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LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN TOMPKINS CONSERVATION WILDLIFE BULLETIN NUMBER 2, MARCH 2017

Livestock vs. Predators TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction to an historical conflict and its mitigation PAGE 01

through the use of livestock guardian dogs Livestock vs. Predators: Introduction to an historical conflict and its mitigation through the use Since humans began domesti- stock and wild predators. Histor- of livestock guardian dogs cating animals, it has been nec- ically, humans have attempted PAGE 04 essary to protect livestock from to resolve this conflict through Livestock Guardian Dogs, wild predators. To this day, pre- a series of predator population an Ancient Tool in dation of livestock is one of the control measures including the Modern Times most prominent global hu- use of traps, hunting, and indis- PAGE 06 man-wildlife conflicts. Interest- criminate and nonselective poi- What Is the Job of a ingly, one of our most ancient soning—methods which are of- Livestock Guardian ? domestic companions, the dog, ten cruel and inefficient. was once a predator. One of the greatest chal- PAGE 07 The competition between lenges lies in successfully im- Breeds of Livestock man and wildlife for natural plementing effective measures Guardian Dogs

spaces and resources is often that mitigate the negative im- PAGE 08

considered the main source of pacts of this conflict. It is imper- The Presence of Livestock conflict between domestic live- ative to ensure the protection of Guardian Dogs in WILDLIFE BULLETIN NUMBER 2 MARCH 2017

man and his resources, includ- tion in predators is lower than PAGE 10 ing livestock, without compro- that of the United States, where Livestock in the Chacabuco Valley mising the conservation of the the losses are due to a variety of and the Transition Toward the Future Patagonia National Park native biodiversity. Every species predator species (Figure 1). It is plays a key role in the regula- also necessary to acknowledge PAGE 11 tion of the ecosystems that they that many farmers do not re- Livestock Guardian Dogs: (and we) inhabit and, as such, port their losses. Some U.S. states A Fix to the Challenges of Modern Conservation their survival must be protect- compensate for predator deaths, ed. Additionally, it is important but only with on-site verification PAGE 13 to note that the majority of na- of a predator attack. The Measured Effect tive species, such as foxes and In addition, one recurring of Livestock Guardian Dogs puma, are under legal protec- example of the human-wildlife on Survival Rates tion by the state of Chile. conflict in Chile is the predation PAGE 15

The economic losses caused of domesticated livestock. Among Impact and Results by predators are frequently one the species commonly involved of the Program of the main reasons sheep and are native wild carnivores such PAGE 17 producers abandon their as the culpeo fox (Lycalopex cul- Challenges in the livestock-rearing efforts or paeus), chilla fox (Lycalopex gri- Implementation of the Livestock keep them at a subsistent level. seus), puma (Puma concolor), and Guardian Dog Program

It is estimated that in the Unit- even introduced species such as PAGE 19 ed States at least 250,000 sheep the domesticated dog (Canis lupus The People Behind the Care and 150,000 die annual- familiaris) and American mink and Management of the Dogs: ly as a resultPrdidas of predation de (Vorvinos- (Neovison aprinos vison). This por conflict • José Calderón Montecinos wald, 2007). In Chile, the varia- generates significant econom- • Eduardo Castro Ibáñez Predador specico en stados nidos • Víctor Hernán Chacón

PAGE 21

Predator Amount Percentage Technical Notes: Livestock Guardian Dogs 135,600 .

Dogs 29,800 .

Pumas 12,700 .

Lynxes 11,100 .

Bears 8,500 .

Eagles 6,300 .

Foxes 4,200 .

Others 16,000 .

Total 224.200 100

Figure 1. Ovine and caprine animal losses in the United States, organized by specific predator.

PAGE 2 WILDLIFE BULLETIN NUMBER 2 MARCH 2017

ic losses for small, medium, and large-scale farmers alike. Addition- auses o doestic sheep predation ally, livestock predation can jeopar- dize the conservation of these wild in the sn Reion carnivores, largely through illegal hunting. There is little data available at the national level with regards to Culpeo o predator-livestock dynamics. At the 1 regional level, a survey of the impact ild ogs of predators on sheep carried out in the Aysén region in 2007 (Iriarte, Mink 2007) found that more than 50% of 2 Puma losses were associated with foxes, followed by 23% of losses attribut- able to feral dogs, 15% to mink, and 9% to puma (Figure 2).

More recently, through the Figure 2. Causes of domestic sheep predation in the Aysén analysis of livestock losses report- region, according to farmer observations, 2007. ed to the Agricultural and Live- stock Service, dogs, foxes, and pu- causes of livestock mortality, with region (Figure 3) (Acosta-Jamett, mas have been shown to be the main percentages varying according to 2014). For the Aysén region, more losses are attributed to native pred- ators, such as puma and foxes. Percentae o sall predation Historically, the conflict be- reported reion tween predators and ranchers, both worldwide and in Chile, has been managed through culling predator Puma populations. Despite this the con- o flict has not been resolved, and in many cases has even been aggravat- og ed by such practices. Recently, the use of non-lethal, predator-friendly methods, such as livestock guard-

ian dogs, have gained increased ac- ceptance among ranchers. ◊

rica Paninacota ouio raucana sn

Figure 3. Percentage of small cattle predation, reported by region in Chile. Percentages are calculated using a baseline of the total number of animals reported to the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) in each region in 2014.

