• Home
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Family
    • Frenchies
    • Meet the gang
  • Blog
  • SHOP
    • Farm Classes
      • About Farm Classes
      • Spring Farm Classes
      • Summer 1 Farm Classes
    • Online Courses & Consulting
    • Farm Store
      • Farm-to-Table Goods
      • Apparel
      • Amazon Favorites
  • Modern Homesteading
    • Homesteading Tips
    • Goats
    • Chickens
    • Ducks
    • Livestock Guardian Dogs
    • Gardening
  • Farmhouse Living
    • Farmhouse
    • Recipes
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

FRENCHIE FARM

Modern Homesteading & Sustainable Farming

in Livestock Guardian Dogs

Getting a livestock guardian dog + LGD training tips

Thinking about getting a livestock guardian dog on your farm? I’m sharing LGD training tips in this post.

getting a livestock guardian dog LGD training tips: Frenchie Farm

Getting a livestock guardian dog + LGD training tips

When we decided to move to a property with more land, getting a livestock guardian dog was a major priority. We live in a coyote dense area, and I knew that more property would inevitably lead to more predators. Within a few short weeks of moving, I frequently found a coyote lurking behind the chicken coop in our back pasture during morning chores. To make matters worse, the amount of coyote tracks found throughout the farm after a snowfall was ridiculous.

We clearly needed an LGD (or two!) to protect our livestock. If you’re feeling uneasy about the predator situation on your homestead, then it might be the perfect time for getting a livestock guardian dog. Check out my LGD training tips below.

I think it’s time to officially introduce the two LGD’s of Frenchie Farm – Leroy & Otis!

Frenchie Farm

Research breeders + choose breed

When getting a livestock guardian dog, be sure to adequately research breeders. If a breeder is unwilling to answer your questions (and you should have A LOT of questions!), then move on. If possible, read reviews from previous customers to learn from their personal experiences.

Different breeds of LGD’s exist – Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, Maremma Sheepdog, Akbash, and Kangall Shepherd Dogs are a few popular breeds. LGD’s are specifically bred to protect livestock, so be sure to stick with one of the many LGD breeds. When we decided to get a livestock guardian dog, we chose the Great Pyrenees breed because they are known to be excellent protectors yet still social.

When getting a livestock guardian dog, be sure to consider the breed temperament. Although we wanted our dogs to protect, we also want them to be trustworthy and friendly with young kids and adults, which was extremely important for our family.

Frenchie Farm

Raised on a farm

If you are getting a livestock guardian dog to protect your livestock, then the dog MUST be raised on a working farm. This might be one the most important LGD tips! DO NOT purchase an LGD raised inside the home – the pup must be raised on a working farm to increase the chances of success. What does a “working farm” really mean though, anyway? That’s where it’s a bit of a gray area. Although our two Great Pyrenees were raised outdoors with working parents, they were raised in a pen NEXT to goats. Being raised next to livestock is not the same as being raised with livestock. Make sense? Looking back, I should have clarified this topic with the breeder.

That doesn’t mean that the LGD should have free access to livestock at all times. Quite the contrary. Puppies require constant monitoring and training, so they will still likely live in a separate pen until they are full trained. However, they also need supervised time with livestock as well. Ideally, your LGD should be raised on a farm that has the same livestock as you. If you raise goats and chickens, then try to find a breeder who also raises goats and chickens. Consistency is key when getting a livestock guardian dog.

(As with all LGD training tips, there are exceptions. Our breeder did not raise chickens on his farm, but Leroy and Otis behave fairly well with our chicken despite their puppy status.)

Frenchie Farm

Keep fencing consistent

Speaking of consistency, let’s talk about fencing. Be sure to discuss what type of fencing (if any!) the breeder uses, and try to replicate the fencing on your farm if appropriate.

