In search of LGD in Florida

[Angeliki Manouselis]

Too back you can't get a male and female puppy. They would definitely work well together. Anatolian siblings of the same sex are fine until 2 years or so when they will fight for dominance. I do not know about Pyrenees siblings, but Brenda's book (The Way of the Pack) talks about raising siblings together. There is a lot other good information in it for you too. We space our LGDs by age about 3-4 years so the older ones will help teach the younger ones. Definitely spay them around 2 years or after their 2nd heat cycle. You will have to provide some sort of confinement other than the property fencing while they are in season if the Doberman has access to your property. You will need to get a kennel run (available at Lowe's or Home Depot stores) with a top to keep them in during their cycle. Pyrenees can climb chain link. The top can be solid to keep out rain, or another chain link panel. These kennel panels clip together with butterfly clips that come with the corral package. I suggest you get 2 and put them together in one large run since both your bitches will probably come season together or within a week of each other. Not only are they the same age, but they will bring each other into season. Not sure why, but it happens with 2 or more females kept together - goats and sheep seem to do it too.

Male dogs do not usually attack females, while females will often attack males. On the other hand, male LGDs will have no problem attacking a female dog that goes for his livestock. That said, females and males (other than LGDs) usually can live together amicably. But if you have heard the term bitch fight, it comes from the fights that female dogs (that are not LGDs) have with each other which usually end with one killing the other. At that point one of the bitches has to be removed from the pack since they will never get along together again. However, the more work there is, the easier it seems to be for the dogs to get along. They do have to work together to keep the flocks safe, and the dogs seem to realize it. If you don't have enough work for them, then they may quarrel.

I have read many stories about female Pyrenees siblings guarding together with no trouble. If you fix them, and no male is introduced to their "pack" it may work out. The Canadian government hires large teams of forestry workers who take flocks of 1,000 sheep into the forests to control the understory and keep down the danger of forest fires. These teams use forestry students accompanies by large packs of various LGDs to guard the sheep during the summers. They truck the sheep and dogs to remote locations, stay out in the wilderness all summer walking the sheep through heavy predator areas. Their worst and most common predators are bears and wolves that will attack the flocks in spite of the human presence. The most common breed of LGD they use are Pyrenees. You can read about this program on several Canadian Great Pyrenees information websites. The stories are fascinating.

I have just ordered the book “the way of the pack”
I’m anxious to read it.
I will be spaying them when they’re two.
The photo the chicken yard, it’s only 1/4 acre and I’m moving the goats here before they kid so they can be closer to my house. 6ft fence.
When the kids are old enough they’re all going to the back 4 acres of land with the dogs when they’re old enough as well. All I have are bobcats, raccoons, possums, hawks, and the occasional coyote. Not sure if I’m just going to move the chickens out there too eventually or what yet. I have a lot of reading and thinking to do.

 

[Baymule]

The more you study, read and ask questions, the more you learn. But that's nothing compared to what your dogs will teach you. You are about to begin a love affair with two awesome dogs.

 

[Angeliki Manouselis]

The more you study, read and ask questions, the more you learn. But that's nothing compared to what your dogs will teach you. You are about to begin a love affair with two awesome dogs.

I am so beyond excited !!!

 

[Ridgetop]

Make sure your fencing is good, and that you train your dogs to the fence. Your will be learning so much from them. Be sure you understand their behavior since behavior we first may think is bad, may not be once you understand what they are doing. The book is great, very step by step and easy to understand. Everyone will help you through any difficult phases as the pups grow.

I sleep sounder hearing my dogs bark at night. I can tell where they are on my property and from the timbre of their voices whether I need to get up and check or whether it is just a warning. The dogs warnings become a lullaby!

Security is an LGD!

 

[Angeliki Manouselis]

Make sure your fencing is good, and that you train your dogs to the fence. Your will be learning so much from them. Be sure you understand their behavior since behavior we first may think is bad, may not be once you understand what they are doing. The book is great, very step by step and easy to understand. Everyone will help you through any difficult phases as the pups grow.

I sleep sounder hearing my dogs bark at night. I can tell where they are on my property and from the timbre of their voices whether I need to get up and check or whether it is just a warning. The dogs warnings become a lullaby!

Security is an LGD!

We will definitely be reinforcing fencing and clearing out brush all along the fence line so we can make sure it’s always up and tight.
That is great to feel so secure knowing your livestock is ok.
Can’t wait. Book should be here tomorrow.

 

[Angeliki Manouselis]

Decided against getting puppies and I’m now searching again for an adult dog who has already been with goats. My doe just had twins last night and I’m struggling to get them locked up at night. There is a dog 3 hours from me that someone wants to re home. She knows chickens and horses but has never been with goats. Ugh the struggle. I should have gotten livestock dogs last year lol I’m so unprepared

 

[B&B Happy goats]

If it makes you feel any better...i keep my doe and her kids in a pen together to bond for three days or more....no problem getting them in at night, they go on their own

 

[Baymule]

Can you please put your general location in your avatar? The title of this thread has Florida in it, but you will make other posts and I bet you won't put Florida in the title of every one. LOL

Here's a site you might be interested in. Sometimes they have some good dogs on there.

http://greatpyrenees.rescueme.org/

 

[Angeliki Manouselis]

Can you please put your general location in your avatar? The title of this thread has Florida in it, but you will make other posts and I bet you won't put Florida in the title of every one. LOL

Here's a site you might be interested in. Sometimes they have some good dogs on there.

http://greatpyrenees.rescueme.org/

Yes, sorry, I need to update my info.
I did find a Pyr mix she is two years old and is already with goats and kids and chickens too! Apparently they have never lost any animals with her on guard. Owner is getting out of livestock, she is in NC but is going to meet me halfway in GA hopefully this week. Now I am researching how to introduce her to my goats. My goats are not aggressive at all, I think they will be ok with her.

 

[misfitmorgan]

I hope she does well for you and your animals.

A mix isn't exactly like other Pyr's but it gives you an idea of what they are like. When people say LGDs are not like other dogs, it's really true they are not. Be warned though, our Pyr barked a lot and your's might too. She went every couple of hours at night and did warning barks on each corner of our property which was about 20 minutes every few hours at night. We got used to it and were fine with it, you may as well but your neighbors might not. I'm happy you're not getting puppies as from what i've read/seen they can be extremely hard to train not to chase your small livestock.

As far as your goats not being aggressive.... You are putting a "predator" in with prey animals, they will likely be aggressive and not accept any LGD for awhile esp with new kids on the ground. If they have no fear of her they may simply beat her up, so just be prepared for anything when they meet.

Congrats!