Turning a failed LGD into a pet?

[Kholts]

It's why I was thinking of having him out as my gardening companion (especially since my other dogs don't want to be outside for a second longer than they have to). Would be kind of fun to get a little wagon and teach him to pull things around.

Definitely do-able! I get mine to help me pull my children in their wagon & in the winter on their sled. You just need a good harness and time to teach them.

My boy spends pretty much 22 hours outside. I let him come in as much as he wants but it’s uaually only 1/2 hour here or there then he wants back out. There are the odd nights he’ll come in all night but very seldom.

 

[cassie]

Just a comment. LGD's like to be near whatever they are bonded to, which in your case would be you.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just a comment. LGD's like to be near whatever they are bonded to, which in your case would be you.

I already have one canine stalker so another shouldn't be any worse to deal with.

 

[BullChick]

I have a hunting camp next door. The guys are pros at training beagles, but two brothers won’t do it. So, at 24 mos, and never inside, I took one. He’s a pain sometimes, but he’s un-altered, so that’s my bad.
He doesn’t have a problem with being a pet, and took to it quickly. He even demands a pillow of his own in bed.
He doesn’t seem bored, but does like to be outside during nice days. Nights he wants inside.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just an update: unfortunately we didn't end up getting the dog as someone ahead of us in the queue decided to adopt him, but similar dogs pop up every few weeks so maybe another one will be a good match for us. I'm in no rush to add another dog, when we find the right one we'll know.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Another update: we ended up finding a better match, an older Anatolian shepherd - Husky that had been raised as an indoor pet. So now I don't have to worry about finding the dog a "job" to do, other than be a companion.

 

[MROO]

Chasing large livestock. Was ok with smaller animals such as sheep but chased cows.

As long as you don't plan to keep cows as a house pet, he should be okay! Anatolians can require a lot of exercise, as pets, so you may want to make that "running companion" a priority. Most GPs I've met tend to lounge around a lot - all in the in the name of their LGD jobs, of course. That half of your potentially new pet should be fine, as long as you have a very large couch!

 

[cassie]

Another update: we ended up finding a better match, an older Anatolian shepherd - Husky that had been raised as an indoor pet. So now I don't have to worry about finding the dog a "job" to do, other than be a companion.

Just take into consideration that Huskies have a VERY high prey drive.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As long as you don't plan to keep cows as a house pet, he should be okay! Anatolians can require a lot of exercise, as pets, so you may want to make that "running companion" a priority.

We ended up with a different Anatolian than the cow chaser, she's supposedly half husky (but I see zero husky in her) and she turned out to be a total couch potato. She likes a good morning romp in the yard but is content being in the house the rest of the time.

Just take into consideration that Huskies have a VERY high prey drive.

We previously had a husky mix but the rule is chickens in (the run), dogs out, OR dogs in (the house), chickens out. The dogs learn pretty quickly that harassing the chickens is a no-no.

 

[sophieandcoop12]

Chasing large livestock. Was ok with smaller animals such as sheep but chased cows.

I would not call this failed exactly I have a pyr who can only guard certain animals he nips at cattle and tries to catch cats (he was raised with hunting dogs). he guards my flock of chickens and i have hens who snuggle and play with him he would not hurt any bird. make sure to be aware of this dog's needs and preferences. when my dog first met the barn cats he lunged at them so his workspace got moved maybe that is all this dog you want to get needs.