I made this mistake when we purchased Leroy and Otis. The breeder used metal fencing and allowed his dogs to jump up on the fence. We use electric poultry netting, which clearly leads to negative outcomes if a pup jumps on it. Within about 10 minutes of arriving home, Leroy touched the electric fence and somehow ran through the fence. My lovely husband had to chase him through fields, swamps, and barbed wire for miles until he finally caught him.

After the initial running away incident, both pups quickly learned to stay away from the fence. However, planning a bit better would have eased the transition. If you’re getting a livestock guardian dog, then learn from my mistakes and remember these LGD training tips.

Training tools

Even though livestock guardian dogs have an instinctual desire to protect their livestock, they still require training. Puppies inevitably want to chase and play with chickens, which can lead to injuries or death. If you’re getting a livestock guardian dog, then start off on the right foot by having a few training tools on hand:

  • Shock collar: We like to use shock collars that have the vibrate, beep, and shock functions. Depending on the breed of your LGD, you may need a collar with longer prongs to penetrate through thick fur. We use this collar, which works well for our two Great Pyrenees.
  • GPS tracker: In case your pup runs away or wanders, this GPS tracker is a handy tool. However, keep in mind that sometimes it looses signal, and then the app will mistakenly alert you that your dog left the invisible fence boundary lines. We frantically thought Otis can away at 5am one day, but quickly learned that the GPS simply lost signal for a few minutes.
Frenchie Farm

Careful introduction to livestock

When it comes to introducing your LGD to livestock, there are a ton of different approaches. With that being said, the general rule of thumb is to slowly introduce your LGD in a supervised manner. Once your LGD consistently behaves appropriately around your animals, then slowly give them short periods of time alone. Ideally, still watch from a distance with your shock collar remote if you need to correct behavior.

Even though livestock guardian dogs generally have an innate desire to protect, giving them too much responsibly too soon can ultimately result in injuries and death within your herd. Be smart – when getting a livestock guardian dog, slow and steady wind the race.

Talk with other dog owners

This might be one of the most beneficial LGD training tips – talk to other LGD owners about their personal experiences and suggestions. My friend Chelsea at Parallel 45 Farm and Christina at Thermaland Oaks were so helpful!

Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « Homesteading supply list: a list for new homesteaders
Next Post: Paleo pancake recipe: gluten free/grain free pancakes »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Footer

Frenchie Farm

Frenchie Farm

Follow Frenchie Farm

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Looking for something?

Amazon Disclosure

Frenchie Farm is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Follow along on Instagram

