This years Epic Summer trip

[runnach]

These dogs don't have shepherds though. They pretty much live wild with the flock. Well at least thats what I have read.

Ah ok, I never knew this. I have always viewed the shepherd in the distance. Lac Du Salagou France and, Albarracin Spain are two examples.

 

[mark61]

They can get a bit moody when moved from a nice shady spot.

 

[YeoBlade]

These dogs don't have shepherds though. They pretty much live wild with the flock. Well at least thats what I have read.

All a very interesting reading, protecting against bears too. (Pudsey oi)

 

[Jo001]

These dogs don't have shepherds though. They pretty much live wild with the flock. Well at least thats what I have read.

Yes, livestock guardian dogs work independently. As the name says, they guard their flock from predators.

Shepherding breeds are pretty much at the opposite end of the spectrum - they work closely with their handler (shepherd).

Breed traits are massively important when choosing a dog (sorry @barrybd , I'm on my soapbox). We have selectively bred dogs over thousands of years to do particular jobs, like vermin control, shepherding, pulling, seeking, guarding, hunting etc. A few years of being pets doesn't eliminate those deeply rooted breed instincts. Please don't get a particular dog because X celebrity has one, or you saw one on Y TV programme and it looked amazing.

Don't expect, for example, a husky to be reliable off lead - their instinct is to run in a straight line and keep running.

There's a reason why we don't use terriers to herd sheep. It's not to say it can't be done but it will be a lot harder than training a collie that was bred to do just that.

I'll get my coat.

 

[mark61]

Guardian dogs are still fed though.

 

[Jo001]

Guardian dogs are still fed though.

Of course - it helps keep the lamb numbers up

 

[mark61]

Of course - it helps keep the lamb numbers up

MH numbers too.