Livestock Guardian Dogs?

[GallopingGuitarist]

That's interesting. Our dogs have always been raised with the kids and the animals. They go out and protect the herd at night, then they will be in the yard for a sleep in the day. When we had two at a time, one would go out with the cows and horses at night, and the other would go out in the day.
We have quite a few wolves and a couple cougars up where my parents are. My brother was out along the fence line, he found a bunch of wolf tracks, and then he found Ruthy's trail (quite well worn) from the yard out to the horses (they are the farthest from the house). I prefer a dog that is good with people and the animals. But, that is just my preference. I am all for being best friends with all the animals that we own. Except the cow that tries to kill anybody that milks her. She is the exception to my rule.
Here is a site that my sister found when she first got her sheep last fall, and was looking into guarding animals.
Livestock Guardian Dogs at Work ? Another Side of The Great Pyrenees
It's incredible what these dogs can do. They aren't just the lovable pets that a lot of people see them as.
I just ask you to read the first page. Before I read it, I didn't know that the GP were that protective. And, they are around people a lot.
Our dogs are supposed to protect the farm and family. They have done that faithfully. And we have yet to lose an animal to predators (maybe the occasional chicken, because we had them free range out in the pasture, just getting locked up at night).
We have lost cows, horses, and sheep, due to our own ignorance, sickness, and other people's stupidity (I had a horse get shot by hunters), but so far never to a coyote, wolf, bear, or cougar.

[LisaG]

I know a few people that have GP to protect sheep, and they're great guard dogs. They will chase down coyotes for miles.

I was having lunch at one farm, and the GPs were chilling out and getting pets. They seemed like big dopey teddy bears. Then the GPs started getting into the garbage, and we were warned not to go near them, as they might bite.

So I don't know if I would take one camping. That seems like a potential disaster. And you'll also want to think about how you'll deal with one if it becomes aggressive towards people.

I guess the other thing I would add that I know a couple that have had GPs as pets on the farm. They seemed like great dogs, but both were run over. I think they get bored and start chasing cars (same thing can happen with collies, kelpies, etc... if they get bored).

[Nightside]

He is not the norm anymore but my German shepherd does an excellent job with the stock. He doesn't round anything up or chase. He quietly follows them and watches while they graze. The second I step outside, he's on my heel and following me in case I need him for anything. When I go inside, he goes back to sleeping with the horses. Only one of my mares ever tries to nip at them so he gives her the space she needs and all is well. His recall is excellent and he will spin right around and come back, even in mid squirrel chase. He's also never left the gate.


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[tiffanyodonnell]

I have a donkey to protect my herd, and she does a great job. We have rattlesnakes, coyotes and neighbors dogs who run in a little pack. Dusty will holler if any critters come near her pasture. She stomps snakes. I even have no vermin in the barn, even tho my neighbor has skunks, raccoons and rats in his just 200 feet away from mine.

Plus, she won't wander and she will live a long time so I don't have to replace her for years to come. She tolerates my dogs and loves children. Her only fault is eating wood and getting too fat as she is an air fern!
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