Quote:
No, most LGD's are kept fenced with their livestock. Some are good and don't wander, others are bad about wandering. Problem is, they think they need to protect all they can see and that is often more than they are supposed to. If you lived somewhere where they had wide open spaces, like out west where the animals do free range, they probably do free range with them but not here. One of the reason's I chose Maremma's is they are much less likely to roam then some of the other breeds. Great Pyr's love to check the neighborhood, from what I have been told. Many are escape artists and need good fencing or electric to keep them in. My two are great, have never offered to wander or tested their fences. Of course, the breeder taught that to Remi, to respect fences when he was a pup, as I didn't get him until 5 months. He doesn't even jump on the fencing as he was not allowed.
Some farms will put hotwire around the perimeter so their dogs don't get out, but allow them to jump fences or even cut holes for them to allow them to go from pasture to pasture, etc in the middle sections to check on their charges. I have heard of many that will stay with their livestock no problem, because they are bonded, but if a predator comes into their yard and they feel the need, will hop the fence to go after it. It all depends on the individuals and their needs I guess.
Thanks for the explanation, Vicki. I was obviously misunderstanding what I had read/seen about LGDs. Or maybe I was just reading/looking at the wrong types of situations. Read a lot about a family in Alaska with them... I suppose things are much different there. I guess I'll have to keep looking for our "ideal" farm dog.