LGD question?

[rrhall]

We have a 13 week old LGD. When I found the new buckling, (was not expecting her to kid just yet), Nuge was keeping all the other goats away from baby and mom...Now if the buckling gets out, Nuge will herd him back to mom. My question is...Is this normal for a LGD at this age or something we need to correct?

Also...When any of the others faint, Nuge will cover their bodies with his until they start to get back up. (picture a person falling on a grenade). Has anyone else ever experienced this? Is he too protective? Or are we to protective, and all he's doing is following his instincts?

When we open the barn, he will follow the same path to the chicken coops that we take, when he sees all is well, he goes back to the barn...Sitting and watching.

Any thoughts...

 

[ksalvagno]

I have no idea since I don't have an LGD but he is very cute. At least he is protecting and not attacking.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

Sounds like you have a fantastic dog. All that is good in my book. At about 8 months usually they may get too rough and you have to back them off but as long as he is working gentle it's all good. I use the command 'easy' or 'gentle' spoken slow/soft and tell them good with it when they are. Start that now when you see him being right so that later when you back him off right away get him back working with easy or gentle and praise.

Once past that hyper stage, and it could be a year, he will be back to what you see now, except also very protective of outside threats. Be sure to protect him for now from coyotes or wolves if you don't have another adult working dog.

 

[Citylife]

I would say he is doing a great job. When some one falls over he covers it to protect it or get it warm so it can continue on with its herd. Wonderful instincts on your guy. He kept the excited ladies away from mom and baby so baby can get on its feet and didnt get rough with the others. Wonderful!
If he gets snappy or rough, then he will need correcting but he is doing great now. I know sereral people who have LGD's and one friend has 7 for her several herds. He is doing his job.


The lady with 4 dogs, 4 city chickens, 2 bunnies and bunnies to be and a lizard.