dogs and goats?

[melody]

Hello--looking for some advice.

I got my goats after my dog had passed. They have shared space here on my property with a cat who comes to visit for months at a time and seem to have an "understanding."
I have a co-worker and parent of one of my students who has just changed jobs, and she feels her pug is miserable without more attention and a yard to play in. The dog is a mature female. I want to make sure that this is a good idea for the 2 free range Nigerian dwarf goats , and the pug. There will be time when they will be on the property alone as I am a teacher getting ready to go back to school. I can sequester the dog on the large back porch with small attached yard if need be.
I love dogs and have missed having one, and I am quite fond of this little pug.
Any wisdom?
Thanks,
M

 

[Pearce Pastures]

While it may depend on your dog's temperament, only a few dogs have the natural instinct to bond with livestock rather than play with, chase, and prey upon livestock. Goats being chased by a dog will be stressed and that can lead to illness and death. Pugs are not huge dogs and they are one that has a lower prey drive but you will have to make a careful assessment of the individual animal.

Keep in mind too that the dog might get hurt by the goats.

 

[bcnewe2]

Can you invite her over for a meet the goats date? I have had lots of dogs that will, after a proper meeting hang out and leave my sheep alone. The sheep are not interested in the dogs either. I don't think pugs are really driven with much prey drive but each dog should be judged as an individual.
The only way you can tell would be to see what her reaction is to the goats. And that would take at least an afternoon not a few minutes.

I would never leave them unattended while at work. You never know what might spook either dog or goat and she is little so the damage could be big.

I couldn't imagine my life without dogs! I say check it out!

 

[lovinglife]

I think the pug would be happier staying with the family she has known for how long now? My heart breaks for the dogs people just don't have time for so they need to "get rid" of it ASAP... Pugs do not require a lot of outside play time. JMO.

 

[Renegade]

Only LGD breeds should ever be left alone with livestock. Any other breed is an accident waiting to happen.

Donna

 

[melody]

Thank you all for your advice.
Renegade: What is an LGD Breed?(Lesbian/Gay Dog-gender?)
Lovinglife: Yes...that is possible, but apparently not an option. Your point is why I do not take this lightly.
BCENewe2 and Pearce Pastures: Thank you very much. I will keep her with me on leash as we get to know each other. I am aware the girls could hurt her too. And until I am absolutely positively sure that everyone is buddy/ buddy...Rosie will have the porch and small yard with access to the house while I am gone. I get her today...OMG!

 

[Southern by choice]

LGD=Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds.... there are many I believe there is a post in the LGD section.