Young puppies great guardians for my goats

by Carol Battaglio
(Powell River, BC)

I just acquired two beautiful great Pyrenees mountain dogs to be guardians for my goats. They are four months old, and beautiful, friendly bundles of enthusiasm.

From time to time I have cougar problems, and the puppies are part of my safety strategy for my cashmere goats. So I was advised to NOT bond with the dogs, but keep them in the field to bond with the goats. This is hard to do, because the dogs want to run about with me. I speak to them firmly and place them back in the field, but they are expert at finding escape routes -- even squeezing through the wire farm fence! After I put them in the field,and speak firmly, they will stay. If one puppy escapes, the other cries -- does not want to be left alone.

Are the puppies too young to be left alone in the field, just outside the goat shed? Is it OK for me to "bond" and visit with them at some time during the day, or do I need to leave them until they are bonded with the goats. Right now the goats run away from them, the billy sometimes is aggressive toward them.

I am not too happy with the situation. Some guidance please. Carol Battaglio, BC

Comments for Young puppies great guardians for my goats

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 03, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		young puppies as guardians
by: Marianne

Well, your instincts are spot on. Young puppies like that are definitely too Young to be left outside to guard.

The normal procedure would be to let them sleep in the barn, safely, and you can take them out on leashes when you make the rounds of the fields so that they learn the boundaries.

They will not be ready to guard on their own before they are about 12 months of age. It is always so much easier for them to learn when they have an adult guardian to show them the ropes but you don,t have that here.

Furthermore, there is nothing wrong with bringing http://www.sonic. net/~cdlcruz/ GPCC/library/ startpup. htmthem into the house to bond with you and the family as long as you make sure they bond with the flock as they get older in their learning of their job.

You must socialize them . How are you going to show them who is acceptable to come to see you and who is not if you don't. At the very least, you will need to take them to the veterinarian or have the vet come to you place to see about their vaccines and care for you animals. I have also seen some of the 'completely natural' ...read unsocialised... not allow their owners to approach the sheep.

Unfortunately the myth that livestock guardians should not have any dealings with people has a hardy life, even though it is completely false, a true old wives' tale. It has its origin in the early farm times of the 20s and 30s and before where the population was sparse and strangers were not necessarily well-mannered. the farm dog was a guardian for the farm animals and for the people who were all part of the same charge.

We have a good book in the Great Pyr list (see Under 'services' on left) that will certainly help you with any questions you may have. there is also excellent infomation at the Great Pyrenees Library at

http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/startpup.htm

or you can Google the Great Pyrenees Library and it will show you the link.

Good luck and feel free to ask again if you need to.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Anemone

    Jul 22, 24 12:04 PM

    DOB: Approx. July 2022 Location: Acton, Ontario Anemone is a sweetheart. This Great Pyr came from a neglect situation, and the SPCA asked if we could

    Read More

  2. Ramona

    Jul 07, 24 06:06 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. July 2023 Location: Acton, ON Children: Over 12 due to her lack manners at this time Dogs: Yes Cats: Unknown, but with proper

    Read More

  3. Courtesy Post - Momo

    Jun 18, 24 12:13 PM

    *ADOPTED* Momo DOB: Nov 19, 2020 (3-years-old) Location: Trenton, Ontario Good in car House-trained Fine on stairs Separation anxiety: No Reactive

    Read More

  4. The Oldest Great Pyr?

    Jun 10, 24 03:00 PM

    MG-Picture2
    Is this the oldest Great Pyr? Great Pyrs have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. This one exceeds that. Read the details here.

    Read More

  5. Mini Fee En Francais

    Jun 10, 24 02:11 PM

    MG-Picture2
    MiniFee En Francais

    Read More

  6. Courtesy Post - Maya

    Jun 09, 24 06:25 AM

    *Adopted* Location: Burlington, Ontario DOB: Jan 3, 2021 (3 years and 5 months) Gender: Female, 75lbs House-trained Good in car Walks well on leash

    Read More

  7. Miss Vicki

    May 26, 24 10:55 AM

    *ADOPTED* This sweetheart landed in a family of two adults, one toddler, and four canine pals who loves her from the moment they met her. She hit the

    Read More

  8. Buster

    May 18, 24 12:43 PM

    DOB: 2016 (7-years-old) Location: Acton, Ontario Good with people, especially children Gets along with dogs Big white fluffy mix. The rescue recommends

    Read More