EC 1238 Reprinted May 2002 $1.50 Raising and Training a Livestock-guarding Dog J.R. Lorenz and L. Coppinger

uarding dogs are useful tools for reducing livestock DATE. G losses to predators. Success depends on the inborn abilities of the dog and on proper training. This OF publication provides suggestions for bringing out the best performance in your livestock-guarding dog. We’ll review the basics of guard- ing dog behavior and methods for OUT starting a pup with sheep. We’ll discuss problems that you might IS encounter during the training process, as well as possible solutions. Basic behavior patterns are the same for any of the Old World breeds, such as Anatolian Shepherd, Castro Laboreiro, Great Pyrenees, information: Komondor, Kuvasz, Maremma, Figure 1.—These 8-week Maremma pups are being raised in the lambing barn. The Polish Tatra, Shar Planinetz, and vertical boards nailed to the feed trough give pups a place to escape from a ewe Tibetan Mastiff. Our suggestions that may butt. Sniffing nose-to-nose is the start of social bonding. Note the similarity will work for any of these breeds. of the interaction between this lamb and pup to the ram and adult dog in Figure 2b. Furthermore, over the past 200 years, the Navajos have used the same methods to train dogs for guardian behavior that are compatible with devices. Deciding where you want duty in New Mexico and Arizona.current your operation. the dog to work and which sheep Training a guardingPUBLICATION dog uses Successful training produces an you want the dog to protect are techniques that are much different adult that’s trustworthy with sheep, other factors in developing a suc- from those used in training a dog for attentive to sheep, and protective of cessful training program. obedience, hunting, or herding. sheep. These factors build on one Training a livestock-guardingmost dog another: protective behavior is isTHIS primarily a matter of raising the mainly the result of trustworthy and dog with sheep to establish a social attentive behavior. bond between sheep and dog For Training may include specific (Figure 1). It’s a process that Jay R. Lorenz, former Extension goals that blend with your operation. depends on supervision to prevent wildlife specialist, Oregon State Perhaps your dog must not jump bad habits fromhttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog developing and on University; and Lorna Coppinger, fences, must adjust to rotational establishing limits of acceptable faculty associate, Hampshire College, grazing, or must avoid antipredator Amherst, Massachusetts. Basic guarding dog behavior Livestock-guarding dogs have traits that distinguish them from other breeds. They tend to retain puppylike characteristics throughout their adult lives—licking the muzzle of an adult, food begging, play wrestling, following parents or littermates, staying near a home or den site, barking when something new or strange approaches, and absence of predatory behavior. The frequency of display of these behaviors varies among dogs, but it DATE. can be encouraged and reinforced in Figure 2a.—These three different submissive poses of an adult Maremma allow a dog through learning and positive sheep to investigate, and each one fosters dog–sheep bonding. Here, eyes are experience. Your dog will direct squinted and ears are back; forepaw and rearOF leg are raised. The dog is prepared many of these behaviors toward the to roll over on its back as in Figure 4a. sheep as if they were littermates or parents. Livestock-guarding dogs also tend to follow a routine. Establish- OUT ing an acceptable routine for a growing pup will help to set the IS pattern of adult behavior. A well- established pattern or routine often is difficult to change. For example, a pup that never learns to jump a fence may never become a fence-jumper as an adult. However, if fence jumping becomes information: an established routine, it’s difficult to correct.

Trustworthy Figure 2b.—Eyes are squinted, and ears are back in this nose-to-nose sniffing. The absence of predatory behav- ior is the basis of trustworthiness. Livestock-guarding dogs are current selected to displayPUBLICATION investigatory and submissive behaviors that do not threaten sheep or other livestock. Approaching sheep with ears back and squinted eyes,most avoiding directTHIS eye contact, and lying on the back are called submissive behav- iors (Figure 2). Sniffing around the head or analFor areas is called investi- gatory behavior. Both are desirable behaviors, signs thathttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog your dog has the right instincts and is working properly.

Figure 2c.—Again with squinted eyes and ears back, the dog avoids direct eye contact with sheep.

