To get a dog or not to get a dog....

[srd5757]

I am really considering getting a dog. Kinda looking at our different options.
We've been looking at getting a LGD (pyr/ anatolian), but now I'm 2nd guessing it. We are technically outside of city limits, but live in a subdivision, we do have plans to move out to the country in a year or two and the idea was to have a grown LGD to protect then. Now that I've basically picked one out and talked with the owner at length, I'm wondering if it's a good idea. Our backyard is fenced but small and I'm worried she might not have enough room, plus our neighbors on both sides have dogs and I'm concerned about excessive barking...
I don't know what to do.
Then I've also read alot of stuff about being able to train any dog from a puppy to guard chickens (or at least leave them alone and keep other predetors away).
Please help, I'm not sure what to do. Need opinions and advice!
Thanks!

 

[moomoodiddy]

I would wait until you have settled down so it can be raised around animals and wont have to make the huge change of moving in the mean time you should do tons of research save some money up and just get prpared it will be worth the wait

 

[SJUDD]

If you are not moving for a year or two, go ahead and get your dog! What kind of dog is an LGD? I would NOT recommend Hound Dogs... I have two and they stalk my chickens constantly. Luckily they are in seperate fenced in areas of the yard so the dogs cant get to the chickens but they certainly watch that fence.

 

[srd5757]

We already have the chickens that I would want it to guard. However, they don't need much guarding now as we have a 6' cedar fence.
I'm just concerned that an LGD (livestock guardian dog) wouldn't have enough room to roam and be happy. The pup we are looking at is half Great Pyrenees half Anatolian Shepard. So she will be a very large dog when grown, estimated around 100-125lbs.
Our tiny lot is only 1/4 acre and the backyard is about half of that... so it isn't big. Then we have the chicken coop, a large porch, a large swingset/fort for the kids all back there taking up space as well.
I'm just trying to think through all pros/cons of getting one now. The last thing I want is to get one and then have problems...

 

[srd5757]

But then was considering that if any breed can be trained to accept chickens then maybe some other pup (much smaller) would be able to do the same thing w/o the problems I'm considering.

 

[CAjerseychick]

I am really considering getting a dog. Kinda looking at our different options.
We've been looking at getting a LGD (pyr/ anatolian), but now I'm 2nd guessing it. We are technically outside of city limits, but live in a subdivision, we do have plans to move out to the country in a year or two and the idea was to have a grown LGD to protect then. Now that I've basically picked one out and talked with the owner at length, I'm wondering if it's a good idea. Our backyard is fenced but small and I'm worried she might not have enough room, plus our neighbors on both sides have dogs and I'm concerned about excessive barking...
I don't know what to do.
Then I've also read alot of stuff about being able to train any dog from a puppy to guard chickens (or at least leave them alone and keep other predetors away).
Please help, I'm not sure what to do. Need opinions and advice!
Thanks!

We looked into getting a LGD as well- there are a ton in rescue- and after talking tomultiple people and breeders at the Dog show as well-- I can see why. They bark ALOT. That is their job-- to stay up all night barking-- at every little thing-- also we moved to the country and are on 2 acres, and the neighbors borrowed a LGD for their sheep-- it was something Turkish maybe a Maremma/ anotolian cross-- they have 14 acres, and that lasted 1 month. In the country-- we are on a main road, people walk the mile or so to town on it, etc... and that dog barked her head off all night, for weeks, Bye Bye dog. At least she was a loaner and went back to guarding cows. They have an extremely booming bark that can be heard for MILES. Maybe not so barky as pups(idk?) and maybe you could keep it confined inside at night so it wouldnt be triggered by anything to bark at (we actually went with a Bernese Mt dog among others, and he has quite the bark as well, so we put him in the garage at night if he is barking too much, although I do like it that he is guarding)...and actually I thought that to be a LGD they need to be raised with their Flock from the get- go. Is the person you are getting them from doing that already? And are you getting chicks as well so the dog can grow with them (from personal experience if not raised with livestock, the dogs will have to get used to them, and that is not easy task with the guarding breeds-- my guard dog giant schnauzer "protects" us from the neighbors goats, donkeys, and even when I went out one night to see what the dogs were barking at..... a couple of deer!!!)....

 

[srd5757]

OMgosh! Now I'm even more freaked out!
I actually made arrangements to get a dog this am, but called and rescheduled to Sunday. I'm not sure why but all last night I was worried about it, and that maybe it wasn't the right time/fit. Then I posted this, and now I'm even more worried. I was really wanting a dog, and now that we've talked about it with my 4yr old, I'll hear about it forever if we don't... but I absolutely do NOT want to be one of those people who gets a dog and gets rid of it. So I really want to figure this out before we do anything.
I'm using you guys to think this out with me. My husband has been no help, and is 'whatever you want is fine, honey'. Which I usually like But this time it's not helping me decide what's best!

 

[CAjerseychick]

You can make almost anything work, just depends on the lengths you are willing to go to...
I would look up a Rescue-- there are several Great Pyreenees rescues on the web and send them the posting you posted here-- they can help you even if you are already committed to getting the pup-- harm reduction so to speak....
I think making sure pup is confined at night will reduce night time barking, but they are loud, and can be very territorial with other dogs as well, but it depends on the dog...

 

[kota1369]

As posted earlier they will bark ALL night. Not a good way to keep happy neighbors. Not a good way for you and your family to get a good nights sleep.
I would personally recommend not getting that kind of dog yet. They are guard dogs and free thinkers. You IMO need way more land. And no matter how big
the property it needs to be fenced so the dog can not get out.
Do your chickens free range is that why you want a guardian? What are you wanted them protected from?
I think you can teaching dogs to be with chickens is one thing. But not all will protect them. That is for sure.
I have 4 dogs that are great with chickens. But that doesnt mean they all will run a cat off for looking at them like they are dinner.

 

[donrae]

I think an LGD in that situation would be miserable and make trouble for you. What does the seller say?