Livestock Guardian Dogs

We have been very fortunate that we have never lost a sheep or lamb to predation, but so many other shepherds have lost some or all of their flock in recent years to coyotes or roaming neighborhood dogs, and we felt it was better to err on the side of caution where our rare and valuable sheep are concerned.

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After several years of researching various breeds of LGDs, we found our first livestock protection dog in 2004.  Our purebred, registered Great Pyrenees came with extensive experience; she had spent 8 years guarding sheep before coming to our farm. 

Abbey guarded our flock diligently until her death at an elderly 12 years of age. She preferred sheep to people, despite our efforts to comfort her, and literally was lifting her head to check on her flock every few minutes while she was dying. Our vet came to put Abbey out of her suffering, and there was not a dry eye on the farm when Abbey was put to sleep.  I heartily recommend trained adults for flock guarding, and would give much to have another dog just like Abbey.

The following links and books are those we found most helpful and are offered as reference for new shepherds who wish to protect their flock from predators. 

BOOKS:

• Livestock Protection Dogs; Selection, Care and Training
  

Second Edition (2004) by Orysia Dawydiak & David Sims

Photos and descriptions of various breeds of Livestock Protection Dogs,

how to choose, care for and train your pup, health issues and more.

WEBSITES & EMAIL GROUPS:

• workingLGDs, a discussion list at yahoogroups.com for the various breeds used as Livestock Guardian Dogs on working farms and ranches.
  

• Livestock Guardian Dog Association
  

• LGD Seminar
  

• Buying a Livestock Guardian Dog
  

• Starting the LGD Pup
  

• Introducing Your Pup
  

THE LAW AND LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS:

• Livestock Guardian Dogs included in Oregon's "Right To Farm" Law
  

Summary of the 2004 decision

• Hood River County V. Mazzara
  

Oregon Judicial Department Appellate Court Opinions

PRODUCTS:

• LGD Signs:  Working Livestock Guardian Dog, Please Do Not Disturb.  These signs can be purchased from the ASDI website.