2 Raising your pup Social bonds During the first year, training should emphasize socializing your dog with sheep to form social bonds. Social contacts made shortly after weaning are believed to be important for correct social contacts as adults. Young pups confined with sheep are more likely as adults to prefer sheep to people or other dogs. Similarly, lambs that are raised with a dog willDATE. show an attachment as adults to the dog with which they were raised. An important point is Figure 3.—This is a display of approach-withdrawal behavior. There’s real uncer- that the sheep–dog bond involves tainty here: The dog’s hackles and tail are raised in a posture of dominance or OFtraining both sheep and dog. aggression, but his ears are back and he avoids eye contact with the intruder— Many producers find lambing postures of submission. The dog circles between sheep and intruder. Will this season to be convenient for starting display become aggressive? The chance that it is enough to ward off most might a pup. Pups can be started inside a predators. Note how calmly the sheep are feeding in the background. OUT barn or shed. Allow the pup to mingle with lambs in grouping pens. Timing the arrival of a pup with Attentive to the sheep or homesite,IS if chal- lambing can be difficult. Therefore, The attraction of a guarding dog lenged, with tail between its legs. any of the strategies below can be to a homesite and to surrogate litter- This is called approach-withdrawal used to start a pup any time of the mates is the basis of attentiveness. behavior (Figure 3). year. Flock guardians are selected for A predator—let’s say a coyote— Rearing your pup with sheep their ability to follow other animals. usually avoids the threatening From the start, it’s very important Following a moving flock and approach-withdrawal behavior of a information:to keep your dog with sheep and to sleeping and loafing among the sheep guarding dog. Attacking a predator avoid contact with your house, with are signs of attentiveness to sheep. generally is unnecessary, and it people, and with other dogs— A dog that retreats to the flock at rarely occurs. including littermates. the approach of a stranger is show- Interactions with potential Pen your newly weaned pup with ing another good sign of a sheep- predators often involve complex six or more sheep for 8 to 16 weeks attentive dog. Researchers have behaviors that are difficult to inter- (until it’s 5 months old) near water, shown a direct correlation between pret. Approach-withdrawal behavior current bedding ground, or other points attentiveness to livestockPUBLICATION and a may quickly shift to an aggressive where the sheep gather (Figure 4). reduction in predation. Therefore, display of dominance or a hasty Possible pen locations are a lambing success depends on training your retreat to the sheep. It might be barn, lamb creep, night corral, or pup to follow sheep. coupled with defense of food or pasture. maternal-like defense of a young Protective most One Texas rancher started a new lamb. THISThe basis of protectiveness is pup in a welded-wire pen under a The distance of the approach your dog’s ability to react to devia- shade tree in a pasture. He kept six toward strange activity increases as tions from the routine. Consequently, sheep in the pen at all times, rotating For the dog matures. The distance a dog flock guardians are selected for their sheep several times a week to give travels varies with individuals but ability to bark at new or strange all flock members an opportunity to rarely extends beyond the bound- activities. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogmeet the dog. aries of the property. Because Typically, a young pup will He kept food, water, and shelter protective behavior develops as a respond to a new or strange situation for the dog and sheep in the pen. He result of good trustworthy and by rushing out and barking with tail placed a salt lick outside the pen to attentive behaviors, it doesn’t raised over its back or it will retreat draw other flock members near the require specific training.

