Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care and Training

by Orysia Dawydiak, David Sims

Small farms and large ranches are turning to dogs as a humane and ecologically sound way to protect their investments. This newly revised edition will make it easy to select a breed, care for, and train a livestock protection dog. Training methods have been refined and expanded, and there's even a chapter on guarding unusual stock, plus a discussion of theory, history and selection; livestock protection breeds as dual companion/working dogs; puppy temperament testing and training. Illustrated.

Topics What a livestock protection dog can do, Selecting a puppy, Caring for your dog, Behavioral problems and solutions, preparations for a family companion, guarding unusual stock, older dogs, puppy temperament testing and training. Plus much more!!!

Please be aware that this older title may recommend some training techniques that are now considered outdated. At the time of publication the use of negative reinforcement and positive punishment were more widely used to teach certain types of behaviors, especially with dogs who display a high degree of resilience. We encourage owners to always use the least intrusive, minimally aversive methods possible.

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Genres: Nonfiction, Agriculture

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Orysia, the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants, understood several languages in her post WWII neighbourhood in northern Ontario. Now she writes in English, but draws on her life experiences for her historical fiction, as well as her observations of animal and human behaviour. Her latest projects have taken her under the sea to explore a world of hybrid creatures that may or may not exist. In between, she resides on land and records the lives of specialized dogs that work with their human partners to protect sheep, cattle and poultry from serious predators.

Reviews

[Branden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a Kangal/Caucasian Ovcharka cross. He's not a full-time LGD, but a general farm dog and property guardian. This has been BY FAR the best book re selection, care training, etc I have come across. Thsi book is a must-have for a first time owner of any LGD breed.

[Belinda]

Excellent book if you are thinking about Livestock protection dogs what breeds and personality traits.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book to keep on the shelf when you need it. A slim volume that doesn't try to cover every topic exhaustively but is thorough and includes suggestions for further research. Many books in this genre are bulked up unnecessarily on breed selection but this one has a good balance and plenty of day to day practical advice.