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Livestock Guardian Dogs, an Ancient Tool in Modern Times

Livestock guardian dogs are medi- um to large-sized dogs that protect livestock herds from predator at- tacks. They live permanently with the flock and regard the flock as their companions or family, pro- tecting them against all threats. Livestock guardian dogs orig- inated thousands of years ago in Central and Asia to help herders protect their sheep and goats from predators such as bears, gray , and lynx. The earliest references to the domestication of sheep and goats date back to 8000 BC. There are records from 3585 BC of dogs among the flocks of nomadic Sumerians. Livestock guardian dogs have primarily been used to protect flocks of sheep and goats, though it is al- so common to find them protect- ing other animals, such as cattle, livestock guardian dogs have ris- ian dog use has spread widely to , deer, , alpacas, poul- en in popularity. It is estimated Canada, South America, Africa, and try, and ostriches. Historically, dogs that there are currently more than . were important castle guardians one thousand livestock guardian Guardian dogs have demon- and were even used for the protec- dogs working in the Alps (Gehring, strated their value and effective- tion of fruit trees, equipment, and 2010), with more worldwide due to ness, protecting domestic herds human families. the global reintroduction of pred- against wolves, bears, wolverines, As a result of the extermina- ators and the increase in wild dogs. pumas, foxes, dingoes, coyotes, feral tion and decline of many of Europe’s Livestock guardian dogs were dogs, birds of prey, and even chee- predators, along with the migra- introduced to North America in the tahs and leopards. tion of people to the cities and the 1970s, after the government banned Livestock guardian dogs have collectivization of agriculture in the use of poisons for the control been bred to be harmless to the communist regimes, use of live- and extermination of predators. The herd, to exhibit friendly behav- stock guardian dogs began to dis- dogs’ incorporation was success- ior and appearance (ex. drooping appear. In addition, product of the ful, demonstrating a reduction in ears) and to move calmly and slow- World War II, these protective rac- sheep depredation by at least 11% ly around the herd. They have a es met severely diminished. to as much as 100% (Gehring, 2010). low metabolism and therefore do Due to the gradual recovery of In this context and as a result of not eat much, which is a consider- large predator species in Europe, their effectiveness, livestock guard- able economic advantage. They have

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superior senses of sight, smell, and instead, they imprint with the do- trainable and obedient. They cannot hearing. The dogs interact with the mesticated species that are in need be trusted to manage herds with- shepherd, but are capable of making of protection. out human supervision. Among their own decisions and functioning Livestock guardian dogs are not the most popular of such breeds in independently, as they are raised to to be confused with shepherd/herd- Chile are the Border , the Brie live and work with the flock without ing dogs. The latter are also work- Shepherd, the , and close human supervision. ing dogs, but perform a different the Magellan Sheepdog. These dogs It is important to understand function: moving herds from one complement the work of livestock that the training of a livestock place to another. The appearance guardian dogs in the management guardian dog is based on provid- and behavior of shepherd dogs is of the herd. ◊ ing an environment where the dog very different. Typically, they have is able to develop and express its in- their ears raised and are focused herent protective talents. The dogs on the behavior of the herd. Shep- are not trained to protect livestock; herd breeds are selected to be highly

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What Is the Job of a ?

Livestock guardian dogs protect Disruption occurs when the Confrontation occurs when the their herd from predators through livestock guardian dog interrupts dog stands guard against a pred- three main techniques: territo- the predator’s hunting behavior and ator that is attacking, chasing, or rial exclusion, disruption, and “discourages” him from continu- approaching the herd. The dog may confrontation. ing his hunt. Guardian dogs become approach the predator and use in- Territorial exclusion occurs active barkers when an unknown timidation to cause the animal to when a predator recognizes the area animal or person advances. Most retreat. If a predator approaches, used by the livestock guardian dog breeds are large dogs with a deep the dog will place itself between as the territory of another predator , so they are easily noticeable the source of the threat and the through a series of signs (olfacto- when a predator approaches. This is herd, barking in warning but not ry and acoustic), and avoids enter- even more pronounced when sev- attacking the predator right away. ing it, staying clear of the herd an- eral guardian dogs work together If necessary, the dog will attack, imals within that territory. Territo- to protect a herd. The presence of fight, or even kill the predator to re- rial exclusion works very well with guardian dogs alone interrupts the move it from its territory. However, other canids, such as wolves, fox- predator’s hunt, causing it to re- these interactions between preda- es, dingoes, and feral dogs, as they treat and seek prey elsewhere. Most tor and guardian dog are quite ra- respond strongly to olfactory sig- predators will eventually accept a re. Most frequently, guardian dogs nals that indicate the area is occu- well-guarded livestock operation as act through disruption and territo- pied and instinctively tell them to “out of bounds” and will seek eas- rial exclusion. stay away. ier sources of prey. Species such as birds of prey and scavengers are more likely to face direct confrontation when they approach the herd, since they do not understand the signs or “codes of territory” demarcation that the dogs give off. These species eventual- ly learn to stay away from the area. The guardian dog is largely ef- fective as a deterrent. The dog will routinely mark its territory with urine and feces, circle the herd, and inspect the limits of its terri- tory in order to alert other animals that those areas are visited regular- ly. This is a very effective and pow- erful tool for communication be- Dog protecting its herd. tween carnivores. ◊

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Breeds of Livestock Guardian Dogs

Currently, there are at least forty Asian (Figure 5) countries have de- that they control (bears, foxes, pu- breeds of livestock guardian dogs, veloped a specific breed, some larg- mas, leopards, and cheetahs, among all of which are quite ancient. Al- er than others, and more or less ag- others). ◊ most all European (Figure 4) and gressive depending on the predator

Romania Pastor Polaco de Podalhe Pastor Rumano de Bukovina Slovak Cuvac Pastor de los Cárpatos Karakachan o Perro Pastor Búlgaro Pastor Rumano de Mioritza

