LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG EDUCATION NETWORK
  • Home
  • About LGDEN
  • What is a LGD?
    • Definition of Working
    • LGD FAQ
  • LGD Breeds
    • LGD Breeds
    • LGDEN Breeds Statement
    • Cross-bred LGDs
    • Rescue LGDs
  • Education
    • Management
    • Right to Farm
    • Links
  • Contact

Definition of a WORKING Livestock Guardian Dog

A working livestock guardian dog has a job – which is to watch over and protect the stock of the owner.

​In order for the LGD to perform its job he must live with the stock on a continual basis, 24/7/365, (a few exceptions would be during short periods of time, like females in season, whelping, injury, etc).

Guarding livestock must be the LGD’s primary job; he must willingly travel with the flock and be in proximity to the herd to protect them; he needs to be tough enough to face predators; he must be built for the job - have the size, agility, and coat for the job in all seasons.
​
If predators come calling the livestock guardian dog is the first line of defense.

 
What a working LGD is NOT:
  • A dog of any breed that was not developed to have the instincts, size, coat and ability to live with and protect livestock from predators by innately utilizing behaviors that define a livestock guardian dog.
  • A dog that is a general farm guardian who does not live with the livestock on a continual basis, but roams around the farm, coming and going as it pleases.
  • A dog that spends significant amounts of time away from the livestock on a daily or regular basis – like one who spends more time sleeping on the porch or in the yard than living with the stock.
  • A dog that looks for human guidance and direction and does not have the instincts to independently handle predator situations appropriately.
  • A dog that sleeps at night any place that is NOT with the livestock.
  • A dog that is good with livestock but does not live with and protect livestock night and day.
  • A dog that barks but doesn’t have the rest of the criteria for follow-through in predator confrontations.
  • A dog that would rather be with people than with livestock.
  • A dog is NOT a working livestock guardian dog if you only have a few livestock for the sole purpose of proving your dog is "good" with them and for photos, instead of the very real reason of protecting your livestock from predation.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.