What to Know Before Getting Livestock Guardian Dogs

Adding livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) to your farm or homestead can be a game-changer for protecting your animals from predators. These dedicated security guards are not only loyal companions but also invaluable members of your farm. However, before bringing home a livestock guardian dog, there are several important factors to consider.

Understanding LGDs

LCG Breed Selection:

There are several breeds of livestock guardian dogs, each with its own unique characteristics. Popular LGD breeds include the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, Maremma, and Kangal. It is likely that one or two breeds are more popular in your area, usually based on climate and predator prevalence. You can find local LGD Facebook groups, rescue kennels, and non-profits to begin to understand what breed of LGDs are common and appropriate for your area.

Training:

Proper training is essential for livestock guardian dogs to fulfill their role effectively. While LGDs have strong instincts to protect livestock, they still require socialization and obedience training from an early age to learn boundaries and develop good behavior around both animals and humans. LGDs should be comfortable on a leash, riding in a car, being touched on their face and paws, and understand basic commands such as sit, come, and no.

Space and Fencing:

Livestock guardian dogs are not well-suited to urban or suburban environments. They thrive in rural settings with ample space to roam and patrol. That said, even in the largest paddock an LGD will find their way through a weak fence. Fencing should be at a minimum of 48 in tall (we like Red Brand) and it is highly recommended to use a hot wire about 10 in above the fence as well. Ensure that you have adequate fencing to contain both your LGDs and the livestock they will be protecting.

Introduction to Livestock:

LGDs work best when integrated into a herd or flock from a young age. They form strong bonds with the animals they are tasked with protecting and will instinctively patrol the perimeter to ward off potential threats. Introducing an LGD to new livestock will take time and should be monitored closely. Not all LGDs have experience with all farm animals. For example, it may take additional training to teach an LGD that chickens are friends, not food.

Plan for Two:

Whether it’s coyotes, mountain lions, bears, or other predators, LGDs serve as a powerful deterrent against potential attacks. However, it’s important to recognize that LGDs may have to physically engage with a predator. There are stories of heroic LGDs fighting off predators on their own but it’s more common that a lone LGD does not survive a fight. Plan to have at least two LGDs working together on your property. Two LGDs are not only more likely to win a fight, they are less likely to be attacked in the first place. Plus, they’ll have buddy to tussle with rather than a goat. Check out our guide on feeding multiple LGDs.

Litter Mate and Female Dynamics:

Like wolves, LGDs are social animals with instinctive tendencies for establishing a hierarchy in the pack. This often plays out among litter mates (siblings) and female LGDs trying to establish their rank, typically through physical triumph. For this reason, it is recommended to (1) not adopt puppies from the same litter, (2) to stagger the ages of your LGDs and (3) avoid female-female pairs. Not all siblings and not all females will fight to establish dominance but it is much more likely to happen among these categories of LGDs.

Time and Commitment:

Livestock guardian dogs require a significant investment of time and commitment. Yes, they are working animals that are very independent but they still need daily care, attention, and interaction. Regular grooming, health checks, and socialization are essential for their physical and mental well-being.

By considering these factors before getting livestock guardian dogs, you can make informed decisions and set the foundation for a successful partnership between your LGDs and you. With proper care, training, and management, these devoted guardians can play a vital role in safeguarding your animals and property for years to come.