Unattended Pyrs

by Jon Benton
(Mannford, Ok, USA.)

If a GP was left alone for 18-36 hours on a large acreage property that is fenced and he has lived on for 6 months.
timed food dispenser and water source available. would he wonder or stay put.

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Apr 18, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wander
by: Donna

It depends on how high the fencing is. 6 feet minimum. Some will climb fencing of any height or dig out under.

If he is watching over livestock, there is a better chance he'll stick around although not guaranteed.

Make sure he is neutered. He will definitely wander, otherwise. You also don't want unwanted puppies.

You don't want to leave him alone for this long. Anything could happen to him. Wildlife such as a coyotes or a pack of wolves would be an issue if he is by himself. He could get stuck in fencing. If he does get out, a farmer has every right to shoot him for crossing on their land, sadly.

I would recommend having someone come in to check on him, feed him, fresh water, and take him for walks. Better yet, have someone stay at your place to look after him.
Apr 19, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		food dispenser?
by: Anonymous

Your fence only serves one purpose and that is to keep your stock on your own acreage. If your dog is (sadly) alone with the flock, he may stay with the flock. Or not. He doesn't care whether it's your acreage or your neighbour's. That takes care of the 'guardianship' part of his nature.
If your dog is not neutered there is no fence that would mean anything to him, and he will leave his flock behind to go take care of business. That takes care of 'doing what comes natural' part of his nature.
If the water source is a muddy slough somewhere on the acreage that just sits there and grows things in it, your dog would probably rather lick the fresh dew off his paws than drink that. Having it 'available' doesn't mean anything to your dog. That takes care of the water part of his needs.
If the automatic food dispenser coughs up the ration and he's not there, or he isn't tempted by it, or he's not hungry at that moment, then how do you know what is eating the food you mean to be for him? That takes care of the hunger part of his nature.
The length of time he has already spent enclosed within your acreage means nothing to him. He will always wander if a) he needs to b) he decides to. He won't bond with you, his owner....he will care about as much about you as you do for him.
So what I'm wondering is, what would you do if after 36hrs you come, don't see him, fill the dispenser and leave for another 36hrs? Just what does his life mean to you anyways?
Good laugh though, that food dispenser.
Sad for your neglect of this dog.
Apr 19, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		No
by: Jeanette

Would you do this to a human and if so why? Has this ever been done to you and if so how did you like it.
Aug 19, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		More being required of Livestock Guardians than in the past.
by: Joy W

I am currently training a pair of Great Pyrenees rescues to be livestock guardians. After losing numerous lambs to coyotes, I had had enough. This might be the most difficult animal training I've done next to training a horse. These dogs are great liabilities and it must be taken seriously. Leaving a guardian dog to their own devices for long periods of time is dangerous. They are known to attack people and other pets when in guardian mode. For thousands of years, the shepherds lived with their dogs in the fields. With the invention of fencing, we are expecting more out of guardian dogs than what historical has ever been done. I love seeing the joy of these working dogs as they do what is innate. They enjoy their job, and these hard working animals require the utmost care. If you want your dogs to continue their job, you need to be able to get your hands on them at least twice daily to inspect for injuries and establish behaviors that they will obey and want to please you. That is the minimum. I am spending two 1.5 - 2 hour sessions a day training my dogs before I could ever feel confident of turning them lose in a field. There are so many great books out their on training Livestock Guardian Dogs. This short post cannot do it justice. Bottom line, it is beautiful to see a working dog loving his job, and they need proper training and twice daily care long-term. Investing in them is crucial.

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