Slovenia Pastor de Karst

France Gran Pirineo o Pastor de los Pirineos

Spain Mastín Español Mastín de los Pirineos

Portugal Perro de Montaña de la Sierra de Estrella Perro de Castro Laboreiro Mastín de Tras os Montes

Italy Pastor Maremma

Croatia and Macedonia Pastor Croata o Sarplaninac Pastor Griego

Figure 4. Map of Livestock Guardian Dogs breeds on the European continent. (Breed names in Spanish)

Southern Russia Pastor Ruso Ovcharka

Central Asia Pastor de Asia Central

Tibet Kyi Apso y Mastín Tibetano

Afghanistan Kuchi o Perro Pastor de Asia Central Perro Kangal Republic of Pastor de Kars Perro de Montaña Caucásico Pastor de Anatolia Gampr Armenio Perro Pastor del Cáucaso

Figure 5. Map of Livestock Guardian Dogs breeds on the Asian continent. (Breed names in Spanish) WILDLIFE BULLETIN NUMBER 2 MARCH 2017

The Presence of Livestock Guardian Dogs in Chile

The most common breeds of live- insulating undercoat), which is re- erally sporting white fur, the dogs stock guardian dogs in Chile are sistant to severe climatic condi- can also be seen with hues of ivo- the Great Pyrenees, the Marem- tions such as cold, rain, wind, and ry, cream, lemon, or pale orange. ma Sheepdog, the Pyrenean Mas- drought. Generally white in color, Their skin is white with dark tiff, and the Polish Tatra Sheepdog. they can have patches of gray or spots. The coat is wavy and can shades of red, particularly notice- be rough to the touch. The breed’s Pyrenees Shepherd, able as and fading when lips, nose, and eyelids are gener- Great Pyrenees, they reach adulthood. They have ally black and they have dark eyes. or Pyrenees Mountain Dog striking outlined, almond-shaped They have low-hanging tails that, eyes and small to medium-sized when alerted, will raise and roll on- ears. They have low-hanging tails to their backs, and they have dew that, when alerted, will raise and claws on all four legs which cannot roll onto their backs. It is standard be removed. for Pyrenees to have dew claws or The Maremma are excellent double supernumerary digits on under many conditions their hind legs. and their breeding leads them to de- Calm in temperament, guard- velop strong ties with the herd. As ian dogs usually sleep during the puppies, they tend to chew things, day and are very active at night, dig holes, and bark excessively. They barking frequently. Generally, they can act as mature guardian dogs protect the herd at a distance in or- at two years old. These dogs are der to remain observant of possible not recommended as a compan- threats. These dogs work very well ion breed. Pyrenees Shepherd in semi-isolation and are very inde- pendent. This breed is one that bet- Originating from the Pyrenees ter accepts unknown humans and Mountains between and is more social than other livestock , this is one of the oldest doc- guardian breeds. The dogs are al- umented breeds (thousands of years so known for climbing fences and old) to be used by shepherds to fend digging holes. off and bear attacks. A breed favored by French nobles, Louis Maremma Sheepdog XIV declared it the national dog of France in 1675. Originally from the Abruzzo region The Pyrenees is a very im- in the Apennine Mountains and the pressive and beautiful breed. They plains of Maremma in Tuscany, this are large dogs, with males ranging breed has been used for centuries for Maremma Sheepdog from 69 to 81 cm tall and weigh- Italian nomadic grazing, defending ing over 45 kg, and females mea- herds against wolf attacks. suring 63 to 74 cm tall and weigh- This breed measures between ing 40 kg. They have a double coat 61 and 74 cm tall and weighs be- (a water repellent topcoat and an tween 30 and 45 kg. Although gen-

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Pyrenean suring 81 cm and females measur- females are 60 to 65 cm tall, with ing from 74 to 76 cm, with weights variations of up to 2 to 3 cm. that oscillate between 52 and over The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is 68 kg. It is a rectangular dog with an extremely intelligent and intui- saggy, floppy skin around its neck. tive dog. It works best as a guardian The tail is always dangling, unlike dog under the guidance of a shep- other similar breeds. Its base color herd and is less inclined to spend as is white with well-defined patch- much time alone with the herd than es of different colors. Usually, the other breeds. These dogs are friend- puppies are born without a mask, ly toward humans and not aggres- which appears over time. sive toward other dogs. While caring The is a more for herds, the Polish Tatra Sheep- active dog than the , dog is more active against preda- but with a calm temperament, more tors than other breeds, often cir- suitable for the family and very ca- cling the pastures where the herd Pyrenean Mastiff pable of reacting to a threat. These is and barking to gather the flock mastiffs have a deep bark, but bark in case of danger. ◊ From the southern Aragonese and less than other shepherd breeds. Navarrese Pyrenees, the Pyrene- They also have a large appetite and an Mastiffs historically protected eat more than other shepherds. herds of sheep from wolf and bear attacks. The breed was also used to Polish Tatra Sheepdog guard castles and houses in the an- cient . This breed works as a guardian dog The breed has influence from in the Carpathian Mountains. The the Great Pyrenees and the Span- Polish Tatra Sheepdog is also used ish Mastiff. Larger in size, it has a in Poland by the police and military large head and developed jowls, giv- and as a , providing per- ing the impression of greater size sonal as well as livestock protection. and power. Its fur is less abundant This breed is completely white, than the Great Pyrenees but longer with a black-pigmented nose, lips, than the Spanish Mastiff. As noted, and eyelids and dark eyes. Males Polish Tatra Sheepdog it is a large dog, with males mea- can be between 65 to 70 cm tall and

