Post by crmemory on Feb 17, 2014 0:13:14 GMT -5
We have LGDs and LOVE LOVE LOVE them! They don't even let ravens in our pastures! We didn't lose a single ear of corn to racoons this year, and we haven't lost a chicken to predators in over 2 years. Of course, there are pros and cons. Cons: they like to expand their territory and may roam over time to patrol unless you have good fences they have been taught to respect. That being said, though MANY ranchers have used them with simple barbed wire or less and the dogs do fine. The key is to ensure they are bonded to the stock before turning them lose. Many people walk them on a leash around the farm boundary a few times to "show" the boundary, and many dogs have been known to respect that. Another con: THey bark. A lot. Not all breeds, but most. However, in your case, I think the benefits of protecting your calves would far outweigh any barking. As far as the other dogs, there are several options. If you introduce them to your farm dogs, they will learn to tolerate them. Our dog is allowed in the pasture, our LGDs just keep an eye on him. He doesn't mess with the livestock though, so they don't mind. There are many ranchers, again, who use herding dogs and have taught their LGDs to either lead the herd or stay behind and follow while the herding dogs work. The neighbors dogs might be more of an issue. You don't want the LGDs to be too accepting (you can certainly train them to accept other dogs), or they may allow any dog into the pasture. If I were in your situation, I would just have them accept your personal farm and herding dogs. On round up days when the neighbors come, just bring the LGDs into the barn or a separate paddock for the day, until the other dogs are gone. Seems like an easy compromise for the trouble they will SAVE you in losses. LGDs are truly incredible animals! If you get good stock from working lines, they require very minimal to no training. Their instincts tell them what to do. Depending on your situation, you can train them to do a few things (we taught ours to respect fences, so they don't leave even though we have plenty of gaps big enough they could leave if they wanted), but it's always good to encourage their independence. Finally, although they thrive with a job to do, they would be fine if you kept them home and sent the cattle off to summer ranges. Depending on the exact situation again, though, perhaps you could send the dog with the cattle or simply give it some other animal to protect back home. Even chickens or other poultry keep an LGD busy (once they are mature enough to be trustworthy with poultry). Hope that helps!