Guard dogs and herding dogs

In short

• A good guardian is attentive (always with the flock), trustworthy (doesn't harm the stock) and protective (stands up to a predator).
• It grows up in the flock from 8–10 weeks. A dog from the house or a chain doesn't become a guardian.
• Against wolves or coyote packs, at least two dogs, plus a night fold or electric fence. One measure alone is not enough.
• A guardian defends the flock against people too: a sign at the gate, fencing by the path, care with walkers and children.
• Never raw offal or carcasses; the vet plans tapeworm treatment at least every 3 months, and every 4–6 weeks for dogs near slaughter and carcasses (H32-06 Health and parasites).
• Wolves and bears are often protected: no poison, snares or shooting outside the law. Report losses to the competent authority.

What's inside

Chapters

1. What a livestock guardian does
2. Guardian breeds
3. How many dogs and what kind of team
4. The dog, the fold and the fence
5. Wolves, coyotes, bears and loose dogs
6. Dogs on hill and range grazing
7. The guardian and people on the holding
8. Food and health of a working dog
9. When the dog isn't working right
10. The old dog and its replacement
11. Common mistakes
12. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Flock protection plan
• Weekly rating of the guardian
• Food and cost calculator
• Incident log
• A year with guardian dogs
• Signs for the pasture gate