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Livestock in the Chacabuco Valley and the Transition Toward the Future Patagonia National Park

For nearly a century, the economy of the Chacabuco Valley region was characterized by extensive sheep grazing for the production of wool and meat. Over the years, due to overgrazing, productivity decreased significantly. This, in addition to the existing unfavorable conditions of the sheep market, due in large part to the low international price of wool, caused the owners of the Es- tancia Valle Chacabuco to put their land up for sale in 2004. This made it possible for Con- servacion Patagonica, in the same year, to acquire the Estancia Val- le Chacabuco (80,000 ha), in the Capitán Prat province of the Aysén region, in order to begin the tran- sition of the land from a cattle and The Chacabuco Valley when it was still a cattle ranch. sheep ranch to a national park. This transition meant devel- park rangers), as was traditionally The question became how to oping a plan that considered the done for ranch workers. Two sec- maintain livestock without resort- gradual reduction and sale of live- tors of the park, Puesto Baño and ing to hunting predators. Different stock, the removal of hundreds of Cuadro de las Vacas, maintained a alternatives were investigated and miles of fences (fences and posts), low animal load (number of animals evaluated. Among these alterna- and the eradication of any prac- in a surface area), occupying on- tives was the use of livestock guard- tice that caused the death of native ly 1.4% of the total area of the park ian dogs, a technique that, though predators. (1,150 ha) and taking advantage of used in Europe and Asia for centu- It was through the implemen- the natural conditions and existing ries, was not well-known in Pata- tation of this plan that, between pastures, corrals, and sheds. gonia. After consulting the available 2004 and 2009, the number of live- As it is illegal to hunt any pu- literature and understanding the stock was reduced from 25,000 to ma or fox in Chile, our ranchers had theory of this technique, Conser- 1,000 sheep (4%) and from 3,000 to to assume 30 to 50 sheep losses and vacion Patagonica began searching 200 cattle (7%). The team decided mortalities per month due to pre- for select dogs, bred for this pur- to maintain a stock of meat animals dation. With a total of only 1,000 pose, in Chile. ◊ for internal consumption (in order sheep, this decrease made sheep to feed the workers, ranchers, and production economically unviable.

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Livestock Guardian Dogs: A Fix to the Challenges of Modern Conservation

It was not easy to find a breed of livestock guardian dog in Chile, as historically they are very uncom- mon in the region. Luckily, halfway through 2009, a litter of Great Pyr- enees companion dogs was found in the city of Osorno in southern Chile. Two 2.5 month old littermates were acquired with the goal of immedi- ately “imprinting” them with the sheep. The female was named Brisa and the male Puelche (named after winds, because of the heavy winds in the sheep-grazing area). Consequently, the first steps were taken to develop the Livestock Puelche and Lolo. Guardian Dog Program in Patago- nia Park. The initiation of the pro- and lambs, and their sounds and gram’s initiation was ensuring that gram meant putting into practice smells, as young as possible. Ad- the sheep gauchos (ranchers) were all of our previous research from ditionally, the puppies needed to able to care for the puppies, as the similar programs. One key aspect suckle from the sheep strengthen breeding, feeding, and obedience was ensuring that the puppies were their bond with the animals. Anoth- training of guardian dogs is quite exposed to the ewes, rams, sheep, er quite difficult aspect of the pro- different from that of the herding dogs the gauchos were accustomed to. Guardian dog puppies need to eat where the sheep are, ensuring the greatest possible contact between the animals. Additionally, gauchos must spare no effort in ensuring the puppies do not approach houses or “puestos.” During the first stage of the program, these recommenda- tions were met with skepticism and resistance from the livestock staff and curiosity from others. As the days and weeks passed and the gauchos were able to ob- serve the behavior of the puppies around the sheep, they began to trust in the program and change strengthening his bond with the herd. their frame of mind. The staff ulti-

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mately agreed to take on the chal- care and protection of sheep, ewes, Valley. Cuadro de las Vacas has two lenges of this program, which, and lambs, Lolo was, from the on- dogs protecting approximately 500 though seemingly odd and untra- set, incorporated into the care of the sheep, and Puesto Baño has three ditional, had the potential to work. rams. The latter are usually man- dogs protecting around 1,500 sheep. By the time the pups were six aged separately from the sheep and Cuadro de las Vacas requires more months old, there was a decrease in lambs and, due to their strong odor, dogs per sheep, as it is a more di- monthly sheep losses as a result of they are more attractive to preda- vided grazing area with more shrub predators. With this positive feed- tors and a favored prey compared vegetation in which predators can back, before the first year’s end we to the other types of sheep. hide. Each of the two groups of dogs bought a third puppy, named Lolo, At the end of 2011, Brisa and is organized and working together from a project run by the Univer- Lolo had their first litter of puppies, as a family group. ◊ sity of Chile and the Instituto Pire- leaving us with an additional work naico of Spain, which was promot- puppy, named Chica, and another, ing the use of the breed. named Puelche Chico, in 2012. We While Brisa and Puelche ini- divided these five working dogs in- tially dedicated themselves to the to two main areas of the Chacabuco

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The Measured Effect of Livestock Guardian Dogs on Sheep Survival Rates

