Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care, and Training

There is a difference between herding, hunting, and livestock protection dogs. While all three types are usually associated with certain breeds, the first two types of dogs generally work under direct human supervision. Livestock protection dogs are unique in that they can protect a variety of livestock types independently of humans. While other books on the market will address basic obedience training and training for herding and hunting dogs, Livestock Protection Dogs focuses specifically on the uses of livestock protection dogs, telling about the origin and different features of each of these breeds; how to select and train a puppy; address behavioral and training problems; and provides breeder contact information. Also covered are topics such as the dog as a family companion, diet and health problems, and special considerations for protecting unusual livestock, everything from waterfowl to ratites and camelids. The authors have written a book that is easy to read and informative, for both the average reader as well as the owner or breeder of livestock protection dogs. A nicely detailed table of contents, comprehensive bibliography, suggested reading list, list of websites and breeder contact information, sample questions for prospective dog owners and breeders to consider, supply valuable information. Black and white photographs portray the beauty and variety of the different breeds, while anecdotes testify to the lengths the dogs will go to to protect their charges. Because of the growth in popularity in livestock protection dogs, several updates were added to this second edition, such as more identification of breed types photos, revised training methods, expanded list of animals now protected by these dogs, and crucial information for new breeders. The authors encourage feedback on training methods from their readers. Canadian authors Orysia Dawydiak and David Sims are world-renowned for their experience with and knowledge of livestock protection dogs. David Sims wrote the first edition of this book. [Reviewed October 2004]

VERY GOOD BOOK,LITTLE CONFUSING LIVESTOCK PROTECTIONDOGS WHEN YOU CALL THE DOGS LGD LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG.I REALY RECOMEND PEOPLE TO READ IT BEFORE TO GET THE DOG AND NOT AFTER LIKE ME. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO BUY IT WHEN YOU LIVE IN SPAIN AND I MISSED VERY MUCH A VERY OLD LGD BREED THE SPANISH MASTIFF-MASTIN ESPAÑOL THAT HAVE GUARDING THE SHEEP FROM WOLFS DURING HUNDREDS OF YEARS AND STILL DOING IT IN SPAIN BUT NOT KNOWN OUTSIDE SPAIN.I HOPE THEY WILL BE IN THE NEXT EDITION.TODAY YOU CAN EVEN FIND WEB-SITE IN ENGLISH AND IF YOU LIKE YOU CAN CONTACT ME.THE SPANISH MASTIFF IS NOT SO AGGRESIVE TO PEOPLE BUT VERY WACHFUL DURING NIGHT.MARGA

From wolves hungering for sheep to foxes in the henhouse, ranchers and farmers have always had to deal with the problem of predators. The use of dogs as a front line of defense against predators has achieved even greater popularity with the rising trends prohibiting the use of poisons, traps, and guns. Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care And Training, by Orysia Dawydiak and David E. Sims defines what constitutes a livestock protection dog; surveys the various dog breeds; provides key advice on puppy selection; addresses both the adolescent and mature dog; identifies specific behavioral probelms and their solutions, and more. If you are in need of a dog to protect your property and your livestock, Livestock Protection Dogs will prove to be invaluable reading.

I hope you have found your way to the page for the new, revised version of this book, published in 2004. If not, search books for the co-author "Dawydiak", and this will bring you to the page where the new version can be ordered.This book is written by co-authors who have been involved in breeding and working with livestock protection dogs for over 20 years. They bring their wealth of experience and common sense to the book. The things they write are based on a great deal of experience.The book contains breed descriptions of various livestock protection dog breeds. Seventeen breeds, some quite rare, are discussed, as well as mixed breed dogs. Breed descriptions are given, including the major assets and drawbacks of the various breeds. Photos of excellent working dogs of various livestock protection dog breeds appear throughout the book. Discussion of breeds moves to selection of a pup, and the authors remind us that all of these breeds have important things in common and that within breed differences may be important. Selecting a breed might come down to the need for a shorter coated dog in a warmer climate or simply the fact that a good breeder with satisfied customers lives nearby. One breed is not necessarily better than another, but a pup from a good breeder from a specific breed may be the best choice for a given situation. A moment for a word on what livestock protection dogs are: These are dogs that protect livestock from predators. They are big, athletic and smart, especially if evaluated in terms of what they do well raather than what other breeds do well. These are not "herding dogs". Nor are they urban property protection dogs. Their temperament is uniquely suited to forming family bonds with livestock and then protecting their livestock family as well as their human family. While they will protect their human family, persons seeking an urban-type guard dog may find other breeds more suitable for this role. These dogs are not good for "schutzhund" training, for example.This book concentrates on livestock protection dog breeds. The main focus is on working dogs, but a chapter on keeping these dogs in companion animal roles is included, and much of the information presented to the livestock raiser would also be useful to the person wanting to learn more about keeping one of these dogs in a "domestic" setting. In discussion of health or behavior issues, the emphasis is on those which are common to livestock protection dogs, leaving aside the general issues of canine health or behavior issues. General dog information can be found in other books. Good info on livestock protection dogs is hard to come by. A chapter on breeding is worthy of consideration. The authors have been breeding and working with Akbash Dogs for over 20 years. They exemplify the modern, conscientious breeder who is concerned about whether her pups go to good homes and who are willing to follow through with assisting the people who receive these

It is an excellent book on raising and maintaining a livestock protection dog. I have used the book many times when I have a problem with my dog. The authors seemed to be on target in their methods compared to the other books I have looked at. It is an excellent book I would recommend it to anyone.