Predators everywhere!

[aart]

LGD do not need to be trained like other dogs.

Nope, not like other dogs....but still both dogs and humans need some 'training'.

 

[pennyJo1960]

aart has a very valid point about traing some for them more for us in my view

 

[Ruralhideaway]

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. . .

Thank you for the insight, they are fascinating animals that I truly know nothing about.

 

[Folly's place]

For immediate protection, electric fencing and a secure run and coop.
Trap and shoot any raccoons that like to live in the barn!!!
Feed barn cats good food in meals, and never have food out there.
LGDs are the most expensive and labor intensive protection method, best suited for LARGE properties and lots of critters to protect. And they must be fenced to stay at home! It can take a couple of years to raise and train a puppy, and definitely time to retrain a rescue.
Mary

 

[Ruralhideaway]

For immediate protection, electric fencing and a secure run and coop.
Trap and shoot any raccoons that like to live in the barn!!!
Feed barn cats good food in meals, and never have food out there.
LGDs are the most expensive and labor intensive protection method, best suited for LARGE properties and lots of critters to protect. And they must be fenced to stay at home! It can take a couple of years to raise and train a puppy, and definitely time to retrain a rescue.
Mary

I've built fairly strong, all hardware cloth everywhere, skirts, runs are roofed or at least wire covered. Plus an electric line as backup.

Nothing's gotten in yet. I believe I've even excluded the rats at last.

I know racoons are very strong though, hate them out there nightly possibly trying the windows!

Racoons aren't living in the barn luckily, they come up from the creek and from the woods next door. I'm still considering trapping and eradicating this batch, they barely run away, just too acclimated for my taste.

 

[pennyJo1960]

think you kinda figured them out now you are doing great

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I just don't like this much pressure from them, lat few nights have been crazy out there!

 

[pennyJo1960]

that I understand my cockerel is great about keeping his girls safe

 

[Folly's place]

Too many raccoons aren't good; I'd be eliminating some of them!
Last year I had rats in my coop, and lost three nice bantam pullets at night to them before they 'went away'. Very sad! Pet rats are great, wild rats, not so much.
Mary

 

[Ruralhideaway]

that I understand my cockerel is great about keeping his girls safe

I have 2, they divide to guard each run. But sleep together usually. Roosters are great.