Soon after the incorporation of the guardian dogs into the herds, we nnual sheep ortalit as a result o predation Chacabuco Valley began to monitor the effect of their presence. A range of indicators were evaluated, from the observed be- havior of the dogs to the losses suf- fered during key seasonal times, rrival o livestock uardian such as the weeks after the lambs dos trainin and aturation are born. The objective indicators (num- ber of deaths) that demonstrate the effectiveness of a livestock guard- ian dog are closely tied to the re- duction in livestock mortality rates due to predators, feral dogs, and cattle theft. Guardian dogs that are actively working are able to reduce Figure 6. Sheep mortality in the Chacabuco Valley, demonstrating these losses significantly, and it the effect of the incorporation of livestock guardian dogs’. is precisely in these cases of ac- tive work that their incorporation ration of the Conservacion Pata- caused by predators, demonstrat- is warranted. gonica guardian dogs, the Chacab- ing the practical effectiveness of As seen in Figure 6, from 2009 uco Valley sheep herd has achieved this protection method. to date, as a result of the incorpo- a significant decrease in mortality

Tagging Annual Annual Losses /Year Sector N° Sheep N° Lambs % Tagged Losses to Predators

Puesto ao

uadro de las acas

Puesto ao

uadro de las acas

Puesto ao

uadro de las acas

verae or the ears

Figure 7. Percentages of sheep tagged per year, total annual losses and total losses due to predation, in the Chacabuco Valley between 2013 and 2015.

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The use of the guardian dogs, combined with the adequate sani- tary management of the sheep, has allowed for a significant increase in sheep retention numbers each year. Losses due to predation were reduced significantly over the past six years, averaging at 1.3% per year, which is within 2% of overall an- nual losses. The guardian dogs have al- lowed for an increase in the number of lambs born per year, with a 115% increase in the number of lambs surviving past two months of age, at which point , castration, and tagging take place. These high numbers are also achieved due to the fact that some of the sheep can multiple lambs at once.

Docking, Castration, and Tagging

The docking, castration, and tag- ging of lambs is a routine process carried out annually on sheep farms after the breeding season. The pro- cess involves three simultaneous operations: tagging (the marking of the ears to indicate the sheep’s owner, usually involving a metal tag, tattoo, or branding), the cas- tration of the males, and the dock- ing or removal of the tail. In this way, the lambs are counted and the ranchers are able to determine the number of lambs docked, castrat- Annual docking, castration, and tagging in the Chacabuco Valley. ed, and tagged as a percentage of the total sheep present. ◊

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Impact and Results of the Program

Thanks to the livestock guardian dogs, we have managed to not only produce the meat necessary to feed the workers, but also to profit from the sale of sheep and wool produced. Over the past seven years, the dogs have become ambassadors to Pata- gonia Park, demonstrating an al- ternative method of livestock pro- Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network’ certification seals. duction that exists in harmony with nature and wild predators. in traditional breeding practices, as from Río Negro to Cala- Over the years, Patagonia well as in the management of live- fate. We are always working to pro- Park’s livestock guardian dog pro- stock and native predators. mote the responsible management gram has become a model, demon- In 2011, Conservacion Pata- of livestock guardian dogs. strating that livestock can be devel- gonica produced our first litter of The puppies were delivered to oped inside and in the immediate puppies. As of Februry 2017, with ranchers along with a technical pro- vicinity of a protected area, cohabi- two mother dogs, we have produced fessional, who was able to advise on tating with natural predators with- four litters and delivered 30 puppies the process for imprinting the ani- out the need for hunting or poison. to ranchers in order to spread the mals to the sheep. In order to obtain Additionally, the program delivers use of this technique for the care the best possible results, the pro- added value to our products through and protection of herds. Today, the fessionals advised ranchers to adapt the WFEN (Wildlife Friendly Enter- dogs can be found working in Chile their recommendations depending prise Network) international certi- from Villarrica in the north to Vil- on the conditions of the ranch where fication seal and promotes changes la O’Higgins in the south, and in the dogs would be working.

Distribution of livestock guardian dogs originating from Patagonia Park.

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We delivered many of these year and to sell products such as puppies sterilized (at the owner’s wool, meat, and livestock. request), as it allowed the dogs to • The validation of an old livestock work with fewer distractions. Steril- production tool (not well known ization also ensures that the dogs do in Patagonia) for which Patagonia not need to be taken out of the herd Park has become a local and nation- and into a kennel for three weeks as al reference. they go through heat, an absence • The implementation of the live- which predators can exploit. stock guardian dog model at the Parallel to the dissemination regional level by the State. Today, of the puppies, we participated in there are nearly one hundred guard- the development of a documentary ian dogs working on ranches in the film about experiences with Live- Aysén region. stock Guardian Dogs in Aysén: The • The use of livestock guardian dogs Beginning of a History. The sto- has allowed us to maintain the nat- ry is told through interviews with ural predator populations, thereby Aysén ranchers, detailing their ex- Documentary film cover. conserving the local wildlife’s eco- periences with the management of logical equilibrium. These preda- these dogs and the results that they predation, allowing for a growth tors consume the weakest, sickest, have observed. in sheep production of up to 125% or least adapted individuals, there- In summary, the program’s achieve- (115% on average). This has made by improving the condition of pop- ments to date have been: it possible to meet the annual con- ulations of guanaco, huemul, and • A 90% reduction in losses from sumption needs of 500 sheep per other wild fauna. ◊

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Challenges in the Implementation of the Livestock Guardian Dog Program

