Jest Another Day in Pear-A-Dice - Higgins Rat Ranch Conservation Farm in Alberta

[Wisher1000]

Actually, they are doing better! Thanks for asking.

They are back to playing, and there has not been a fight in several days (maybe a week.) They have their favorite places to lounge and nap and those places are not close to one another, but they get up and run and play until they are tired, then they go back to their favorite places. I have also started feeding them half their food in the morning, in separate places that are not in sight of each other, and the other half at bed time. I also take treats and make them first sit and then I alternate giving them each a bite. This has seemed to help with the food aggression. We have also been working on letting me go through gates and doors first, and working on giving people a wide path when they are playing so they don't take our legs out from under us. I'm getting too old to be bowled over.

Bubby, the older, newer one is definitely a watcher, and Biscuit, the younger one is more of a patroller. I think they will be okay.

I had to put the shock collar on Bubby yesterday. That was the first time, but he was jumping up and scratching the back (French) door when he could see us inside. It has a lever handle and if I had not had it locked, he would have opened it with his pawing and pushing. He had been doing it since last week and I thought that once he realized he couldn't get in he would stop, but he was beginning to damage the door. I put the collar on him, sat on the couch, and waited for him to come to the door. I "nicked" him with it one time as he jumped up on the door and he has not been back to that door since. I hope that is the last time I have to use it. I bought it for Biscuit when he decided that the juvenile chickens were his personal squeaky toys. It took several days, but he finally stopped catching them and mouthing (not biting or harming) them until they were wet and nearly in shock.

I haven't used it since, until Bubby's one shot.

 

[perchie.girl]

Actually, they are doing better! Thanks for asking.

They are back to playing, and there has not been a fight in several days (maybe a week.) They have their favorite places to lounge and nap and those places are not close to one another, but they get up and run and play until they are tired, then they go back to their favorite places. I have also started feeding them half their food in the morning, in separate places that are not in sight of each other, and the other half at bed time. I also take treats and make them first sit and then I alternate giving them each a bite. This has seemed to help with the food aggression. We have also been working on letting me go through gates and doors first, and working on giving people a wide path when they are playing so they don't take our legs out from under us. I'm getting too old to be bowled over.

Bubby, the older, newer one is definitely a watcher, and Biscuit, the younger one is more of a patroller. I think they will be okay.

I had to put the shock collar on Bubby yesterday. That was the first time, but he was jumping up and scratching the back (French) door when he could see us inside. It has a lever handle and if I had not had it locked, he would have opened it with his pawing and pushing. He had been doing it since last week and I thought that once he realized he couldn't get in he would stop, but he was beginning to damage the door. I put the collar on him, sat on the couch, and waited for him to come to the door. I "nicked" him with it one time as he jumped up on the door and he has not been back to that door since. I hope that is the last time I have to use it. I bought it for Biscuit when he decided that the juvenile chickens were his personal squeaky toys. It took several days, but he finally stopped catching them and mouthing (not biting or harming) them until they were wet and nearly in shock.

I haven't used it since, until Bubby's one shot.

Thats what those collars are for... a tool... Awesome job Wisher.

deb

 

[drumstick diva]

Great Job Wisher

 

[scottcaddy]

Good use of the collar!
Congrats to Bubby on fast learning.
Scott

 

[Wisher1000]

Thanks guys, but I have mixed feelings on the collars. I have never had one in all my years of raising and training dogs - never needed one - until this breed.

I love them, even the personality, but it is so different from all the other dogs I have been around. I have always had hunting dogs (labs, dachshunds, poodles, cockers, all hunters.) They will do what you want them to do because they LOOOOOVE you. All you have to do is be smart enough to make them understand what you want. Easy.

