Official LGD Owners Thread!

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
Im really glad your dogs came back safe and sound. I hope you can find a way this doens't happen again, would hate to hear of a worse out come next time.

 

[cmjust0]

 

[Mugen]

None of my dogs can escape the farm unless they are allowed out of the goat pen. Sometimes, my wife lets them out to play and when she is not watching them, they would take off. Hopefully, she learned her lesson.


Quote:
Im really glad your dogs came back safe and sound. I hope you can find a way this doens't happen again, would hate to hear of a worse out come next time.

 

[vicki2x2]

Here is my newest LGD! I drove to NY last weekend to pick her up, this is Kimber, she is a Maremma and Remi's little sister.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Congratulations on that pretty little girl

 

[Rosalind]

Quote:
+1 to walkswithdog. If I have my Pyr out by himself, he will hang out with the chickens. He does have some herding instinct and will round up any birds that he perceives to be "loose chickens," including the wild turkeys and anything larger than a dove in the yard. He does this by pushing them with his head, not the faux-nipping you might see from an aggressive Collie-type. Very relaxed, quietly puts himself between any passers-by and the barn. But if our Newfie is out with him, then they work as a pair: she will run up to the edge of the territory and bark, jump around in a big display, chase a coyote or stray dog while he is her backup--also barking, but behind her, from a slight distance, staying close. However, they also will go on guard if there is an aggressive dog or a coyote at the state park. It's not just territoriality, it's not just their flock. They know how many warriors and how many potential victims are in the area and how to assess a threat, that's an instinct they've had since they were wolves.

Of course, since both my dogs come indoors at night to eat their meals and snooze on the couch, in many folks' eyes that means they are not "real" working dogs, although my Pyr has effectively dealt with fishers, hawks, possums, foxes, coyotes, stray dogs, to the point that when my neighbors lost their entire flocks I only lost a couple of birds. And the Newfie will happily rescue people (especially little kids) at the beach when she feels they are swimming too deep--luckily, she is pretty charming and people don't mind much.

 

[Mugen]

That's a cute LGD. Gotta love those puppy LGDs!

 

[she-earl]

I have some sheep and chickens in a fenced pasture at our place. We also have a have dairy cows on our adjoining farm. We haven't had a predator problem. We do have some foxes occasionally. I would like a dog that is safe to have around the chickens and sheep and could also help with the cows if and when needed. I would also like to be able to have the dog go along with me when I am feeding calves kinda as a watchdog for me. Currently we have a Bernese Mountain Dog that we really like but he is getting to the upper end of a short lifespan. I have thought about Pyreness, Maremma, Akbash, etc. or are there other suggestions?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I would like a dog that is safe to have around the chickens and sheep and could also help with the cows if and when needed.

LGD's won't be any "help with the cows" unless they need protection.

True LGD breeds do NOT herd. and herding breeds do NOT guard

Sounds like you need 2 different dogs

If you're talking about a companion dog for yourself, you may be successful with a LGD, but it takes a lot of work and patience​

 

[Beekissed]

An Australian shepherd may be a good choice for you or even a Border Collie....both smart dogs that pick up quick on your body language and can be trained to help with cattle and guard their territory.

Heck, the best all around farm dog I ever had was a Lab....could move cattle effectively, gentle enough to stand guard over escaped baby bunnies and chickens, kept the perimeter free of intruders and a great companion. It doesn't really have to be breed specific but could come down to a smart animal that is receptive to your wants. I got that wonderful Lab from a pound at the age of 4~he was fully trained to every command and worshipped the ground on which I walked. Really miss that dog!