SageHill Ranch Journal

[SageHill]

Like how the public ruined collies, cocker spaniels, GSD, golden retrievers, Dobermans, and every other popular breed that was exploited.

Don't get me started on so-called designer "doodle" and "poo" breeds.

I just pray they never do a Poodle x Malinois because it could end up looking similar to my dogs. THAT would be really bad.

 

[Baymule]

People are now jumping on the Cane Corso and other big bad dogs that they have no business owning. People with 3 chickens and a small yard thing they need a LGD to guard them and the throw the dog away when it plays with the chickens due to no training.

 

[SageHill]

So True. The training and understanding the mindset of an LGD is partly why I don't have one. Of course there is Murphy next door who has never stepped foot on our ranch, but he greets me with his hello bark when he sees us out grazing. I LOVE that. I also know his business bark - when I hear that I know he's working and his good work spreads nicely on to our ranch. I don't have an LGD but I know I'm reaping some benefits living next to Murphy.

 

[drstratton]

So True. The training and understanding the mindset of an LGD is partly why I don't have one. Of course there is Murphy next door who has never stepped foot on our ranch, but he greets me with his hello bark when he sees us out grazing. I LOVE that. I also know his business bark - when I hear that I know he's working and his good work spreads nicely on to our ranch. I don't have an LGD but I know I'm reaping some benefits living next to Murphy.

So, your dogs don't guard your flock, they just herd them?

 

[SageHill]

So, your dogs don't guard your flock, they just herd them?

That's correct. Guardians like @Ridgetop ,@Baymule and others here have the guardians, their job is protection of the flock - that can include moving them, though not quite the same as the herding dogs. My dogs move the sheep for me as well as hold them in areas, get them into trailers, chutes, etc. When we are out grazing, when a coyote come around my dogs will hold the sheep (usually they end up between the sheep and threat), while I take aim and shoot.
As for shooting the coyotes - I started with a pellet pistol, was going to use a more permanent solution but decided that if I did a permanent relocation another (possibly worse) would take its place. So at this point they come around and get stung when they see me, my dogs, or my sheep. We all "bite" from a distance. It has worked for us.

 

[drstratton]

That's correct. Guardians like @Ridgetop ,@Baymule and others here have the guardians, their job is protection of the flock - that can include moving them, though not quite the same as the herding dogs. My dogs move the sheep for me as well as hold them in areas, get them into trailers, chutes, etc. When we are out grazing, when a coyote come around my dogs will hold the sheep (usually they end up between the sheep and threat), while I take aim and shoot.
As for shooting the coyotes - I started with a pellet pistol, was going to use a more permanent solution but decided that if I did a permanent relocation another (possibly worse) would take its place. So at this point they come around and get stung when they see me, my dogs, or my sheep. We all "bite" from a distance. It has worked for us.

I just assumed they also guarded.

Good thinking on the pellet gun deterrent.

 

[Ridgetop]

If the Malinois causes you problems you may need the permanent solution. Some people shouldn't own dogs.

 

[SageHill]

Miss Piggy (yes, that's the name we settled on) - the CA Red x Dorset cross, loves pumpkin.

And she will even share ...........

There's only a few pumpkins left - time to go get another truck load.

 

[Ridgetop]

I like theat red coloring on her face and ears. It is really pretty.

 

[Baymule]

Will you shear her and find a use for the wool?