Glad I could Help. I don't think guard dogs will bark any more then regular dogs, like a terrier or something. At least ours don't. They will if there is a predator near by, but not all the time. If you have a good fence were they can not wonder and your neighbors are good with it, I would go ahead and get some dogs. a pair is best, but if you have a small property, one will probably do.
they are an excellent investment.
Lgd's are not what i would recommend on only 2 acres, especially if you have a concern about barking. An lgd should never be discouraged from barking - it is one of their tools in their tool box. What I meant by a deterrent is a general farm dog. Most people do not need more than a general farm dog to deter minor predators (fox, hawks and other dogs) and to discourage coons and deer. Many good farm dogs exist and can be found in pure bred and crosses and will only cost a few hundred dollars.
That said, an lgd, bonded tightly and bred to protect against all predators flying, 4 legged, and 2 legged including packs will protect with its life and be willing to take a life if they seem it necessary. It's a totally different relationship and working style than a farm dog. An lgd on small acreage can be a liability. It's simply more dog than what a lot of people need.
Keep in mind that just because a dog is a certain breed does not it "is" an lgd. For instance, a border collie is a herding breed, but very few really herd well. The same can be said for many lgd breeds.
The opposite is also true... you can't teach a non herding breed to herd. To move sheep? Yes, but not herd. And non lgd breeds can be "taught" to be a deterrent but cannot be taught to be an lgd. There is a big difference.
Research is necessary to get exactly what would work best for you.
thanks for clearing that up...what would you suggest for a farm dog?? I already have dogs, but they are inside most of the time, and don't keep predators away. If they will be outside all the time, should i get 2?
Thank you for touting the benefits of a good farmdog, not necessarily a lgd! I've had generic BBDs (Big Black Dogs) for years and have had no predator losses, despite being in a raccoon and fox heavy area. My current dog, Roscoe, was a freebie when his former owner died.....one of the better dogs I've ever had for predator deterrent
He does bark at night when appropriate, that's when we head out with the shotgun to see what's hanging around. He's also very people oriented and a companion, something a lgd isn't necessarily.
You need a dog smart enough to be intuitive with very little prey drive. Most herding breeds are not a good idea of breed to work with - the pet type herding breeds will be OK if they have no instinct to herd left. Same applies to hunting breeds or even lgd breeds that have little instinct left. A lot of lgd breeds are really only deterrents... But that's exactly what you need.
You need a dog smart enough to be intuitive with very little prey drive. Most herding breeds are not a good idea of breed to work with - the pet type herding breeds will be OK if they have no instinct to herd left. Same applies to hunting breeds or even lgd breeds that have little instinct left. A lot of lgd breeds are really only deterrents... But that's exactly what you need.