3 dog. He let the pup out to exercise several times a week. Hampshire College used a variation of the Texas rancher’s system. Pups were placed individu- ally in pens containing a calf hutch with a lamb or a ewe. Heavy-wire cattle panels formed the sides of the pen. Wire panels were mounted on insulators and connected to electric fencing. Another variation used by ranch- ers in Oregon is training pens made out of fencing wire. Training pens can be made using a combination of DATE. woven, barbed, smooth, or poly wire. Any metal fencing material can be mounted on insulators and connected Figure 4a.—At 16 weeks of age, this AnatolianOF pup is in a well-fenced dry lot with to an electric charger. ewes. The pup’s submissive posture allows sheep to investigate. Even if your pastures are not surrounded by electric fences, teaching your pup that fences are “hot” decreases the likelihood of its OUT squeezing through or jumping over (wandering). At 5 months—when the adult IS teeth erupt—open the gate of the training pen. Your pup should follow the sheep out to the main flock. Continue to pen several sheep and the pup at night for another month or two. A young dog also can be information: penned if you’re away for prolonged periods. Leave the gate to the training pen open when the pup is out with the sheep. This will give the pup access to its homesite. In addition, you can use the pen as a feeding station. current For an older dog,PUBLICATION a doghouse makes a good homesite and feeding station. It can double as a salt lick for the sheep if you add a tray on the back of the house. Themost doghouse thenTHIS becomes a socializing point for both dog and sheep. You easily can move this homesite from one pasture to the nextFor if you build it on skids, go-cart wheels, or a trailer frame. These exampleshttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog work well for ranchers who want to keep their dog in distant pastures, away from the house, and away from constant shepherding. Remember the con- Figure 4b.—The pup’s sitting posture is another aspect of submissive behavior, this cept: If you want your dog to time with a touch of curiosity—what are those sheep eating?

4 It’s not a good idea to raise the pup with a flock of market lambs— and then expect your dog to be attentive to older spooky ewes when you sell the lambs. In one early trial, a pup was trustworthy and attentive toward the market lambs with which it was raised. When the pup was 6 months old, the rancher sold the market lambs and placed the dog with the ewe flock. The ewes fled, which in turn triggered a play chase from the dog. HerdingDATE. dogs Keep the duties of your herding or pet dogs separate from those of your guarding dogs. A guarding dog OFthat plays with other dogs reinforces the dog–dog bond rather than the dog–sheep bond. However, introduce your herding dog to your guarding dog so the OUT guardian doesn’t act aggressively toward the herder. Sometimes, a IS guarding dog will act aggressively toward your neighbor’s herding dog, even though it’s friendly toward your herding dog. Aggression of a guarding dog toward either herding dogs or information:intruding dogs likely will depend on differences in age, sex, familiarity, Figure 5.—At 6 months of age, these Shar Planinetz are being taught to follow the and individual temperament. flock in a range operation in the former Yugoslavia. Antagonistic displays tend to occur most often as a result of competition between dogs of the same sex and age. become attentive to sheep, you must marauding predators, and a bad raise it with them. currentexperience at that age may prevent Patting Use your ownPUBLICATION judgment about its development into a good guard- Pat your dog only with deliberate when to leave your dog unpenned ing dog. planning because patting reinforces without supervision. Normally, you the dog–human bond. The more you Spooky sheep can do so when the dog is between pat the dog, the more it will seek 6 and 8 months of age.most A good sign Confinement of a pup with sheep human attention. Some dog–human thatTHIS you can leave your dog alone is in a small area promotes the pup’s bonding is needed because family that it stays with the sheep rather interaction with spooky sheep. You members and hired help need to than followingFor you as you leave the might corral the pup with the flock interact occasionally with the dog— pasture. at night or follow the example of the when, for example, you need to take It may be a mistake to leave a 4- or Texas rancher. health exams or rotate pastures. 5-month-old puphttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog alone in a distant An alternative is to raise the It’s appropriate to pat the dog at pasture, even if the pup is trustworthy sheep with replacement lambs that feeding time or during checks of and attentive (Figure 5). Such a you plan to incorporate into the sheep, but do it in the middle of the young pup doesn’t have the size and main flock. Once the dog has made pasture or within the pen. Patting strength to defend itself from a bond with one group of sheep, your dog through the fence, over a other sheep tend to follow.

