dianneS
Loving the herd life
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2009
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- 974
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I got my first LGD at around six months old, maybe a little older. My newest pup is just 18 weeks and I actually feel that is REALLY young (compared to Alex's 6 months). George, the new puppy, is still so very much a puppy. I can't imagine taking a LGD puppy at only 8 weeks, let alone LESS than that!
Having George a little younger does have its advantages. For instance, Alex was big when we brought him home and he was able to rough up my young goats quite a bit, he was also strong enough to break out of just about any pen I put him in that wasn't electrified. He also killed a few chickens at first. We went through a lot of growing pains when Alex was in his "teenage" phase, but he turned out to be an AWESOME dog in the long run.
Not saying I won't have those issues with George, but it is nice that he's small and easy to handle. I don't have any baby goats this time around and I've got geese to teach him to respect poultry. He's been zapped by the fence once and will not go anywhere near it now, let alone attempt to challenge his boundaries.
But George is no where near ready to start protecting his herd where as Alex was on duty by the time I got him. He knew his job where George is still figuring things out and has a lot to learn. Alex was also 3/4 Karakachan and they tend to mature faster, where George is only 1/2 Karakachan 1/2 Great Pyr so only time will tell as to how he will mature?
But I wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do with an 8 week old or younger LGD pup? They learn so much from their parents and littermates that can't be taught by humans. I have a friend who breed lapdogs (Bichons) and even she doesn't let her's go until 10 weeks due to the much needed interactions from mother and the rest of the litter.
Having George a little younger does have its advantages. For instance, Alex was big when we brought him home and he was able to rough up my young goats quite a bit, he was also strong enough to break out of just about any pen I put him in that wasn't electrified. He also killed a few chickens at first. We went through a lot of growing pains when Alex was in his "teenage" phase, but he turned out to be an AWESOME dog in the long run.
Not saying I won't have those issues with George, but it is nice that he's small and easy to handle. I don't have any baby goats this time around and I've got geese to teach him to respect poultry. He's been zapped by the fence once and will not go anywhere near it now, let alone attempt to challenge his boundaries.
But George is no where near ready to start protecting his herd where as Alex was on duty by the time I got him. He knew his job where George is still figuring things out and has a lot to learn. Alex was also 3/4 Karakachan and they tend to mature faster, where George is only 1/2 Karakachan 1/2 Great Pyr so only time will tell as to how he will mature?
But I wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do with an 8 week old or younger LGD pup? They learn so much from their parents and littermates that can't be taught by humans. I have a friend who breed lapdogs (Bichons) and even she doesn't let her's go until 10 weeks due to the much needed interactions from mother and the rest of the litter.