What are the primary always with the sheep, especial- parasitics. Antiparasitics should be challenges of having a ly during their first year of life, so administered every one and a half livestock guardian dog? that the sheep consider them part to three months when attempting of the herd. If dogs and puppies fol- to control echinococcal disease (a First of all, the person chosen to be low shepherds home, they must be concern in the Aysén region). in charge of the dog is very import- returned immediately to the pas- It is advisable to consider ant. A bond must be formed between ture with the herd. This action may working with neutered dogs in or- the handler and the guardian dog. need to be repeated several times a der to reduce distractions experi- The handler is responsible day, so shepherds must be firm and enced by female dogs in heat. Other- for the dog’s food, which must be have patience with the dogs; it will wise, female dogs must be removed placed in the field where the sheep pay off in the long run. from the herd for about a month and are grazing. The food can be placed, It is important to note that the placed in specialized kennels while using a trough, inside the dog’s key age for the most effective bond- they go through heat. house or on the far side of the pas- ing of the livestock guardian pup- Some people, in their search for ture where the sheep will not get pies to the herd is around 16 weeks a multipurpose dog, have attempted at it. Troughs with food dispensers old. to cross guardian dog breeds with work very well and can cover the It is also very important to shepherd/ breeds in or- dogs’ needs for three to four days maintain the dogs’ health, which der to have a single dog that does the at a time. means taking them to the veter- work of both. These attempts have The food that the guardian dogs inarian, both as puppies and as not been successful and can result consume must be of a high qual- adults, in order to keep them up-to- in a dog that cannot be used to herd ity (high-quality protein, a good date on their vaccinations and anti- cattle or protect sheep. source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and low in fat) so that their nutritional requirements are met (whether they are a puppy or an adult, a large breed or work breed). Good nutrition is necessary from the onset in order to prevent nutrition- al diseases, as these are fast-grow- ing breeds. Guardian dogs have slow metabolisms and therefore do not eat much, but it is key that the food they do eat is high-quality. Con- sideration also must be given to the fact that the dogs are outside, on the ground, for the majority of their time, walking the pastures in a range of climatic conditions. Special attention should be given to ensuring that the dogs are

PAGE 17 WILDLIFE BULLETIN NUMBER 2 MARCH 2017

ma and black bear attacks in open needed to protect the same number pastures, compared to situations of sheep. The same is true if there in which sheep are grazing inside are many predators in the area or fenced areas. many feral dog packs that may at- It is important to socialize tack the herd. In these cases, the guardian dogs so that they recog- livestock guardian dogs must act in nize the herding dogs with which groups of at least two to three in or- they routinely work, as well as the der to adequately protect the herd. other people that work with the live- When losses are most frequently in- stock. Otherwise, these other actors curred due to raiding/rustling, the may be seen as potential threats to recommendation is to raise less-so- the herd. This being said, guardian ciable guardian dogs that trust and dogs should not interact frequent- recognize only the minimum nec- ly with herding dogs. The former essary number of people, name- must know the latter, in order to ly the shepherd in charge and the let the herding dog work with the . sheep when necessary, but it is not Considering the variability advisable to let them play together. in the surfaces and features (to-

A livestock guardian dog stands pography, vegetation, etc.) of pas- guard during a sheering. How many dogs should you work tures, it is very common for live- with? How many sheep can one stock guardian dogs to travel vast Another important job of the dog guard? distances in order to mark areas sheep farmer is to “rally” the sheep with urine and feces, warning pred- before the end of the day, in case There is not enough information ators of their presence. If the pas- any have wandered farther away available to give a clear and simple ture is small or medium in size, or and bred. The goal is for the shep- answer to this question. In addition the herd is small, it is important herd to make the herd as compact to the number of animals to guard to let the neighbors know that the as possible for the guardian dog be- and their distribution on the terrain dog(s) may pass through their land fore the end of each day, so that the (affecting field subdivision and wa- because they may view it as part dog is able to efficiently protect and ter availability), one must consider of their territory. Neighbors must care for the herd at night and into field conditions such as site topog- be made aware that the dogs will the early morning, when the herd is raphy and vegetation, as well as the not hurt their sheep; rather, they most vulnerable to predator attack. density, diversity, and size of native will likely help to guard neighbor- Livestock guardian dogs are predators and the possibility of fe- ing herds against local predators. ◊ less effective when the animals ral dog attacks or raiding/rustling. they are meant to protect are more For flat areas with natural dispersed and less herded togeth- grasslands or fields delineated by er, as in cases where livestock are perimeter fences, one dog can mon- left unattended or poorly managed itor between 300 to 500 sheep. For by ranchers. In the United States, it mountainous areas that are more has also been reported that livestock broken up or have more scrubland guardian dogs are more effective and forest coverage where preda- at reducing sheep losses from pu- tors can hide, more than one dog is

PAGE 18 WILDLIFE BULLETIN NUMBER 2 MARCH 2017

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE DOGS

José Calderón Montecinos (Cochrane, 1959)

“If there were no dogs, there would be no sheep.”

Born in Cochrane in 1959, José spent which he had never worked with his whole childhood with his mother before. “The dogs give results,” and brothers in the family’s ranch he says. “The important things on the other side of the Baker River. are care and feeding. I have heard After completing his military ser- people in Cochrane complain that vice, he went to work in Argenti- the dogs don’t work, but they have na for nine years. He worked as a pastures that are very broken up, flock master in different ranching with a lot of mountains, that makes operations between San Julián and it more difficult. Besides, they leave Gobernador Gregores, in the prov- them in the field, they do not give ince of Santa Cruz. them food, they don’t go to see At the park, he met the “blan- them, how can they work well like José Calderón Montecinos cos” (livestock guardian dogs), this?” ◊

Eduardo Castro Ibáñez (Cochrane, 1962)

“One recognizes the work of the ‘blancos,’ they are very good, thanks to them we are shearing.”

