RE: [blackbelly] livestock guardian dogs

[James Harper]

Rhonda,   Welcome to the list.  I know I am interested and I am assuming others on the list are also interested in knowing (briefly) what is the best way to bond a puppy guard dog with your sheep.  Also when would the owner know that a puppy is not suitable for guarding.   Also just for your information Barbado are sheep that have horns or horn genetics.  The Barbado ewe is polled but genetically have horn genetics.  Both sexes of a true Barbados Blackbelly sheep are polled and their genetics do not have any horns.  I hope this makes sense.       James Harper Virginia Regional Director and BBSAI Newsletter Editor Blackbelly Barbados Sheep Association International (804) 732-2626 [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of RBMuller Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 10:46 AM To: Blackbelly barbado Subject: [blackbelly] livestock guardian dogs   Hi!  This is my first post on this site.  Thank you for allowing me in. I have some blackbelly barbado ewes and a scurred red ram.  I was completely unaware that the real blackbelly rams have no horns.  The ranch is located in Central Texas just west of Austin in the great Hill Country!  We also raise cattle, spanish goats, and hair sheep.  We protect all these critters with Livestock Guardian Dogs.  And just so happens we have some pups for sale. The pups were born May 19, 2004 are Sarplaninac / Maremma crosses.  There are 7 black puppies available.  I haven't seen any posts about Livestock Guardian Dogs on the site and was wondering if anyone has any predator or stray dog problems.  If it wasn't for the guard dogs we would have only cattle as mostly stray dogs, and a few coyotes, like eating lamb and kid. I have found your blackbelly barb site quite informative. Thank you, Rhonda