LGDs and fencing

[fat brown hen]

This is probably a stupid question, but I have not been able to find an answer so apologies in advance --

My understanding is that LGDs need very strong fencing, or they will escape. But if you are going to build a dog-proof fence around the yard, why would you even need a LGD?

 

[sweaterthebroodyrooster]

This is probably a stupid question, but I have not been able to find an answer so apologies in advance --

My understanding is that LGDs need very strong fencing, or they will escape. But if you are going to build a dog-proof fence around the yard, why would you even need a LGD?

Protection for livestock, poultry and/or people. The fencing may be dog proof, but that doesn’t mean it’s fox, raccoon, possum, weasel, snake, hawk, people, etc. proof.

I hope that helps answer your question

 

[sweaterthebroodyrooster]

Protection for livestock, poultry and/or people. The fencing may be dog proof, but that doesn’t mean it’s fox, raccoon, possum, weasel, snake, hawk, people, etc. proof.

I hope that helps answer your question

Also, while strong fencing is a very good idea if you have a LGD, training them is a better one. You can have a LGD without a fence and they’ll stay at home 99% of the time if they have been thoroughly and correctly trained.

 

[fat brown hen]

Protection for livestock, poultry and/or people. The fencing may be dog proof, but that doesn’t mean it’s fox, raccoon, possum, weasel, snake, hawk, people, etc. proof.

I hope that helps answer your question

Thanks, that makes sense. So if my chickens are locked up at night and the only daytime predators are dogs, then it probably doesn't make sense to invest in a LGD, in my situation.

 

[sweaterthebroodyrooster]

Thanks, that makes sense. So if my chickens are locked up at night and the only daytime predators are dogs, then it probably doesn't make sense to invest in a LGD, in my situation.

Yeah, I’d say probably not

 

[fat brown hen]

Yeah, I’d say probably not

Thanks. When people keep LGDs to protect against coyotes, are those usually unfenced yards with extremely well-trained LGDs?

 

[sweaterthebroodyrooster]

Thanks.

Happy to help

When people keep LGDs to protect against coyotes, are those usually unfenced yards with extremely well-trained LGDs?

Personally I’ve never used LGDs for that purpose. The farm I got my dogs from did have a fence, but it was for cattle/goats, so not dog proof. Their dogs were very well trained as well.