Free Roaming Goats

[ohiofarmgirl]

yep big ol livestock guardian dogs - some breeds are still hardwired enough to do a great job of this. with just a smidgen of training you can have the dog live with the flock/herd. a regular old dog may or may not work the same - but these breeds are really something. as for me, a favor an Anatolian - our next dog for sure


so umm.. geez... be VERY careful with your friendly dogs. check out the predators section on byc for examples of folks who couldnt believe Mr. Fluffypants was really a killer. dogs cant resist things that smell like poop and run when chased. so good for you for supervising! but dont turn your back.

and yep those goaties will find your flowers

;-)

and here's the good news - there are solar electric fences! might want to give it a look just to see your options.

happy friday!

 

[warthog]

Thanks for the info about solar electric fences, I will check into it.

This afternoon I let out my little ones.

The two dogs we have are both x breeds one is a rottweiler/german shepherd cross (nutuered male) and the other is a bull mastif/german shepherd cross (spayed female), although I think she is a little of everything:

I took them into a bush area (a chair for myself) and sat with them, wasn't long before they were in my garden area, only yards from the dogs. So a watched very closely, the dogs showed no interest at all. They got a little more curious as time went on, but with the usual commands of sit, stay and no, they just went back to sleep.

However, Pepper my oldest doe (5months), she is the bully of my small herd (4). Decided trying to head-butt the dogs would be fun, she got her nose slapped and the dogs just turned away not at all interested.

Now I know that this needs a close eye, because the dogs may just turn.

It was fun to see the goats running and jumping about like something possessed, they really dig enjoy their freedom.

So in small doses I will tie them out and let them roam all of course supervised.

I really do feel that given time and patience the dogs will take care of the goats, just like they do the chickens and cats.


I will keep you all updated.

 

[skyesrocket]

It sounds like they had a good time. Keep a collar or short tether on your lead goat and that way when they do get into the garden you can just lead her away from it and the others should follow. They might complain about it, but if you keep walking away they will follow.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

hey! i just love the idea of you sitting out there in your chair with them goats! yay!

earlier this summer i assigned myself the job of "duckling lifeguard" when they were in the kiddie pool we got for them. i loved it - nothing like watching splishin and splashin to make a happy summer day... and of course a cool and refreshing drink was a requirement...i'd recommend that for yer goat watchin too
;-)

yay also for your good dogs! i have two brontosaurus sized german shepherd who help me with all the critters. the goats try and bonk them too..and the chickens.. crazy goats!