Shazzapug Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 When I was first looking for a Pug to buy 10 yrs ago I rang every breeder in the Dogzonline breeders directory, all 80 odd back then.....now I would like some info on a Guard dog for Livestock and there are only 4 breeders listed. The breed section dont seem to get many posting so thought I would post here and see if any owners or breeders frequent here more. Our sheep were mauled early hrs sunday morning and we had to put 3 down and buddy was dead, we are hoping he died quickly as his injuries were sickening. The dogs were strangers to our area, none of us have ever seen them before.... and it highlights how vulnerable sheep are to dog attack. The worst is it all happened without waking any of us. So my questions are if we had a Livestock dog is part of their training or instinct to alert the humans, sending out the alarm so to speak? Any advice or help in which direction to go would be muchly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swizzlestick Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 So sorry you lost some of your sheep. Sure someone will come along with some info for you. I don't know much at all about livestock guardians. But I thought rather than alarming, they would defend the flock themselves? Just thinking, not all herds are in a paddock near a house, therefore no humans to hear the alarm and come out with rifle or whatever. That was my understanding anyway. Good luck in your search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJean Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 (edited) When I was first looking for a Pug to buy 10 yrs ago I rang every breeder in the Dogzonline breeders directory, all 80 odd back then.....now I would like some info on a Guard dog for Livestock and there are only 4 breeders listed. The breed section dont seem to get many posting so thought I would post here and see if any owners or breeders frequent here more. Our sheep were mauled early hrs sunday morning and we had to put 3 down and buddy was dead, we are hoping he died quickly as his injuries were sickening. The dogs were strangers to our area, none of us have ever seen them before.... and it highlights how vulnerable sheep are to dog attack. The worst is it all happened without waking any of us. So my questions are if we had a Livestock dog is part of their training or instinct to alert the humans, sending out the alarm so to speak? Any advice or help in which direction to go would be muchly appreciated. eventually got to it ;) http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...p;#entry4945087 Breeds you could consider: Maremma Anatolian/Kangal Central Asian Central Asians are the most effective LGD at dealing with feral dogs, but the total package is not for everyone. What breed you are partial to, will depend on the breeds general working style in lieu of your property setup and expectations of the dog. Edited November 9, 2010 by lilli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casowner Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 My CASD would defend his property/livestock with his life, however it would also depend on which LGD breed you are looking at as they all have their own breed traits. Please be aware that many LGD breeds are very strong willed and require a competant handler, I would suggest contacting some breeders to discuss your needs and experience. Owning a CASD was the most challenging and rewarding experience that I have ever had working with dogs but it came with a huge commitment to the breed. The CASD is now one of the only breeds that I will have in my home, Jake was a dog that would be as gentle as a lamb with a guinea pig but would also defend against any threat with sheer determination and would follow through with anything he set his mind to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
periannath Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Another option to look at may be alpacas as guardians.Sorry to hear about your sheep. http://www.alpaca.asn.au/docs/about/info/6herdprotectors.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzapug Posted November 9, 2010 Author Share Posted November 9, 2010 When I was first looking for a Pug to buy 10 yrs ago I rang every breeder in the Dogzonline breeders directory, all 80 odd back then.....now I would like some info on a Guard dog for Livestock and there are only 4 breeders listed. The breed section dont seem to get many posting so thought I would post here and see if any owners or breeders frequent here more. Our sheep were mauled early hrs sunday morning and we had to put 3 down and buddy was dead, we are hoping he died quickly as his injuries were sickening. The dogs were strangers to our area, none of us have ever seen them before.... and it highlights how vulnerable sheep are to dog attack. The worst is it all happened without waking any of us. So my questions are if we had a Livestock dog is part of their training or instinct to alert the humans, sending out the alarm so to speak? Any advice or help in which direction to go would be muchly appreciated. :D eventually got to it http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...p;#entry4945087 Breeds you could consider: Maremma Anatolian/Kangal Central Asian Central Asians are the most effective LGD at dealing with feral dogs, but the total package is not for everyone. What breed you are partial to, will depend on the breeds general working style in lieu of your property setup and expectations of the dog. Thankyou for all your replys. We have 17 cattle and a dozen goats as well as the sheep....so enough to keep a LGD busy. I am leaning towards the Central Asians, but that is purely looking at the different breeds and what appeals to me. I never knew they were that capable against intruding dogs. I think I have a lot to learn about them, but it is definately something we have to do as this is the 2nd attack on our sheep in the 7 years we have been here. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 When I was first looking for a Pug to buy 10 yrs ago I rang every breeder in the Dogzonline breeders directory, all 80 odd back then.....now I would like some info on a Guard dog for Livestock and there are only 4 breeders listed. The breed section dont seem to get many posting so thought I would post here and see if any owners or breeders frequent here more. Our sheep were mauled early hrs sunday morning and we had to put 3 down and buddy was dead, we are hoping he died quickly as his injuries were sickening. The dogs were strangers to our area, none of us have ever seen them before.... and it highlights how vulnerable sheep are to dog attack. The worst is it all happened without waking any of us. So my questions are if we had a Livestock dog is part of their training or instinct to alert the humans, sending out the alarm so to speak? Any advice or help in which direction to go would be muchly appreciated. :D eventually got to it http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...p;#entry4945087 Breeds you could consider: Maremma Anatolian/Kangal Central Asian Central Asians are the most effective LGD at dealing with feral dogs, but the total package is not for everyone. What breed you are partial to, will depend on the breeds general working style in lieu of your property setup and expectations of the dog. Thankyou for all your replys. We have 17 cattle and a dozen goats as well as the sheep....so enough to keep a LGD busy. I am leaning towards the Central Asians, but that is purely looking at the different breeds and what appeals to me. I never knew they were that capable against intruding dogs. I think I have a lot to learn about them, but it is definately something we have to do as this is the 2nd attack on our sheep in the 7 years we have been here. Cheers. Maremmas will do the job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Give Andrea a call... http://www.companionsforlife.com.au/ T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myValkyrie Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Sorry to hear about your sheep We've used both a Kangal/Anatolian & Maremmas with our goats - they work very differently but both are extremely effective. I also found it really helpful to talk with other goat/sheep breeders who use LGDs & see what is working for them - there are so many variables - your location, predator load & type, property size & layout, fencing, variety of stock etc. Much as I adore my Kangal & she is brilliant at what she does, I would not recommend her as suitable for a first time LGD owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 ok.. i suggest you join the maremmaSheepdog group at yahoo ( i am the current list owner) there is a heap of specialist help and info avail there.. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaremmaSheepdog/ Subscribe: [email protected] cheers Helen ps. i understand what you are going thru as my sheep and gaots were being slaughtered by dingos and wild dogs before we discovered maremmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzapug Posted November 9, 2010 Author Share Posted November 9, 2010 Thanks for the links... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellz Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Maremmas will do the job. I was going to suggest you contact Steve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzapug Posted November 9, 2010 Author Share Posted November 9, 2010 Maremmas will do the job. :D I was going to suggest you contact Steve! I didnt know Steve had them....have Corgis on the brain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzapug Posted November 9, 2010 Author Share Posted November 9, 2010 Sorry to hear about your sheep We've used both a Kangal/Anatolian & Maremmas with our goats - they work very differently but both are extremely effective. I also found it really helpful to talk with other goat/sheep breeders who use LGDs & see what is working for them - there are so many variables - your location, predator load & type, property size & layout, fencing, variety of stock etc. Much as I adore my Kangal & she is brilliant at what she does, I would not recommend her as suitable for a first time LGD owner. Is that because of her personality/temp or simply as a new owner of the breed there is too much to learn and understand about a LGD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ark Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 (edited) Another option to look at may be alpacas as guardians.Sorry to hear about your sheep. http://www.alpaca.asn.au/docs/about/info/6herdprotectors.pdf This has always confused me.... why do some people have LGDs to protect alpaca flocks, when alpacas themselves are often suggested as her protectors? (Edited to "LGDs" instead of LSDs :D ) Edited November 9, 2010 by The Ark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casowner Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 A pack of dogs will take down alpacas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzapug Posted November 9, 2010 Author Share Posted November 9, 2010 Another option to look at may be alpacas as guardians.Sorry to hear about your sheep. http://www.alpaca.asn.au/docs/about/info/6herdprotectors.pdf This has always confused me.... why do some people have LSDs to protect alpaca flocks, when alpacas themselves are often suggested as her protectors? :D There are sheep farmers around here that have Alpacas as herd protectors but really all they can keep away are the foxes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Ark Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Thanks guys - all is clear now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I've been loosely thinking about a LGD lately too. We're in a bad fox area and I worry about the livestock. After a big think I realised that I couldn't have the dog outside at night anyway, most likely on the bed with me, so it defeats the purpose of the breed for me. I'll just bide my time for another Saint :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casowner Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I've been loosely thinking about a LGD lately too. We're in a bad fox area and I worry about the livestock. After a big think I realised that I couldn't have the dog outside at night anyway, most likely on the bed with me, so it defeats the purpose of the breed for me. I'll just bide my time for another Saint :D Clyde if it makes you feel better my CASD much preferred to sleep outside and would get anxious when inside overnight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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