Eduardo was born in 1962 in Co- with herding and puma-hunting chrane. He grew up with his grand- (leonero) dogs as a “leonero” (or mother in the countryside, on the handler). Once the sheep shearing coast of San Lorenzo, and did not had been completed, he would go up go to school. At age 14, he began to to his summer post to tend sheep work, and at age 20 he went to Gov- and get rid of puma. “During the Es- ernor Gregores, Argentina. Then, tancia era, there were many sheep when the De Smet family began the losses due to puma and foxes, 600 to Estancia Valle Chacabuco (Chaca- 800 sheep killed by puma each year. buco Valley Ranch), he worked for I hunted between 8 and 16 puma them as a sheepherder and cow- each year.” Eduardo did this work boy for nine years. For two years he for three years and managed to kill was in charge of the Cuadro Grande 40 animals. ranching area, along with J.L. Raty “I didn’t know about guard- and in the Playa Vidal area next to ian dogs. I remember that in 1975 Lake Cochrane. Since May 2005, he there was a person with a collie dog Eduardo Castro Ibáñez has worked for Conservacion Pata- that worked with 50 sheep, that was gonica in Patagonia Park. the closest thing I saw. I first met ognizes the work of the ‘blancos,’ During the winters, he worked the ‘blancos’ (guardian dogs) when they are very good, thanks to them at the Estancia Valle Chacabuco, Puelche and Brisa arrived. One rec- we are shearing.” ◊

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THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE DOGS

Víctor Hernán Chacón (Chonchi, 1941)

“They care for the hacienda at night, they are really good. Without them we wouldn’t have any sheep.”

Víctor was born in 1941 in Chonchi, of the estancia at the time. By the Chiloé. He left the island of Chiloé time of the agricultural reform, Víc- at a young age to work at Estancia tor had been settled in Paso Hon- Ñirehuao. He continued to work on do for 14 years. estancias in Argentina until he ar- “All my life I was accustomed rived at the Estancia Valle Chacab- to the herding dogs, there were no uco in 1958 at just 17 years old. He dogs that protected the cattle. I met began work as a kitchen aid, and by them when I returned to work af- the end of the year he was already ter retirement. They care for the working as a sheepherder, a job he hacienda at night, they are really learned under the tutelage of Mr. good. Without them we wouldn’t Víctor Hernán Chacón Murdoch Buchanan, the manager have any sheep.” ◊

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TECHNICAL NOTES

Livestock Guardian Dogs

months old) with rams or sheep, 6. The dog must recognize its name as it is likely the animals will at- (ideally short), respond to being tack the puppy and cause the dog to called, and respect basic commands. have a negative first experience or It is important to have patience, as a serious accident, inciting fear and these are not naturally obedient mistrust in the long term. dogs and they are accustomed to 4. The process of socializing the making their own decisions. puppy and the sheep should begin 7. Remember that the dog is a pup- gradually in a shed and corral. The py until it reaches one year of age. puppy should always have food, wa- During this first year of life, the ter, and a warm place to sleep. If the puppy will form habits and should puppy is still nursing, it is ideal to be encouraged when expressing have it nurse from a mother sheep guardian instincts and corrected 1. The main objective of introducing and share with the lambs. This will when making mistakes in order to guardian dogs into the herd is to re- strengthen the bond between the achieve the desired behavior in the duce the losses caused throughout puppy and the sheep. mature, adult dog. the year by predators (such as fox- 5. A bond must be created between 8. Livestock guardian dogs should es and pumas) and rustling/raid- the dog and its “master” in order be rewarded for a job well done ing. To do this, a high level of ef- to establish hierarchy and trust. with affection (administered at their fort must be put into the recom- Guardian dogs are naturally dom- place of work, with the sheep) or a mended techniques so as to ensure inant and require authority. They large bone (large enough to ensure the greatest amount of contact be- should neither be companion dogs they don’t accidentally swallow it). tween the dogs and the sheep they nor wild, aggressive, uncontrolla- 9. The puppy’s food should always are to protect. ble dogs. be delivered wherever the sheep 2. The process of socialization and integration between the puppy and the sheep can initially begin with a small group of ewe and ram lambs, allowing them to become accus- tomed to the puppy. Begin with a barrier (mesh or wooden planks) between the dog and the sheep, al- lowing them to get to know each other and smell each other, so that they may later interact freely. 3. Little by little, puppies and lambs should be moved into wider cor- rals and enclosures. Do not place very small puppies (less than five

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TECHNICAL NOTES

15. Bringing any other dog in or near the area a guardian dog is protecting is highly discouraged. Additionally, guardian dogs should not be allowed to approach a house or anywhere else that other dogs are located. If this happens, the han- dler must give a clear “no” com- mand and send the guardian dog back to the worksite with the sheep. It is advisable, especially while the roles and spaces of the guardian dogs are still being defined, that other household dogs remain tied

