My new LGD

[Glenmar]

Quote:
Why buy a breed specialized to guard animals, and then turn it into a house dog?

Why not just save a mutt from the pound?

If someone asks about heating a chicken coop, most say it's bad for the birds because they need to be acclimated.

The same applies to dogs.

It's harder on them to go back and forth, and it just keeps them confused

I know of many, many LGDs that are dual purpose. Some people like their dogs to be in the house with them sometimes, some want a dog to guard them as well, but don't want a mutt from the pound. A lot of people have multiple LGDs so they can rotate dogs. Some LGDS are also show dogs, and they have no trouble going to a show for a weekend and coming back. Also, I was not talking about taking the dog back and forth in my post above, I was talking about when a dog who hs served you all its life is ten or twelve, and arthritic, and deserves a cushy bed and some extra love.

This would be my hope too. That she could sleep by the wood stove in her old age and be retired.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

This would be my hope too. That she could sleep by the wood stove in her old age and be retired.

10-12 years from now that might apply.

You're talking about a 6 week old puppy now.

These first weeks of her life are when she will learn most of the things she needs to know.

If you expect her to guard your animals, and especially birds, you need to concentrate her training in that area rather than trying to housebreak her or take her on road trips.

Otherwise you're likely to end up with a dog that gets along with lots of people, but still won't guard your animals because it wants to come inside all the time​

 

[Glenmar]

Yep. She does not even know where the house is right now. She is staying in the barn.