Livestock Guardians: What Works Best for You?

[BYH Project Manager]

Keeping our animals safe is one of the biggest jobs on the homestead, and it often takes a good livestock guardian to make it possible. Some folks swear by dogs, while others rely on donkeys, llamas, or even clever setups with fencing and alarms. Each approach has its own unique advantages (and sometimes funny challenges, too).

What about you? Do you have a trusty livestock guardian watching over your herd or flock? Share your experiences, successes, and lessons learned. Whether it’s a brave Great Pyrenees, a no-nonsense donkey, or a llama with serious attitude, we’d love to hear how you keep predators at bay and your animals safe.

What’s your guardian of choice, and how has it worked out for you?

 

[Ridgetop]

My favorite guardians are Anatolians working in pairs or mutiples depending on the predator load and species of predator. On our southern California 6 acres inside the City limits we had lots of coyotes and the annual visits by cougars. We needed at least 3 Anatolians working day and night. We found several dead coyote carcasses so Thank You Anatolians! Our mule also assisted and the sheep would run to her while the Anatolians ran to deal with the danger. LOL

Oddly, here on our 44 Texas acres surrounded by farms and wildlife we have not even seen a single coyote. Granted the dogs do work most of the night sounding the alarm.

We had 7' fences in California and have 6' fences here in Texas so it is not the good fencing that is deterring predators from our 45 sheep. The sheep are in acre+ pastures and do not come into the barn at night, although that will change when we approach lambing season.

Good LGDs that are chosen for for good genetics in protection and well trained are the prime protection. People need to remember that not all LGD breeds protect the same way, not all LGD pups (even in the same litter) have what it takes to be good protectors, and the training can take 3 years to get a prime LGD. People also need to remember that individual needs of livestock owners are different and not all breeds or dogs will suit everyone. If you want a good LGD, do your investigation into the breeds, the different breeders, and bloodlines to get what you need. Most good breeders will be glad to discuss your needs and help you decide what you need to look for BEFORE buying.

 

[farmerjan]

Longhorn cow running with the first calf heifers, seems to deter any stray dogs or coyotes at the one pasture... we have a couple mules with the sheep to keep the coyotes from bothering them...
Live traps around the garden, chickens etc... and a .22.....

Do not have the fences for LGD's....

 

[Baymule]

I had 2 Great Pyrenees. The female was a free throw away I got at almost a year old, chicken killer. It took me 2 years to turn her into the best chicken guard ever. She also hated snakes and killed every one she found. In fact she hated everything that wasn't a chicken. We moved and I got sheep, Again it took awhile to get her to accept the sheep and she was a champion guardian. Got a male puppy and she hated him too so I had to keep them separated. He jumped fences and liked to guard from the front porch. At night he was all over the place and sometimes jumped out to go chase away danger. He'd be waiting at the front gate in the morning. For some reason. fences and gates only seemed to be a one way jump. They are both gone now, I miss them.

I added a half Anatolian, 1/4 GP, 1/4 Akbash puppy and Paris, the female GP LOVED him. They became best friends. The puppy, Sentry, had hip dysplasia and we had to have surgery on him. That followed with 3 months of intensive therapy. Lesson learned, buy puppies from breeders who test for that or at least have dogs without structural problems. He also had some kind of condition where he would get sick to almost dying and spend a week at the vet's office. The last time at age 5, he didn't make it. He had such heart, such love for his people and sheep, such bravery, but not the body to go with it. Tragedy.

Then we got Sheba, a 3/4 Anatolian, 1/4 Great Pyrenees. Sheba still rules the farm. Sheba and Sentry both trained Buford, a registered Anatolian male. Plus 2 years worth of me, "BUFORD! NO!" Buford stepped up to the Alpha male position after Sentry died. Together he and Sheba make a great team. She barks the alarm and stays with the flock, Buford charges out to confront danger, barking. I've seen Sheba employ this trick when she wants Buford's food, bark DANGER! Buford runs to the front and Sheba gobbles up his food.

At this point, I need 2 more Anatolians. There is a breeder intensely interested in Buford, registered name is Buford T. Justice. He wants to breed one of his females to Buford and I will get a puppy. @Ridgetop also has a female she wants to breed to him and I will get a puppy from her. At least that is the plan.

Whatever breed someone gets, these are not magic dogs. You can't toss a puppy out with the flock or herd and expect them to have enough instinct to become the perfect guardian. They are like children, they must be taught, trained, corrected and praised. LGDs are a partnership. If you want the best results, you must put in the time, effort and love.