Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are bred for protecting livestock from predators. Different breeds include Maremmas, Great Pyrenees, Kangal Dogs, Central Asian Shepherds and Yugoslavian Shepherd Dogs (featured in the above image).
In their own countries, LGDs are the PRIMARY STRATEGY for protection of livestock from predators.
LGDs stay with their livestock, full time. Their guarding instincts help them to form a protective bond with their livestock. Unlike herding dogs which control the movement of livestock, LGDs blend in and move with their livestock, ever watchful for predators.
The mere presence of an LGD is usually enough to ward off some predators. LGDs confront predators initially by vocal intimidation (barking) and progress to more aggressive intimidation if required.
Livestock Guardian Dogs Australia promotes the use of LGDs to prevent livestock predation in Australia. It was conceived by Erin Williams who has 35+ years of experience training and handling dogs and who specialises in the application of working Livestock Guardian Dogs.
This is the first time that a service offering the practical day to day problem solving and expertise in the use of LGDs has been offered to Australian farmers who are prepared to commit to this strategy, via workshops, field trips, consultancy services and most importantly, ongoing support.
Webinars
Livestock Guardian Dogs – What You Need to Know for Your Aggression Cases
Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) numbers in rescue, shelters and sanctuaries are increasing. Euthanasia is often the end result, with the most common reason given, as aggression. With a better understanding of the characteristics and needs of these breeds, we can reduce this dire trend. As animal handlers, trainers, carers and clinicians we can learn to work safely and successfully with these breeds and offer better education for their owners or prospective owners.
Learning Objectives:
- What is an LGD and how are they different to other breeds?
- Motivations, behaviors, and their consequences!
- How to accommodate their needs in non-working contexts
- Understanding LGD aggression!
Understanding Livestock Guardian Dogs is Critical to their Success as Companion Dogs
This webinar will focus on providing a better understanding of “Livestock Guardian Dogs” and it would be beneficial to professional dog trainers, daycare providers, Veterinarians, other clinical staff, shelter & rescue staff, as well as LGD owners in urban environments. With an increase in LGDs as pet/companion dogs, a high percentage of these dogs quickly end up in rescues, shelters or being euthanised unnecessarily, simply because they are misunderstood. These dogs are often referred to as “Primitive” breeds with a long and rich working history that dates back over 3,000 years ago and they are absolutely critical to the success of farming in many countries.
While every dog is ‘a study of one’, understanding some of the more unique and ‘typical’ behavioural characteristics of these breeds, will increase your knowledge and confidence to assist novice LGD owners and their LGDs in suburban environments. We will look at the differences and similarities between these breeds and other breeds; the differences between working and non-working LGDs; aggression in these breeds; and how you need to adapt your programs in training, daycare, clinical, and shelter situations, to successfully integrate them into these challenging environments.
Learning Objectives:
- What is a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD)
- The behavioural characteristics of these breeds and how they differ from other breeds
- How we as professionals, can help them to better adapt to life in the suburbs including;
– Considerations for adapting your training programs to meet their needs
– Accommodating their needs in non-working suburban environments including clinical care and daycare - Considerations for shelter and rescue staff in handling, managing and assessing LGDs