Predators everywhere!

[BirdGal]

Another tip on dogs,if you are going to buy LGD pups, crossbreds of LGD breeds would be preferable over the purebred as increased hybrid vigor and less of breed problems such as bad hips,cancers,etc. Just make sure you ask about haircoats as some breeds have both types of coats.
Also when contacting shelters, ask if they have any huge dogs or huge white dogs. Often they do not recognize that they have LGD

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Also when looking for a rescue LGD, you will have best luck looking at local shelters, classified ads,that sort of place as they usually don't have as much restriction if you explain your location. But then you also can find rescues that refuse to let these dogs go back to the country because that might have to "work".Some states have an organization of all the shelters and rescues listed in one place online and they can put you on a waiting list. Just have to keep looking and put the word out of what you want.

These rescues sometimes feel like resellers. But that's just my opinionated opinion I guess.

 

[aart]

Training an LGD, and yourself, can be a big, long job.
Rescues may come with problems.
There's a lot of good info here, not active much anymore, but still lots to read.

 

[The3haires]

I lost my first chick Scrappy last night I thought i was prepared I knew it was a possibility but ugg! It was raining hard and they free range all day till bed then I lock them down but they are with my goats that are about 20 pounds. The goats went in for 20 mins! and I heard screaming and I ran out and a fox was running off with my Scrappy (chicken) Im so sad! Now they are locked in their coop but they seem so sad in there. I feel horrible I wouldn't want to be trapped in a cage all day everyday. I miss them they are usually on back porch and around the house all day so im spending time with them through out the day. Sorry to ramble. What does everyone else do? Now i only have 2 ducks and one chicken!!!

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Training an LGD, and yourself, can be a big, long job.
Rescues may come with problems.
There's a lot of good info here, not active much anymore, but still lots to read.

I'll do some reading there for sure thanks. I can handle basic manners training and even dabbled in agility but I know this would be challenging.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I lost my first chick Scrappy last night I thought i was prepared I knew it was a possibility but ugg! It was raining hard and they free range all day till bed then I lock them down but they are with my goats that are about 20 pounds. The goats went in for 20 mins! and I heard screaming and I ran out and a fox was running off with my Scrappy (chicken) Im so sad! Now they are locked in their coop but they seem so sad in there. I feel horrible I wouldn't want to be trapped in a cage all day everyday. I miss them they are usually on back porch and around the house all day so im spending time with them through out the day. Sorry to ramble. What does everyone else do? Now i only have 2 ducks and one chicken!!!

Sorry about scrappy. I make sure they are comfortable in their coop, not crowded and plenty of fresh air. So out is optional. Get some more chicks if you have room? She'll be lonely.

 

[jthornton]

If you're gonna spend money on trapping coons, the dog proof traps might be a better way to go. A big coon can tear up those havaheart traps unless they are heavy duty.

The only thing I've noticed about my havaheart trap is it must be tied to a tree or in some other way fixed so the raccoon can't knock the trap over on it's side and escape. As long as the trap is upright they can't get out. Nothing has ever did any damage to my havaheart trap except me shooting the bottom wire and denting it. I also fashioned a cover for the bait end so rain won't mess up the bait. I think mine is at least 20 years old. I do need a larger one, I have a photo somewhere of a raccoon so big he could not fit in the door of my standard sized trap.

JT

 

[aart]

I think mine is at least 20 years old.

That could make a difference.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

That could make a difference.

(Caution vintage prejudice ahead!)

They really don't make them that way anymore!

 

[BirdGal]

LGD do not need to be trained like other dogs. They work on their instincts. You basically mould them to your situation. You do not tell a LGD what to do,it will make its own decisions. Basically you teach the dog what is and isn't acceptable in your property. You do not have to teach them like in obedience training. You teach them boundaries such as don't go into neighbor's property and expect the LGD not to follow. They will follow your example. If you show interest in something,they will also. The LGD has the ability to discern while most other breeds do not. Totally different approach so do some more research if you are interested and have room for a large dog. . .