Roosters are good at sounding the alarm when there's trouble. If mine sees a hawk or the shadow on the ground, he alarms and him and all the girls go and hide. I wouldn't expect my rooster, or any other rooster to throw himself at a nearby danger, but rather let the flock know of the danger so they have a chance to get away. I free range my birds everyday and haven't lost one to a predator..yet.
I don't know a lot about LGD, but as with any dog I would be wary about using one. Although they are trained and bred to guard livestock, they are still ancestors of the wolf and have the instance to chase or attack. I have heard many stories about people's own dogs killing their chickens, even if they are well trained. My dogs are good around my chickens but I would never leave them alone with them.
I don't know a lot about LGD, but as with any dog I would be wary about using one. Although they are trained and bred to guard livestock, they are still ancestors of the wolf and have the instance to chase or attack. I have heard many stories about people's own dogs killing their chickens, even if they are well trained. My dogs are good around my chickens but I would never leave them alone with them.
