predator to frighten it off.

Finally, if the predator enters the dogs’ territory and will not leave, the dogs will attack and fight as hard as necessary.

All the livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds descend from dogs that have been working alongside shepherds and goatherders in Europe or Asia for centuries. Each breed in the group can be traced back to a specific area of origin.

The dogs usually live calmly with their stock but will jump into action to keep their area safe and free of predators of all sizes, including bears, wolves and cougars.

LGD breeds instinctively act as defenders, but to work most effectively as a guardian, a puppy should be trained by another LGD, a human prepared for the task, or preferably both.

LGDs are uniquely wired and must be treated and handled differently than pet dogs. While they can be trained to respond to commands, they will override them if they feel a need to protect or defend.

They also operate differently than livestock herding dogs. Herding dogs are motivated to move animals and keep them in formation. The goal of an LGD is to keep its stock safe from harm.

An LGD thrives on clear expectations and consistency, with proper introductions to new situations, visitors, livestock, and equipment entering the dog’s domain. LGDs know what is normal and typical on the farm and will be suspicious of anything unusual or out of place.

Ongoing, consistent training, reinforcement of boundaries, and reminders of expectations are vital for the success of the LGD. A human owner or handler should act as “alpha” and expect appropriate responses from the dog. But at the same time it is important to respect the dog’s instincts, thinking process, and priority to defend above all else including obedience at times.

LGDs will bond to and protect people as well as livestock, so they can be used as personal and property guardians. In some setups they can concurrently guard people and stock. LGDs can multi-task and are capable of instantly switching from gentle companion to strong defender. They work around the clock, sleeping for short periods but all the while ready to take off and cross a field in a minute.