Livestock Guarding Dogs
Dan and Paula Lane - Bountiful Farm - Shady Point, Oklahoma
Unit Objective
After completion of this module of instruction, the producer should be able distinguish between a guardian dog and a guard dog and state factors a producer should consider when selecting a guardian breed. The producer should be able to state procedures for introducing a new guardian pup to the goat farm and into the goat herd. The producer should be able to score a minimum of 85% on the module test
Specific Objectives
After completion of this instructional module the producer should be able to:
- Identify the number one predator killer of livestock in the United States.
- State some known predators that could be a problem for your goat herd.
- State the three preferred animals that are used for predator control with goats.
- Distinguish between the word guardian and guard.
- Identify the most common breeds of guardian dogs used for protecting goats.
- State some factors a producer should consider when selecting a guardian breed.
- Identify questions that a producer should ask prior to purchasing a guardian dog.
- State how a producer should introduce a new puppy to the goat herd.
- State some physical preparations needed prior to bringing a guardian puppy home.
- Select the appropriate dog food considering protein and fat that the guardian dog should be fed.
- State considerations for introducing a guardian dog to the goat farm.
- Identify acceptable characteristics of the guardian dog.
- Identify factors to consider when grooming and providing health care for the guardian dog.
- State considerations for feeding the guardian dog.
Module Contents
- The area
- The animals
- Other dogs
- Goats familiar with guardians
- Goats unfamiliar with guardians
- Goats unfamiliar with your species of stock
- Chickens and other fowl
- Planning for future stock but none are present
PDF Versions
You may download this module in PDF format.