Livestock Guardian Dogs

[Mrs. Mucket]

RussellMary, my understanding is that instinctively, LGDs will usually not let anyone or anything in their domain that does not usually belong and is not OK'd by the alpha (which would be the owner).

We have seen that with our own Maremmas. One day some frequent visitors that the dogs know well came over and brought some other mutual friends the dogs had never met. The dogs let the friends they knew come in but they wouldn't let the other friends (who the dogs had not met) through the gate. Once we went out and told them the new people were okay, they were fine.

I don't know how long you've had your LGDs--it possible they know this other dog as an acceptable visitor from the past? The fact that all three dogs welcomed it is an interesting factor.

I agree with Jodie, if it was a female in heat, intact males might bend their rules. You know--sometimes it's easier to ask for forgiveness later than permission beforehand?

In any case, I would do what I could to reinforce the LGDs' training on the perimeter. If I were ever out when that dog (or any other animal) came near, I'd be very clear about my disdain for and rejection of that animal. You might also do some perimeter walking with the dogs to refresh their memory.

 

[carolinagirl]

I have been researching LGD's until I am blue in the face in the last 2 months. I finally decided that an Anatolian Shepherd is the one for me. I have a deposit in with a breeder in Florida for a puppy later in the summer. Anatolinas are fantastic with children. They are calm and gentle and only exercise the level of aggression that is necessary to protect their sheep or human family.

I ran across a fantastic LGD resource though. this link has numerous articles on LGDs, ranging from behaviour problems, training, health and everything else you'd need to know. Hope it helps!

well, pooh....since I am a new member it won't let me post a link. so the web address is LGD dot ORG/Library dot htm



Cindy

 

[Mrs. Mucket]

Another awesome source of help is Jackie Church at www.windancefarms.com. Jackie has the most knowledge and understanding of the LGD mind of anyone and anything I have come across in several years of LGD research. She does individual consults for behavior, training, and orientation challenges.