Farm & Flock— presented by Chicken Whisperer Magazine From Puppy to Protector
livestock, increasing the risk of roaming and other behavioral problems.
Temperament is a primary consideration. Suitable LGD puppies are calm, alert and independent. Puppies exhibiting aggression, fearfulness, excessive shyness or strong dependence on human attention are unsuitable. Ideal candidates display inquisitiveness without excitability and approach new situations cautiously. Puppies that chase, growl, bite or resist handling should be avoided. Appropriate human socialization before 14 weeks of age establishes a manageable working relationship.
Bonding
During the bonding process, new puppies should be supervised mainly from a distance. Producers should observe and document signs of prey drive and submissive behavior toward livestock. Livestock chasing must be corrected immediately, preferably within 24 hours. While some behaviors can be corrected early, persistent dominance or aggression toward livestock is difficult to modify and may require the puppy to be replaced. When unobserved, puppies should approach livestock calmly and remain relaxed unless responding to a threat.
LGD puppies should not exhibit prey drive, as defined by stalking, chasing or biting livestock. While these behaviors may not appear in very young puppies, yearlings and adult dogs should never exhibit them. Dogs that persistently show prey drive toward livestock are unlikely to become effective guardians.
Submissive behavior toward livestock is essential. Puppies should interact cautiously, avoid prolonged eye contact and tolerate physical contact from livestock without aggression. Effective bonding behaviors include lowering the head and tail when approaching animals, rolling over or dropping to the ground and sleeping with livestock. Puppies that bark at, jump on or bite livestock, even when startled, must be corrected immediately to prevent injury or fear responses.
Bonding Pens
Since 2019, Texas A & M AgriLife has conducted a multi-year LGD bonding study at the San Angelo Research Center. Weaned puppies were placed with sheep or goats in 60- by 60-foot pens, with or without a
Six-month-old pup in a bonding pen with a mix of livestock.( Photo courtesy Costanzo 2021)
12 AcreageLife May 2026 AcreageLife. com