Winter is upon us and dreams of spring, green grass and warm days dance upon our thoughts.
One question that is quite popular when people contact me is:
"When should I purchase a livestock guardian dog? Before the stock?
After they arrive?"
Your livestock guardian dog should arrive after your stock.
If you are purchasing new stock, it is easier to purchase stock from someone who has a livestock guardian dog working with them, verse getting stock from someone who has no livestock guardian dog. The stock are very familiar and comfortable with the dogs and the stock understand the why. Why that dog is in there with them. To protect them.
Stock that has never lived with a livestock guardian dog view that dog as prey and must learn that the dog is there to protect them. Quite the opposite from the stock who rely on the dogs because they know the dogs purpose.
You can also have your dog arrive later that same day - or a week later.
Do not get your dog before your stock.
Please note: If you want your dog to work with chickens, but you only have sheep now. Your dog can work with sheep until your chickens arrive at a later date. Or vice versa.
As long as your livestock guardian dog has stock to live with and guard, s/he is ready to arrive at your farm and begin his new job.
Comments