Need a Livestock Dog

[Thebernards]

I have a St Bernard who I ADORE. She naturally attached herself to all livestock we have or have had (poultry, sheep, goats, llamas, etc). And I have had zero issues with her. She has never killed or harmed one living thing. I did ZERO “livestock” training with her though (only basic commands), she is just amazing. I caught her trying to breastfeed a lamb a few times, lol, she’s just “motherly” Now I have a few acres and six kids (one who is low functioning special needs) so another reason I love her is she is amazing with my kids and “guards” them also. I got lucky and I know it. Now she’s getting old for a St Bernard and I want her to live forever but that isn’t an option obviously so I’m starting to grudgingly look into another dog. We have small children, large livestock, cats and poultry. My special needs son does have cerebral palsy so isn’t stable when he walks and can be knocked down easily, he is obviously a concern. We fostered an Anatolian shepherd for a bit there till we found him a home who I was curious about the breed as I read they were great with livestock, he killed any chicken that got too close to him and wouldn’t stop if he was on a leash and dragged me a couple times trying to get to the chickens, not going to lie, I was happy when we found him a suitable home. The llamas will kick a dog if provoked enough, the poultry and my children are my worry frankly. Suggestions on breed? How would I go about training? I know I’m not going to get as lucky this time with a dog who is “naturally” amazing.

 

[Fishkeeper]

What do you want the dog to do? Do you want a dog to bark and scare away small predators, or is it potentially going to have to fight things?
Are you planning to have the dog come inside a lot and be kinda like a pet, or do you want a dog who lives outside?

 

[MochaDuck]

Look up Great Pyrenees and different collies (boarder collie, rough collie, smooth collie).

 

[Stiletto]

Generally speaking:

Regarding breeds, I'd be looking at livestock guardians in your area that are mindfully bred and socialised as puppies, from working dogs, ideally in similar situations to your own.

Regarding training, I'd get (an 8 week old) puppy sooner rather than later so that your St. Bernard can show pup the ropes and teach it how to behave. Additional training would depend on the individual dog and what you require, but having an older dog show pup what to do really is invaluable. You have a huge advantage with your St. Bernard ~ use it!

@Fishkeeper 's questions are rather pertinent.

 

[50-45-1]

I also recomend getting that puppy soon. There are breeds like your st bernard that almost naturally take to guardian duties. Marema, Great Perenes, Ananatonian Shepherd. but in my area these breeds are rare and when i do find puppies they are hundreds of miles away and very over priced for my budget.
My best guardian dog was an Australien Shepherd who we just lost at the age of 13 last fall. He just did the job with no training at all except being reminded where our property lines were, and not to chase or bother the chickens when he was very young. He just simply knew what belonged in the yard and what did not. He trained 2 other dogs for me before his death. A now 7 year old Australien Cattle Dog / Border Collie mix and our newest addition, an Australien Shepherd/ Pit Bull mix who is almost 2.
Moral of the story is i think any dog breed can be taught to be a guardian. It is better to start them when they are young. Your older dog will do most of the training.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I am just curious where you are located. I have a heeler who is completely chicken safe, highly motivated, really likes to make her owners happy and might fit the bill. This is only a 47 pound animal but they are known as cattle dogs. With an older dog to teach her the rest of what she needs to know would potentially be a good fit for you.

edit--- I forgot to mention she is an incredibly fast animal in need of a job! Cat safe as well as they scare her.

 

[SilkieNation]

My second post about these critters this evening.

How about a guard donkey?

 

[AllenK RGV]

My second post about these critters this evening.

How about a guard donkey?

My wife always told me guard donkeys are dangerous, or potentially so towards dogs, has that been your experience @SilkieNation ?