About LGDEN
The Livestock Guardian Dog Education Network started in 2013 when a group of LGD owners and breeders responded to the need for more consolidated, current and relevant education about livestock guardian dogs to be available in one source on the web.
Dedicated to promoting the successful use of livestock guardian dogs, the Livestock Guardian Dog Education Network (LGDEN) was formed to provide an educational resource for individuals, livestock producers and organizations, as well as a link to conscientious LGD breeders who understand the importance of mentoriship, working ability, health and soundness in breeding practices.
Dedicated to promoting the successful use of livestock guardian dogs, the Livestock Guardian Dog Education Network (LGDEN) was formed to provide an educational resource for individuals, livestock producers and organizations, as well as a link to conscientious LGD breeders who understand the importance of mentoriship, working ability, health and soundness in breeding practices.
Goals of the Livestock Guardian Dog Education Network
1. Open communications with the USDA so that experienced owners/breeders can weigh in on the research that is currently being conducted in regards to the use of LGD's.
a. Elect the main correspondent with the USDA
b. Form a list of questions so that we understand the research as it pertains to LGDs
c. Define our concerns in regards to the focus of the studies use of LGDs
d. Sponsor the use of local LGDs instead of imports for continued/future studies - build a local relationship with the USDA
2. Organize a coalition of owners and breeders who would like to be involved in forming an education network.
a. Working LGD's are the focus of education
b. Whole dog concept - working ability, health, temperament, structure
c. Sponsorship and breed specific education
d. List Breeders and volunteer Members who are willing to mentor new owners
e. Volunteer Members to host LGD booths at local fairs, livestock venues, etc
3. Open communications with breed specific clubs to coordinate unified educational materials for working LGDs.
a. Code of Ethics breeding, health education, breed protection and LGD use promotion
b. Unification of working LGD breeders within a breed, networking for referrals
4. Form relationships with livestock industry groups for LGD education opportunities.
a. Provide education information for industry newsletters/magazines
b. Host booths/seminars at industry venues
c. Provide mentoring, educational recourses for industry members to access
5. In conjunction with or as an affiliate, provide educational information about the various LGD breeds.
a. Basic, breed-based information material for the public to make educated decisions about the use of each breed as it relates to their circumstance
b. Provide contact information for conscientious, working LGD breeders
c. Give rare-breed's a place to promote and educate about their breeds
d. Set the standard for the whole dog concept
6. Provide ongoing research in conjunction with both conservation and ranching organizations.
7. Advisory work in regards to individual livestock operations.
a. LGD management (recommending breed, number of dogs, etc)
b. Other protective measures
c. Troubleshooting problems
8. Sponsor education for non-lethal predator management as a viable solution for predator conflicts.
a. Elect the main correspondent with the USDA
b. Form a list of questions so that we understand the research as it pertains to LGDs
c. Define our concerns in regards to the focus of the studies use of LGDs
d. Sponsor the use of local LGDs instead of imports for continued/future studies - build a local relationship with the USDA
2. Organize a coalition of owners and breeders who would like to be involved in forming an education network.
a. Working LGD's are the focus of education
b. Whole dog concept - working ability, health, temperament, structure
c. Sponsorship and breed specific education
d. List Breeders and volunteer Members who are willing to mentor new owners
e. Volunteer Members to host LGD booths at local fairs, livestock venues, etc
3. Open communications with breed specific clubs to coordinate unified educational materials for working LGDs.
a. Code of Ethics breeding, health education, breed protection and LGD use promotion
b. Unification of working LGD breeders within a breed, networking for referrals
4. Form relationships with livestock industry groups for LGD education opportunities.
a. Provide education information for industry newsletters/magazines
b. Host booths/seminars at industry venues
c. Provide mentoring, educational recourses for industry members to access
5. In conjunction with or as an affiliate, provide educational information about the various LGD breeds.
a. Basic, breed-based information material for the public to make educated decisions about the use of each breed as it relates to their circumstance
b. Provide contact information for conscientious, working LGD breeders
c. Give rare-breed's a place to promote and educate about their breeds
d. Set the standard for the whole dog concept
6. Provide ongoing research in conjunction with both conservation and ranching organizations.
7. Advisory work in regards to individual livestock operations.
a. LGD management (recommending breed, number of dogs, etc)
b. Other protective measures
c. Troubleshooting problems
8. Sponsor education for non-lethal predator management as a viable solution for predator conflicts.