the_frenchiefarm

Colleen 🐐🐓🐶
Well, despite my denial, I suppose that it’s off Well, despite my denial, I suppose that it’s officially fall 🍁 I tend to hold onto summer time as long as possible, especially because the bitter cold winter months are brutal in Chicago. With that being said, I’m learning to appreciate all of the seasonal changes that naturally occur on the farm, even if they aren’t my favorite 😉 Early morning chores are filled with brisk air while fog covers the rising sun. It’s beautiful in its own unique way, and maybe one day I’ll love the changing seasons as much as I love the summer heat. Or maybe I’ll move somewhere warmer in another life, who knows 🤷🏼‍♀️
.
.
Do you prefer the heat or cold fall days?
After such an emotional weekend, I woke up feel ex After such an emotional weekend, I woke up feel extra drained today. I wanted to press snooze when my alarm went off, but I decided to get up early for a quick workout and chores instead. And gosh, isn’t it crazy how those simple decisions turn your day around right from the start? Plus, seeing these boys run toward me every morning is simply the best.
.
.
What are some things that energize you after a rough few days?
Today was hard. . . Today was processing day for o Today was hard.
.
.
Today was processing day for our first round of meat chickens, and I’ve spent much of the last 24 hours crying. I said my good byes this morning, and I feel grateful for Ben taking care of the logistics. Does it get easier? Is it supposed to? I don’t know.
.
.
I usually share the fun, light hearted parts of homesteading. This part just feels hard. And sad. And I feel a lot of guilt. I feel comforted by the life we gave to our birds, but also guilty that we’re the ones who took it away. 
.
.
Homesteading is just really hard.
Tomorrow is the day that I’ve been dreading for Tomorrow is the day that I’ve been dreading for quite some time - processing day for our first ever round of meat chickens. As a previous vegan, I’m struggling. I’d be lying if I said that I’m not tearing up typing this, or that I didn’t tear up while walking by their pasture during chores tonight. This part is really hard.
.
.
But here’s the thing - I don’t think “hard” is a bad thing. Actually, it’s a good thing. Because if we don’t have a level of guilt and appreciation for animals, then there’s something seriously wrong ... and that’s exactly what’s wrong with our current food supply system. 
.
.
So I’ll continue to feel guilty, because I SHOULD. And I’ll continue to feel grateful, because I SHOULD. And I’ll continue to feel really sad knowing that I’m responsible for loss, because I SHOULD.
.
.
And the second I lose sight of that guilt and gratitude? Well, that won’t happen. Trust me ❤️
Nope, that’s not my incredible white farmhouse, Nope, that’s not my incredible white farmhouse,  but maybe one day ours will looks similar! 🙌🏼 Have you met my friend Maddy over at @addisonfarmssc? We’ve been friends on these little squares for quite some time, and holy moly, she’s definitely #onetofollow ! 
.
.
From her perfectly beautiful farmhouse to her darling farm with a major swoon worthy garden and beautiful horses, I’m just in love. Plus she’s the sweetest, so you should head over to her account and give her a follow! ❤️ Happy Friday, friends!
The face your LGD makes when the bucks try to flir The face your LGD makes when the bucks try to flirt and blubber at them 🤣 MOM?! HELP ME!
.
.
Swipe to see the progression 🤣 These sweet boys are simply the most patient, yet ferocious pups around! What are your LGD’s like?
The moment you realize that you literally have the The moment you realize that you literally have the most handsome buck ever 🙌🏼 Chester is a rather refined buck - he prefers to stand majestically while the other two crazy boys do all sorts of weird things, including but not limited to, flaring their lips, blubbering, flirting, and drinking pee 🤢 What kind of questionable things do your bucks do?
Tomorrow marks our first (official) day of homesch Tomorrow marks our first (official) day of homeschool preschool, but when you live on a farm, aren’t you always “schooling” one way or the other anyway?
.
.
Well before COVID, I started thinking about homeschooling our kids. I didn’t understand the reason for being drawn toward homeschooling, but now it all makes sense and feels like the perfect decision for our family. I’m loving how sweet and cozy this homeschool room feels, and I hope our little ones grow to love learning here too ❤️ I know some of you are homeschooling pros, so I would love to hear any tips!
When the new @beekman1802 Bloom Cream is incredibl When the new @beekman1802 Bloom Cream is incredibly moisturizing, formulated with goat milk, AND packed with probiotics, the goats can’t help but check it out! #ad 🐐 I’ve been using the newest Bloom Cream moisturizer for the past few weeks and I’ve been LOVING it! It’s an incredible mix of super hydrating, gentle, and light weight all mixed into one. Perfect way to re-hydrate after long days on the farm.
.
.
@beekman1802 also recently launched at @ultabeauty, so it couldn’t be any more convenient to try out a few new clinically kind goat milk skincare products! Shop in store or online - you’ll thank me later 😉 What are some of your favorite skincare products? @beekman1802 @ultabeauty #beekmanblooms
Eggs, eggs, eggs! Between beautiful duck eggs and Eggs, eggs, eggs! Between beautiful duck eggs and rainbow chicken eggs - give me all the eggs 🙌🏼 We’re drowning in eggs, which means we have more than enough to share with our farm class friends during their final week of class. 
.
.
So much to be grateful for, and so many scrambled eggs, frittatas, egg bakes, paleo pancakes, etc! What are some of your favorite ways to use up extra eggs?
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Copyright © 2021 · Market theme by Restored 316