5 gate, or at the house reinforces attributes: trustworthiness, attentive- 30 inches long) that dangles from a frequent visits to these locations. ness, or protectiveness. Experience hook attached to the dog’s collar. Don’t pat your dog or feed it at a shows that most problems relate to Snap the stick to the collar with a steady location unless you want it to one of these three categories, so we swivel hook. be there. Obedience training isn’t present them here in that order. The stick should hang 3 or appropriate—it tends to increase Then, we discuss two special 4 inches above the ground when the social bonding to people. situations, rotational grazing and dog stands upright. The device antipredator devices. allows the dog to eat, drink, and Summary display submissive and investigatory Each dog, handler, and ranch Not trustworthy behaviors. But when the dog tries to share a unique set of conditions. Occasionally, a dog will injure or run, the stick gets tangled about the Needs and expectations in predator kill a sheep. Most behaviors result- legs. This provides immediate control are different for a small, ing in injuries to livestock are discipline and prevents a playful part-time producer close to town, a correctable. They usually have one chase. midsize commercial producer, and a of these causes: play, injury to a sick You canDATE. use this device on a large range operator. or odd sheep, injury to a newborn playful pup for 3 to 4 weeks. For example, the small-flock lamb, or stalking. Remove it in stages. First, remove owner may be close to town or close Play. Pups, especially from 5 to OFthe stick but leave the dangle chain; to neighbors. Neighbors and frequent 10 months old, may start playing then, remove the chain when all visitors can be a distraction for the with sheep the same way they play playful behavior stops. dog. On the small farmstead, extra with littermates. They usually Another contribution to play patting can reinforce the bond to outgrow disruptive play behavior by behavior may be excess energy your property and familiarize the 12 to 18 months. OUT caused by improper feeding. A pup dog to people. Typically, a young dog will run that’s fed excess calories can either A dog that displays attentiveness around a sheep in a circle and stop store them as fat or burn them in to people but moves freely about the quickly—front pawsIS extended, rear play activity. farm can provide a degree of end raised with tail wagging, and If a pup is playful and fat, reduce protection even if it’s not with the head lowered as in a bow. Ears may its energy intake (but not the quan- sheep all the time. be cocked up and forward. If the tity of food) by selecting a chow On the other hand, a commercial sheep runs, a play chase often follows. that’s low in fat and carbohydrates. producer with several hundred sheep Sometimes, the dog grabs wool Tests indicate that overactive dogs may require a dog that is shy of or nibbles on theinformation: sheep’s ears as it placed on a diet of cooked oats for people. A dog that prefers sheep to runs alongside. Experienced sheep 2 weeks show reduced play. A diet people will work better in unsuper- generally don’t run from the play of cooked oats is high in fiber and vised settings. Shyness to people approach of a young dog. Sheep creates a feeling of fullness without can be fostered by minimizing also don’t run if the dog is prevented providing excess energy. human attention, beginning at from chasing. Sick or odd sheep. On rare 5 weeks of age. Corrective behavior is mandatory occasions, a pup or older dog may Range operators face other currentwhen chasing occurs: the problem injure or kill a sick, weak, or odd problems. TrainingPUBLICATION pens are imprac- can become serious as the sheep sheep. Sheep with severe cases of tical at a range camp that’s moved develop fear, and the dog’s success foot rot or those weakened by frequently. Range operators would reinforces further chasing. You internal parasites or other medical do better to raise the pup with might throw a stick in the dog’s problems may be attacked by replacement ewe lambsmost or dry ewes direction to divert its attention or otherwise trustworthy dogs. at theTHIS home ranch the first year. An spank the dog and give it a firm “No!” There are documented cases of alternative is to purchase an 8-month Your dog may tend to play with a dogs chewing on dead scrotal sacs or older dog that was started at specific group of sheep, such as or tails that remain following another ranch.For An older dog could lambs. In that case, place the pup castration or docking with rubber be taken directly to the range camp. with rams or older ewes until the bands. Sheep whose heads are http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogundesirable behavior subsides. A caught in woven wire fences or