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Guard dogs mixing with Golden Retrievers
We will be moving to our new farm (yeah!!) in a couple of weeks and have 2 pet golden retrievers that are inside dogs. When we bring in the alpacas we want to make sure they are overly protected and most of the farms seem to have Great Pyrenees to watch over their herd. Does anyone have any experience on making sure the Pyrenees stay on task of protecting the herd while leaving the golden retrievers alone and vice versa? Should we buy adult Pyrenees or adult and puppy or two puppies? We have been agisting up until now and want to get the guard dog issue right the first time if possible.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lori on -
Not sure of your setup. I have Pyr/Anatolians and Pyrs as LGDs. I also have a Border Collie and GSD/Lab mix who are not allowed in the pastures, but whose area shares a fenceline with one of the pastures.
All my dogs socialize at meal times to ensure they are one pack that gets along. In fact, they love time to play together. However, I know many people insist on leaving them in their pastures and never taking them out. Either way,my LGDs are not distracted while on the job. NOTHING could distract them when they see something they don't like! And the other two dogs join in the racket as back-up.
You'll get a lot of opinions about what to get, how many and what age. I started with very young pups: the Pyr/Anatolian littermates. They grew up with the alpacas and do a great job. I added another pup last summer. We also adopted an adult Pyr who was raised as a pet. That isn't working out so well --- at least not yet. I'm currently looking for another young dog to partner with him in the boys' pasture.
I do recommend two dogs. They work better together and keep each other company.
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Permalink Reply by Cynthia Hager (Cindy) on -
Well hey there! X~
smiles
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Permalink Reply by Cynthia Hager (Cindy) on
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You don't have to get Pyrenees, I'm raising Anatolian Shepard and then their are the Marmmes (if I spelled that right). I'm sure all the LGD's work similar. Your Goldens will become part of their family (the LGD's) and the LGD's will let the Golden do what ever. They will not guard against their family members only outside animals and people. Soooo if the Goldens try to chase or hurt the alpacas the LGD's may not do any thing! I also recommend two working dogs, guarding the herd comes natural generally .
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Permalink Reply by Lori on
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Maremmas.
I love the Anatolians. All three breeds make good LGDs, but each has different issues to consider, so it's wise to read up on the breed before choosing.
I also have a Border Collie & GSD mix who don't go in the pastures, but are nearby, on alert. Nobody sets foot on this farm without my knowing (and hearing) about it!
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Permalink Reply by Maryann Marsh on -
I have 2 catahoula's and a golden mix. The golden mix is our old gal and doesnt come into the pastures, her job is "watching the house." My 6 year old Cat is my shadow but is not interested in being around the alpacas just with me and my 3 year old cat thinks she is an alpaca! She plays with them, eats grain with them (even shares a bowl with her pal Bronte) and plays in the hay, sits in the hay and rolls in the hay as they are eating around her. She lets me know when ANYTHING or ANYONE is near, around or close to our alpacas, the gate or the house. Between the three of them, nothing is coming in here without us knowing about it! All 3 are part of our family and my 3 year old cat, if she was long haired would prob. never leave the pasture but she is a true Florida gal and doesnt like the cold! :) I think it all depends on each and every dog.
Hope everything works out!
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