Dog attacked ewe and lambs at lambing

[jambi1214]

Our 2 year old dog was around for her first lambing and attacked the ewe, killed one of the babies. The ewe was crying around her deceased baby and did not want to leave. Being put in pasture I had to pick up well lamb and get Mom to barn. I never pick up lambs right away but this was an emergency. Ewe is somewhat neglecting her baby. Had other ewes in the barn with her so she wasn't panicking being alone but that didn't seem to help so I got the other use out and have mom alone with her lamb. I did see her somewhat push the baby away several times. I held her and forced the baby to nurse several times but not sure what else to do. Gave her penicillin and Dex per the vet and am watching her she did eat this morning but wants nothing to do with her baby. I know she was panicked from dog incident and obviously me picking up the lamb was far from ideal but had to happen. Any suggestions? @SageHill @Mini Horses @Baymule @peteyfoozer

 

[Mini Horses]

I pick up kids still wet, the attack is the issue. I'd keep her & lamb in small enclosure for a few days. Over today, be sure lamb is nursing. They should bond once ewe settles some. Keep lamb nursing her.

As to the dog . What kind, why in with a lambing ewe? What's dogs training? Not acceptable, as I'm sure you know. Needs plans for future lambings.

I'm sorry it happened. Glad you saved one lamb. Was the ewe injured? Let us know how it's going.

 

[jambi1214]

@Mini Horses she is a Pyrenees akbash Anatolian mix who has been with the sheep since she was several weeks old. Last year because she was so young I kept her separate at lambing time. For the past 6 months the dog has been in the pasture with the entire herd of ewes. This is mainly for protection and getting her used to things. I'm not sure how to handle things going forward I think I will bring her around newborn lambs while I'm watching her to see how she acts but I absolutely can't leave her out with the ewes now close to lambing so I'm worried how I'm going to move forward with being sure they're protected in the pasture as I do not bring them in the barn at night unless it's very very cold or snowy or in an instance like this where the ewe is with the lamb. Ewe has punctures on her face but seems otherwise ok. I'm going to keep her on antibiotics and keep it clean. I was worried her being alone with lamb was stressing her being away from the rest of the herd but she absolutely has to bond. Hourly I'm going out there to make sure she's nursing holding her still and positioning the lamb. But also what do others do with their livestock guardian dogs at lambing time?

 

[jambi1214]

Here she is with lamb. They are in a bigger portion of barn as she was not having the smaller area. Hopefully it's ok

 

[Mini Horses]

@Baymule, @Ridgetop .... Dog training help ASAP

 

[jambi1214]

I was able to get lamb nursing but she immediately was trying to get away like she was painful. Teets are very swollen and full. Hmmm... Smells baby but quickly pushes away so let them be for a bit. Maybe just need some time so I will wait 2 hours before intervening again.

 

[Mini Horses]

She probably IS sore with milk flooding in. Go with wet compress to her udder, then milk some out of each side to relieve pressure. Save the colostrum.. Relieving the pressure makes her more inclined to be nursed also. She associates the two.

 

[SageHill]

You’re on the right track. I hold my lambs as soon as I see them - so that shouldn’t be an issue. I think the recent trauma with the dog attack is the issue. @Mini Horses has given a ton of great advice that I would just repeat.
As for the dog - I’m not an LGD person, mine are strictly for herding. Though they do get very early interaction with lambs all of which are extremely closely supervised- even Mr Reliable Obi.

 

[Baymule]

Separate the dog immediately. Put her in a pen IN the barn, next to but not in with the ewes. Bring the ewes in for lambing. Does your barn have a yard, where they can go in and out?

 

[Baymule]

I have a dog that steals newborns so he can lick the goop off them. They die. He fights off the momma, but not a savage attack like this . Once up, dry and nursing, he is a fantastic dog, but he derailed, so now cannot be with lambing ewes.

It might help if you give us an idea of your barn, pens and fence.