It is by now generally accepted that the dog is a wolf modified through 15,000 or more years of sometimes intensive breeding to live in human society. In Darwin’s terms, the dog is a product of artificial selection, or “selection under domestication,” while the wild wolf is subject to the […]
Guardian Dogs Relax Sheep- Study
Sheep tend to travel greater distances in the presence of a guardian dog, likely because they’re less concerned about predators, according to new research led by Idaho State University (ISU). Having well-trained guardian dogs (…) protecting sheep and cattle from predators, may have more beneficial effects on the livestock than […]
Dog Fighting – A Detailed Discussion (Hanna Gibson)
Introduction: What is Dogfighting? Dog Fighting is an insidious underground organized crime that deserves much legal and political scrutiny. The blood sport, once sanctioned by aristocracy, embraced by medieval gentry and later promoted by colonial and Victorian miscreants, is now completely outlawed in the United States. Notwithstanding the absolute prohibition […]
Guard Dog 101 by Janet Fahey
Large Guard Dog 101: Most of you are familiar with the Livestock Guardian Dog, whether you already own one, or know someone who does. The most common breeds now working on (…) farms are the Great Pyrenees, Maremma, Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd, as well a cross-breeds of those. There are many […]
Guard Dogs for Predator Control
INTRODUCTION Sheep producers losing lambs to predators or dogs find themselves seeking help to control or eliminate these losses. Several options are available to producers. Various kinds of electric and non-electric fences, traps to catch the predators, scare devices, cultural methods of penning sheep such as housing at night, using […]
Livestock Guarding Dogs (LGD) by Dan & Paula Lane
As the “new kid” on the block, your LGD will need to be introduced to everything about its new home. A proper introduction will help ensure that your dog will become the guardian you want and need rather than a “problem child” demanding too much of your time and effort […]
Livestock Guardian Dogs & Their Care in the Winter
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are dogs that are purpose-bred for living with the flocks they guard, to reduce predation. For hundreds of years, these rugged animals have lived outside with sheep, year round, withstanding harsh elements. They use the same shelter as the sheep and get extra feed in winter. […]
Livestock Guadians by Tamara Taylor
Too many livestock owners have experienced “predation” problems first hand. These people have discovered that a “predator” is not always a mountain lion or a hungry coyote. It can be a stray dog or even a family pet. When one of these predators strikes either in fun or with the […]