Common Dog Behaviors Witnessed with LGD'sDog Wants to Guard the PorchDog behaviors like following you or the kids around or guarding the yard are a sure sign that the dog is bonded more to you and your place than he is to the livestock. You may be able to re-train the dog going through the three foundation areas you would use on a pup - bonding to livestock, respecting fencing and being social with people. In this case the first two being more paramount than the third. Be aware that it is always tenfold more difficult to retrain a habit than to start off on the good foot to begin with. But it can be done. BarkingBeing vocal comes with the territory. Many breeds use their bark to ward off the approach of predators and tell them to go elsewhere. If the predator pressure is high your dog(s) may bark a lot. If you raise your sheep in your backyard you and your neighbours may have to grow accustomed to the sound of deep barking during the night.Dog Won't Stay HomeThis is a common dog behavior problem. The root of this issue likely lies in one of two places. The dog is not really bonded to the stock it has been placed with and/or the dog does not understand that you do not wish for him to cross fences. There are numerous reasons why a guardian is enticed to go elsewhere. Sometimes it may be a matter of the dog you've chosen as some are more prone to being escape artists and covering territory than others. The neighbourhood dogs may become more appealing especially if any of them are females in heat. If you have neighbours who do not clean up dead stock this may entice your dog off. The dog is lonely. Single dogs may be seeking companionship. The dog is pushing predators outside the fence and beyond. For this problem one needs to go back and teach the dog that under no circumstances can they cross fence lines and while doing that help re-establish the bond with the livestock. Alternatively, you may opt for tying the dog to an object that is light enough to drag but awkward enough to prevent the dog from crossing fences or going too far. A common object is a small rubber tire. Unfortunately dog behaviors like this are almost impossible to curb once they become habit. And if you have one dog who wanders it will be very difficult to add a second dog and not have the same issue. We have been through the struggles of dogs who wander and we can say with certainty that this issue is one better prevented in the first place. Dog is Too Friendly with PeoplePersons who use livestock guardian dogs develope a keen sense of dog behaviors and how much interaction with people is enough and how much is too much. Remember the goal is to have these dogs work independently from you, not to make them into a yard dog or a family pet.You want to be able to approach your LGD, put a leash on him and take him somewhere when needed, give him worming pills, feed him safely etc. Yet you don't want your LGD to sit on the porch and wait for the kids and the cookies. Dog is Too Friendly with Other Dogs This is similar to dogs being too friendly with people. If the pup is allowed playtime with the herding or house dogs or your friends dogs he will come to expect it. He will enjoy his interaction with other canines. Later on during his adult duties he may be quite welcoming to any canines who wander in instead of warning them to stay out. It is okay for guard dogs to have regular interaction with or be raised with other guard dogs who will be doing the same work. Often two or more guard dogs will pair up and work well together plus provide canine company that all dogs crave. Some of the dog behaviors we want to see can be established when younger dogs are placed with suitable and trained older dogs.
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