These dogs love me, but don't give a happy rat if they please me or not. All they want is an occasional pat, or scratch, regular food, and something to protect. Don't expect them to look adoringly at you, all aquiver with anticipation of your next command, ain't gonna happen. They consider you either one of the flock, and will submit to you if they see you as weak and in need of protection, but if they see you as strong and capable, they see you as an equal. Bubby wanted inside the house, not because he wanted to be near us, but because we were in there and he thought he should be as well. I am working with him, and Biscuit, on where his place is, but it is slow to be accepted. They do not, or have not, developed any strong respect for me as the leader, I have to CONVINCE them that I am in charge every day. I have had to be very firm and very consistent and every time I love on them too much, we take a step (or two) back. That's hard for me because I want to hug and tussle them, and talk baby talk to them, but I can't. I have to first make them sit, then I rub their faces and ears, then I walk away before they get enough. It is working. They approach me and sit if they want attention, instead of hurtling their 100lb selves at me at full speed and taking my legs out from under me or planting their saucer-sized paws on my torso and knocking me on my butt. They are also starting to not push past me at doors and gates, but I still have to "claim" the opening and puff up and make them back off, most of the time. They won't even come when called, if they don't want to, especially if they know it is not time to eat. It is so frustrating to watch them lay there on their favorite spots while I call and pat my thighs and get all excited, and they just look at me.

The Biscuit is a bit more laid back than Bubby. He is gentler in his approach to me, but can get rough if encouraged to play rough. His coat is longer, as well, and I think the Great Pyrenees is more prominent in him. Bubby looks like a full blooded Anatolian and seems to have that personality. They have the exact same genetics, as they are full brothers, but act different in many ways.

They are a challenge, but great fun, and interesting to work with. We have raccoons, bobcat, possums, mink, coyote, fox and hawks, but I have little fear of losing birds as long as they are on the job.

I really appreciate the job they do for me, it is invaluable, but they act more like cats in their attitudes toward people ---- and I don't really like that in cats, much less dogs.

 

[drumstick diva]

I love to "love on," dogs I couldn't have breeds like that or the LGD philosophy where they stay outside and live with the flock, herd whatever. I know it's necessary when predators abound. But, like you say they are more "catish" they way they respond or not, to you.

Cats and I don't belong together. I had pseudo friends that acted like cats - they long gone and I don't miss them.

 

[perchie.girl]

Thanks guys, but I have mixed feelings on the collars. I have never had one in all my years of raising and training dogs - never needed one - until this breed.

I love them, even the personality, but it is so different from all the other dogs I have been around. I have always had hunting dogs (labs, dachshunds, poodles, cockers, all hunters.) They will do what you want them to do because they LOOOOOVE you. All you have to do is be smart enough to make them understand what you want. Easy.

These dogs love me, but don't give a happy rat if they please me or not. All they want is an occasional pat, or scratch, regular food, and something to protect. Don't expect them to look adoringly at you, all aquiver with anticipation of your next command, ain't gonna happen. They consider you either one of the flock, and will submit to you if they see you as weak and in need of protection, but if they see you as strong and capable, they see you as an equal. Bubby wanted inside the house, not because he wanted to be near us, but because we were in there and he thought he should be as well. I am working with him, and Biscuit, on where his place is, but it is slow to be accepted. They do not, or have not, developed any strong respect for me as the leader, I have to CONVINCE them that I am in charge every day. I have had to be very firm and very consistent and every time I love on them too much, we take a step (or two) back. That's hard for me because I want to hug and tussle them, and talk baby talk to them, but I can't. I have to first make them sit, then I rub their faces and ears, then I walk away before they get enough. It is working. They approach me and sit if they want attention, instead of hurtling their 100lb selves at me at full speed and taking my legs out from under me or planting their saucer-sized paws on my torso and knocking me on my butt. They are also starting to not push past me at doors and gates, but I still have to "claim" the opening and puff up and make them back off, most of the time. They won't even come when called, if they don't want to, especially if they know it is not time to eat. It is so frustrating to watch them lay there on their favorite spots while I call and pat my thighs and get all excited, and they just look at me.

The Biscuit is a bit more laid back than Bubby. He is gentler in his approach to me, but can get rough if encouraged to play rough. His coat is longer, as well, and I think the Great Pyrenees is more prominent in him. Bubby looks like a full blooded Anatolian and seems to have that personality. They have the exact same genetics, as they are full brothers, but act different in many ways.

