Guard animals are not a cure-all for all predator problems. Although the use and effectiveness of guard animals has increased, some livestock produc- ers continue to require other animal damage control measures in addition to their livestock guardians. Livestock Guardians Wildlife conflicts are complex. If you need assistance, careful planning and consulta- tion with a qualified wildlife damage-man- agement professional is available by con- tacting USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services. California State office, Sac. (916) 979-2675 North District........................ (530) 336-5623 Sacramento District............. (916) 438-2706 Central District..................... (209) 545-463 San Luis District.................. (805) 237-0912 South District...................... (619) 561-3752 “Choosing a California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch 1220 N Street, Room A-107 Guard Animal” Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 654-1447 Animal Health and Food Safety Services Animal Health Branch Developed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Wildlife Services Branch, 1220 N Street, Room A-107, Sacramento, CA 95814. (916) 654-1447. Alternative formats available upon request. Characteristics that should be looked for in Dogs LIVESTOCK GUARDIANS selecting a guard llama include: independence, Livestock guarding breeds A growing number of livestock pro- curiosity, awareness of surroundings, not fearful originated in Europe and ducers are using guard animals to of unfamiliar things, and not afraid of dogs, but Asia, where they have reduce predation on livestock. Llamas, wary of them. been used for centuries to donkeys, and dogs are animals most protect sheep. Some of the commonly used for this purpose. The most common breeds are best guard animals stay with the Great Pyrenees (France), Komondor (Hun- livestock without harming them and gary), Akbash dog and Anatolian shepherd aggressively repel predators. The Donkeys (Turkey), and Maremma (Italy). Guard dogs unique characteristics of each live- stock operation will dictate the type Donkeys are gaining in popularity as protectors have been bred and trained to enhance and number of guard animals required of sheep and goat flocks in the United States. many traits. Here are some key points in for maximum effectiveness. Here are some key points in using a donkey for using dogs for predation control: predation control: • Use only a gelded jack or a jenny • Minimize human contact at 8-12 (female); intact males can be aggres- weeks of age. To be useful, they Llamas sive towards livestock. must bond with the flock they protect, Llamas can provide an effective, long-term, Use only one donkey for each group of rather than with the owner. and economical alternative for predator control • Avoid pups that seem overly shy, or in a variety of farm and ranch conditions. sheep. • Llamas have ideal characteristics for protect- • Allow 4 to 6 weeks for a naive donkey to one that dominates its litter mates–it ing sheep and goats, which include: bond with sheep. may later try to dominate its owner. • minimal training required and they • Remove the donkey during lambing to • It may take 2 years for the dog to don’t have to be raised with sheep and prevent accidental injuries to lambs. mature, therefore, manage the live- goat flocks • Use donkeys in small, open pastures. stock in accordance with the dog’s age and experience (e.g., use • graze the same pasture; no supple- • Use donkeys with small flocks (less than smaller pastures while the dog is ments or special foods necessary 300 head of sheep). young and inexperienced). • require similar vaccinations, worming, • Test a new donkey’s • When considering owning a guard and hoof trimming response to dog dog, research the characteristics of • can be effective guarding animals species by challeng- the different breeds. for 10-15 years ing it with a dog in a • instinctively dislike canines pen or small pasture. Donkeys are extremely Llamas’ responses to predators Owning a guard dog requires a significant include: becoming alert, alarm intelligent, with acute hearing and sight. They do not like amount of investment and patience in calling, walking to or running training. Some potential problems with guard toward the predator; chasing, change in their surroundings, and will drive off a predator by braying, baring their teeth, running dogs include dogs that wander and do not kicking, or pawing the predator, stay with sheep, chasing or playing with or positioning themselves be- and chasing, and attempting to bite and kick an intruder. stock, harassing or injuring stock, and tween the sheep and the preda- aggressiveness towards people. tor. They have also been known to herd the sheep together into one area to try to keep them safe..