Problems—and some different group of sheep can inhibit feeders have been injured also. solutions the play approaches of a young pup. Trustworthy dogs that display The first step in diagnosing a A dangle stick is a useful training unusual behavior toward sick or odd behavioral problem is to relate it to tool for playful pups that are left sheep normally don’t become one of the three basic behavioral unattended with the flock. This is a generalized sheep-killers. Treat or board, stick, or tire section (18 to 6 remove the sick or odd sheep— Some curiosity toward areas of be an effective guarding dog by don’t remove the dog from guardian activity such as corrals or barnyards alerting a shepherd with barks or by duty. can be expected—alertness is the diverting the attention of the preda- Newborn lambs. Several guard- basis of protectiveness. A dog that tor to itself, and thus away from the ing dogs made mistakes during their isn’t primarily responsive to the sheep. first exposure to lambing. Typically, activity of sheep may be less Scattered sheep. A single dog the injurious behavior occurred to effective. may have difficulty protecting large the firstborn lambs of the season. However, dogs attentive to people numbers of widely scattered sheep, Supervision is required during can be effective in these situations: especially where predator densities your dog’s first exposure to lambs. where a shepherd is constantly are high. In this case, you might Tie or pen the pup if necessary. present, within an electric fence, or either keep sheep flocked to maxi- Discipline prevents a young dog where pastures surround house and mize the dog’s effectiveness, or add from making further mistakes. barn. a second or third dog for reinforce- (Those same dogs were trustworthy Wandering may be associated ment. Adjusting the number of dogs with newborn lambs in later years.) with an attraction to human activity in a sheepDATE. operation must be done Eating afterbirths is normal, and it or with sexual activity of both males on a case-by-case basis. won’t lead to injurious behavior to and females. Neutering your dog Other factors sheep. between 6 and 12 months of age can OF Stalking. An uncorrectable prevent unwanted wandering Rotational grazing. Moves to problem is frequent stalking in a associated with sexual activity in new quarters may upset your dog’s crouch with lowered head, like a both sexes. Neutering doesn’t seem routine. You should anticipate this Border Collie. This response to to affect other qualities of guarding and incorporate your moves into the sheep is an inborn trait of herding dogs. OUT training. The transition is easier if dogs. Training can’t prevent the Summer heat. Large dogs, you move a doghouse or pen display of such inborn characteris- especially if they haven’t shed their (homesite and feeding station) with tics. Stalking behavior is virtually winter coats, mayIS have difficulty the dog. nonexistent in the Old World dissipating excess heat during summer Walking your dog around the guarding dogs. If it does occur, months. Your dog may retreat perimeter of a new pasture is a good replace the dog. beneath a barn or dig a hole in cool method for introducing new sur- dirt—and show no interest in sheep. roundings. Sometimes, you may Not attentive Brushing out underfur and have to tie your dog in a new pasture The most common problem here shearing long-coatedinformation: dogs may help. for 1 to 3 days before it adjusts to is a dog returning to areas of human Provide plenty of cool water. Seek the new location. activity, around the house or the veterinary assistance if the dog’s Antipredator devices. Don’t use barn. Wandering off the property temperature rises above 102°F. ejector devices or poison baits in generally is associated with investi- pastures when a guarding dog is gatory activity at a nearby house or Not protective present. If ejector devices must be ranch or with sexual behavior. Consistency in your training for used in the vicinity of your pasture, Very few dogs are attentive currenttrustworthiness and attentiveness you’ll need to teach your dog to 100 percent of thePUBLICATION time, and most of will contribute to protectiveness. avoid them. them sleep during the day. Summer Most protectiveness problems are One method is to bait the device heat may reduce attention toward associated with poor attentiveness. with scent and fill the capsule with sheep. Your dog’s protectiveness also red pepper and hot sauce. Your dog Human activitymost. If your dog’s depends on its aggressiveness and will associate the scent with the bond is greater to your house or on factors such as density of preda- unpalatable taste. Remember to barnTHIS than to the sheep, look for one tors and flocking behavior of sheep. retrain your dog each time you use a or more of these causes: Aggression