They are a challenge, but great fun, and interesting to work with. We have raccoons, bobcat, possums, mink, coyote, fox and hawks, but I have little fear of losing birds as long as they are on the job.

I really appreciate the job they do for me, it is invaluable, but they act more like cats in their attitudes toward people ---- and I don't really like that in cats, much less dogs.

IF I remember my reading on Anatolians they are alot LESS aloof than other LGDs With the exception of Great Pyraneese... Probably on par personality wise with each other. and Yep they want to be where their pack is... if thats the human pack... inside.

My Greyhound was this way... Loved skritchies and rubbies was a bit sillier than an LGD... but once he had that sight hound mind on Better make sure he is in a fenced yard.

I love to "love on," dogs I couldn't have breeds like that or the LGD philosophy where they stay outside and live with the flock, herd whatever. I know it's necessary when predators abound. But, like you say they are more "catish" they way they respond or not, to you.

Cats and I don't belong together. I had pseudo friends that acted like cats - they long gone and I don't miss them.

Thats why I want more than one dog...

Small rat killing dog for me and to patrol the house... But Jack Russells while they love the occasional pat they are too busy for snuggling..

Aussies are excellent... have had two crosses now and you cant beat them for being smart and people dogs. purbreds have too much coat though.

I LOVE poodles but they need too much maintenance coat wise.

Same goes for Great Pyranese... If you ever pealed Cholla cactus of of horse hide.. you would shudder about getting it out of that beautiful coat of White hair.

I may have greyhounds again if I can do a greyhound proof yard... No small animals can get in... but I love their coats... they need to come inside though during the hot part of the day.

There is a woman breeding LGDs here in San Diego... Kengal and Anatolian and something else... The deal is.... They HAVE to be raised in with the livestock... I dont know the particulars with human interaction but they will take on Mountain Lions.

Another choice I have been considering is Rodesian Ridgeback. They are considered a sight hound therefore they have very little body odor... they are a bit heavier than a Greyhound. Independant thinkers but want to please as well. They were bred for hunting Lions

I had a friend ruin any kind of relationship I would ever want with cats.... I actually love cats shhh dont tell any one. But I dont love them coming in my bedroom sitting on my pillow and swatting at my nose for attention... I dont seem to have luck with males due to that whole bladder thing... Or they worm their way into my heart only to disappear and never come back... I dont believe in locking them in the house for their whole lives and I certainly dont relish cleaning out cat boxes.

So no more cats for me forever.

deb

 

[drumstick diva]

Deb did you have the Aussie Shepherd (very hairy) or Aussie cattle dog, short coated? I would love to have Tara's Lacey. I know we would be hard, fast friends forever.

There is another guardian breed I think called a Marema or some name like that. I have seen ads with mixes of them & Pyrs or with Anatolian mix. I wonder which is the best at their job, yet have affection for their people.

 

[CanuckBock]

Heel low:

Haven't posted here in seven days now.

Aug 27 - Lacy


Aug 27 - Emmy​

Rick took this last week off...so we bin busy, eh.

CONSTRUCTION, hauling tons of grain, enjoying the critters out and about, loading up firewood, burning, doing garden harvest, having company, going for loser laps, sucking in the sunshine and gorgeous weather...course playing dog dogs...and...and taking way too many pics!

So...which of these two photos below, do you like better and why?

Photo 1​

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Photo 2​

​

I know which one I prefer...which one do you?

​

Dogs jest ate din dins...gotta run them outside then a home grown garden salad pour moi and then some more turkey dinner.

Rip Roaring good times, eh!​

​

Such sweet puppies...sweet...

Doggone & Chicken UP!

Tara Lee Higgins
Higgins Rat Ranch Conservation Farm, Alberta, Canada

 

[drumstick diva]

Tara I prefer the first photo. In the second one Emmy is looking kind of "angry."

Are the pups as BIG, as they look in the photos? They seem to be mature size already in height.