Traits Livestock guardian dog

kazakh shepherd: horse , dogs primary job guard sheep predators.



the komondor´s ability guard herd instinctive

lgds large , protective, can make them less ideal urban or suburban living. nonetheless, despite size, can gentle, make companion dogs, , protective towards children. if introduced family pup, lgds protective of family working guard dog of flock. in fact, in communities lgds tradition, runt of litter kept or given household pet or kept village dog without single owner.

at least 2 dogs may placed flock or herd, depending on size, type of predators, number, , intensity of predation. if predators scarce, 1 dog may adequate though operations require @ least 2 dogs. large operations (particularly range operations) , heavy predator loads require more dogs. both male , female lgds have proved equally effective in protecting of livestock.

the 3 qualities sought after in lgds trustworthiness, attentiveness , protectiveness—trustworthy in not roam off , not aggressive livestock, attentive in situationally aware of threats predators, , protective in attempt drive off predators. dogs, being social creatures differing personalities, take on different roles herd , among themselves: sticking close livestock, others tending follow shepherd or rancher when 1 present, , drifting farther livestock. these differing roles complementary in terms of protecting livestock, , experienced ranchers , shepherds encourage these differences adjustments in socialization technique increase effectiveness of group of dogs in meeting specific predator threats. lgds follow livestock closest assure guard dog on hand if predator attacks, while lgds patrol @ edges of flock or herd in position keep would-be attackers @ safe distance livestock. dogs more attentive tend alert more passive perhaps more trustworthy or less aggressive livestock.

while lgds have been known fight death predators, in cases predator attacks prevented display of aggressiveness. lgds known drive off predators physically no match for, such bears , lions. reintroduction of predators natural habitats in europe , north america, environmentalists have come appreciate lgds because allow sheep , cattle farming coexist predators in same or nearby habitats. unlike trapping , poisoning, lgds seldom kill predators; instead, aggressive behaviors tend condition predators seek unguarded (thus, non-farm animal) prey. instance, in italy s gran sasso national park, lgds , wolves have coexisted centuries, older, more experienced wolves seem know lgds , leave flocks alone.

lessons have been garnered old world methods , life stock guardian dogs. wolf predation can curtailed.