Re: [Blackbelly] Livestock guard dog
Curtis, Before you find another dog, this would be a great time to learn more about getting the best guardian dog for your flock. Do a little research into breeds - Anatolians can be great guardians, but so can other breeds. I have Maremmas, which are superb also. Can check out the Maremma list serves on groups.yahoo.com and learn a lot from reading past postings. Also can find dogs for sale there. Since you are a novice with regard to guardian dogs, you would best be served by getting a trained/experienced dog from someone who would give you guidance about integrating the dog into your situation. There can be a pretty steep learning curve with guardian dogs, as has been indicated by the others who have commented, so better safe than sorry in my opinion. You may have had a blessing in disguise when the last dog went to someone else - not all dogs from the guardian group are good guardians and especially if he had never been with stock before, you could have had big trouble. Regards, Stephanie Parrish Westminster, SC On Jan 20, 2010, at 6:24 PM, Curtis Yeschke wrote: Thanks for all the help. Unfortunately, the guy decided to give the dog to someone else, so I'm still looking. Curtis ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Livestock guard dog
As some of you may remember, I'm on a voyage to get my first shepherd. I have a bead on one in my area and have a few questions. The dog is an energetic and playful (owner's words, not mine) dog that has no flock experience. It is an anatolian shepherd. I was wondering if the flock experience is essential, or will his natural instinct take over when put in the flock situation? He will be a year in march. Will he bond with the herd and start thinking if himself as a member is the group, or is he too old? I'm not an expert with this kind of situation and would like some info before I get myself into an impossible situation. Thanks, Curtis ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Livestock guard dog
Curtis, in addition to the excellent advice you will get from this group, I can highly recommend the Yahoo group at http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/workingLGDs/ I started reading the WorkingLGD group before I purchased my dogs and it really helped to prepare me. Even so, I will still unprepared for some of the challenges I faced with the new dogs. All dogs come with challenges, and the pup you are considering is still a puppy--and will be until he is 2 years old. So be prepared for puppy challenges. Carol At 03:20 PM 1/19/2010, you wrote: The dog is an energetic and playful (owner's words, not mine) dog that has no flock experience. ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