toward predators new scent. • You’veFor patted or played with the depends on age and sex, and it dog varies among individual dogs. Raising a second or • The dog is attractedhttp://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog to house dogs Displays of dominance associated replacement dog • Sheep don’t accept the dog with aggression may not appear Sheep producers find that raising You can avoid these problems by until your dog reaches 18 months. a second or replacement dog is strictly following the training routine Don’t punish a young dog for not easier than raising their first dog. described in “Rearing your pup,” acting aggressively toward a pack of Sheep producer and sheep have page 3. older strays. An attentive dog that’s more experience the second time only moderately aggressive still can around. 7 The sheep producer has the added the behavior or management of your Green, J., R. Woodruff, and convenience of using an older dog dog. If you need further assistance, T. Teuller, “Livestock Guarding as a “teaching” dog. A pup that has call your state Animal Damage Dogs for Predator Control: Costs, an older dog to follow may be left Control office listed under U.S. Benefits, and Practicality,” Wildlife unsupervised at an earlier age than a Department of Agriculture, Animal Society Bulletin, 1984, 12(1): 44–50. pup that’s raised alone with sheep. and Plant Health Inspection Service, Lorenz, J., R. Coppinger, and Through 16 weeks of age, it’s a or call the Western Regional Office M. Sutherland, “Causes and Eco- good idea to keep your replacement at 303-969-6560. nomic Effects of Mortality in pup near the watchful eye of a Livestock Guarding Dogs,” Journal shepherd. Pen the pup with sheep in For further reading of Range Management, 1986, 39(4): a barn, corral, or pasture as we Black, H. and J. Green, “Navajo 293–295. described in “Rearing your pup with Use of Mixed-Breed Dogs for Ordering instructions sheep,” page 3. Journal Management of Predators,” If you would like additional By 16 weeks, you can let the pup of Range Management, 1985, 38(1): copies of EC 1238, Raising and follow the older dog and benefit 11–15. DATE. from the older dog’s supervision. Training a Livestock-guarding Dog, Coppinger, L. and R. Coppinger, send $1.50 per copy to: Producers find that replacement Coun- “Livestock-guarding Dogs,” Publication Orders pups direct playful energy toward try Journal, April 1980, pp. 68–77. OF older dogs rather than sheep and that Extension & Station Coppinger, L. and R. Coppinger, Communications experienced sheep are less skittish “Livestock-guarding Dogs That around a new dog when a familiar Oregon State University Wear Sheep’s Clothing,” 422 Kerr Administration one also is present. Smithsonian, April 1982, pp. 65–73. Corvallis, OR 97331-2119 You’ll want to consider starting a Coppinger, R., L. Coppinger,OUT replacement when your first dog Fax: 541-737-0817 G. Langeloh, L. Gettler, and We offer discounts on orders of reaches 2 to 4 years of age, because J. Lorenz, “A Decade of Use of 1 100 or more copies of a single title. it takes 1 ⁄2 to 2 years for a guarding IS Pro- Livestock Guarding Dogs,” Please call 541-737-2513 for price dog to mature. ceedings of the 13th Vertebrate Pest quotes. Fatal accidents are high in young Conference, Monterey, CA, 1988. dogs 6 months to 2 years old and Coppinger, R., J. Lorenz, World Wide Web low in the middle years (2 to 6). If J. Glendinning, and P. Pinardi, You can access our Publications you have two dogs on your ranch, “Attentiveness of Guarding Dogs for and Videos catalog and many of our separated in age by 2 to 4 years, Reducing Predationinformation: on Domestic publications through our Web site at your odds are the best that you’ll Sheep,” Journal of Range Manage- http://eesc.oregonstate.edu always have a guardian with your ment, 1983, 36(3): 275–279. There are many sites about flock. Green, J. and R. Woodruff, livestock-guarding dogs on the Web. “Breed Comparisons and Character- Search “livestock guarding dog” on More assistance istics of Use of Livestock Guarding your search engine, or start with There’s no way to anticipate the Dogs,” Journal of Range Manage- http://www.lgd.org (the Web site of full range of good and bad behaviorscurrentment, 1988, 41(3): 249–251. the Livestock Guarding Dog your dog may exhibit.PUBLICATION Don’t hesitate Green, J. and R. Woodruff, Association). to call on your county Extension Guarding Dogs Protect Sheep from agent if you have questions about Predators, USDA Agricultural most Information Bulletin 588, revised THIS 1993. For http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog © 1996 Oregon State University Produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status—as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Revised December 1988. Reprinted May 2002.