Pup suckling a sheep to strengthen their bond. up elsewhere. The idea is that the household dogs get to know the livestock guardian dogs but that are, at least twice a day (three times ommended. Puppies should be fed they do not become friends. a day if the puppy is less than three this formula until they are one year 16. In the first months of training, months old). Food should be deliv- old, after which time they should be the puppy should be discouraged ered by hand or through the use of given adult dog kibble. from making friends with shep- dispensers or a small food trough. 12. Care must be taken not to over- herd or house dogs, as they will Never feed the dog in a human feed guardian dogs. Being over- tend to follow them and/or accom- dwelling. weight can have negative conse- pany them and likely learn behav- 10. Special attention should be paid quences on dogs’ joints and bones. iors inappropriate for a livestock to concentrated feed (kibble), en- These breeds have slow metabolisms guardian dog. suring it is clear what the recom- and they do not need “extra” food, as 17. Guardian dogs should not be mended minimum amount of feed food brands sometimes recommend. regularly petted, nor is it advisable per day is (depending on the dog’s 13. It is important for shepherds or to allow other people or children to weight) and that this amount is di- handlers to always remove skins visit them while they’re working vided into two portions. If the dogs and dead animals, regardless of the and treat them as . get bored with a certain type of feed, cause of death, in order to prevent 18. Livestock guardian dogs like handlers are encouraged to mix in a the dogs from developing bad habits. routine and have very good mem- different kind. Water must also al- 14. Shepherds must be very aware ories. Any change, strange animal or ways be freely available. and cautious of the risk of dogs be- human could be considered a threat. 11. Due to the large and rapid growth ing poisoned, run over, or even shot This can be both a good and bad of livestock guardian dogs, it is im- when seen among a flock of sheep. trait, depending on the situation. portant to use good-quality (and Always inform neighbors of the 19. When it is necessary to carry higher-cost) food in order to avoid presence of the guardian dogs and out maneuvers and movements of any issues during bone and muscle consider putting up signs warning the sheep with shepherd/herding development. The use of formulas that dogs are working in the area, dogs, the ideal is for the guardian that are specifically trademarked for as not everyone is familiar with the dogs to only accept the other dogs large or giant breed puppies is rec- size and behavior of these breeds.

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TECHNICAL NOTES

in the presence of a shepherd. The something wrong. The reprimand on the back legs of guardian dogs are guardian dogs are not to allow the must be given in the moment, and checked regularly, as they can grow shepherd dogs to approach the herd discipline is fundamental. curved and become buried into the without a shepherd or handler pres- 21. As they grow older, guardian dog’s paw. If the dew claws are too ent. The guardian dogs should ac- dogs will perform better, to the ex- long, just the tips should be cut. cept the other dogs but not learn tent that the above recommenda- In terms of veterinary health, is how to herd or maneuver sheep. tions have been followed. It is al- recommended that guardian dogs 20. Any bad or undesirable behavior ways advisable to have someone take broad-spectrum deworming presented by the guardian dog (such supervising the livestock guardian tablets every two to three months. as returning to a human dwelling, dogs as they go about their work, In areas where hydatidosis is a con- playing with other dogs, or chasing especially during their first year of cern, antiparasitics should be ad- sheep) should be repressed imme- life, in order to avoid any accidents. ministered every month and a half. diately from the moment the mis- 22. It is very important to rally the By six months old, Chilean guard- conduct is detected through a clear, sheep together at the end of the ian dogs should have been admin- simple, and energetic command of day so that they are concentrated istered four octuple vaccines and “no” (without hitting the dogs or in one area of the pasture. This fa- one dose. After the dogs reach being aggressive toward them). It cilitates the work of the guardian one year of age, dogs should have is fundamental to establish a hier- dogs, especially in cases with ex- one octuple vaccine and one rabies archy between the master and the tensive pastures where sheep be- shot annually and an antiparasit- dog, but not to resort to violence, as come widely dispersed throughout ic vaccine every one and a half to submissiveness is a negative trait the paddocks during the day. three months. These recommenda- in a guardian dog and can pose a 23. During the summer, it is recom- tions may vary slightly, depending threat to the handler. Additionally, mended that handlers shear guard- on veterinary recommendations for the dogs have a very good memory ian dogs, focusing on the chest and each specific case. and such violence can cause irrep- legs where seeds often get stuck and When buying vaccines, remember arable damage to their bond with are impossible to remove, thereby to transport the refrigerated med- their handler. It is useless to rep- tangling the dogs’ hair. icine in a cooler or plastic bag with rimand a dog after they have done 24. It is recommended that dew claws ice (do not freeze the vaccine!).

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Acosta – Jamett G. 2014. Estudio de percepción conflicto ganadería – predadores en las regiones de Arica y Parinacota, Coquimbo, Araucanía y Aysén. Universidad Austral de Chile. 51 pp.

Dawydiak O and Sims D. 2004. Livestock Protection Dogs, Selection, Care and Training. 244 pp.

Gehring T., VerCauteren K., Landry J. 2010. Livestock Protection Dogs in the 21st Century: Is an Ancient Tool Relevant to Modern Conservation Challenges? www.biosciencemag.org April 2010/ Vol. 60 No. 4. 299–308 pp.

Iriarte A. 2007. Informe Final “Análisis del Impacto de Predación del Zorro Colorado (Lycalopex culpaeus) en Ovinos. Fondo de Desarrollo Regional.

Van Bommel L. 2010. Guardian Dogs: Best Practice Manual for the use of Livestock Guardian Dogs. Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Center, Australian Government. 127 pp.

Vorwald Dohner J. 2007. Storey´s Working Animals Livestock Guardian. Using dogs, donkeys and llamas to protect your herd. 229 pp.

Text: Paula Herrera | Design: Andrés Stubelt Photography: Carolina Barros, Raul Espinosa, Cite as: Herrera, P.. 2017. Livestock Guardian Dogs. Eugenie Frerichs, José Manuel Gortazar, Paula Herrera, Wildlife Bulletin Nº2. Conservacion Patagonica. Raul Espinosa, Francisco Morandé, Rick Ridgeway, March 2017. 24 pp. Cristián Saucedo, Jimmy Valdés, Rodrigo Villablanca, Beth Wald

Special thanks to Raúl Espinosa, Paulina Godoy, Ignacio Palma, Cristián Saucedo, Fernán Silva and Macarena Varela.

m [email protected] w www.conservacionpatagonica.org w www.parquepatagonia.org