Livestock
LGD puppy learning how to guard from an older dog. Photo courtesy of Pfeiffer, 2021.
A producer must be open to making management changes to ensure the dogs can perform their roles effectively; otherwise, they will continue to lose livestock. LGDs are among the best tools for producers to improve lambing and kidding percentages. However, if producers resist changing their livestock management practices, dogs will be less effective at controlling predation.
Fencing & Pasture Size
The quality of your fencing and the size of your pastures can influence the number of LGDs needed. Good fencing keeps livestock contained and deters certain predators. The type and age of your fencing also affect the number of LGDs required. Old, easily jumped-over, or squeezed-through fencing can necessitate more dogs. New fencing with small woven-wire openings, skirting, and / or hot wire will require fewer dogs to protect livestock. Poor fencing allows predators to breach it, necessitating more LGDs. It is essential to weigh the long-term costs and management of the extra dogs against the cost of new or improved fencing. Invisible fencing is now possible for many ranches, thanks to GPS-based systems.
Pasture size is a key factor when determining how many LGDs you need. Large pastures require more dogs to protect livestock because the animals tend to spread out. Consider keeping all your livestock together during lambing or kidding season so your LGDs can provide extra protection for young animals. In open-range situations, herders are often paired with their dogs to safeguard livestock. Range operations typically need a few extra dogs to ensure adequate protection for the livestock.
LGD Behavior
Another important consideration when deciding how many LGDs you need is their capabilities and training. If you have older, experienced dogs, you may not need as many to protect your ranch. Young dogs or puppies will need extra assistance to provide sufficient protection. Puppies under 10 months of age should not be left alone to guard livestock. It is advisable
to keep a pair of young dogs or place a single young dog with a mature one. Older, pregnant, or whelping dogs will need additional help to adequately protect your livestock. Proper nutrition is also a crucial factor in how LGDs guard. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’ s recommendations for feeding your LGDs.
Adding More LGDs
Once you have established a group of LGDs, do not wait too long to add more dogs. Always have new pups in training in case a dog is lost or retires. It takes about two years for puppies to mature enough to be dependable guardians. Waiting until your current LGDs are ready to retire could leave you without adequate protection if you do not have new pups in training. Puppies learn best from older mentors. Older LGDs can assist with training by modeling appropriate behavior toward livestock and correcting unwanted behavior in puppies. Mentor dogs also teach puppies how to guard against predators and to follow proper protocols in various situations.
Good adult LGDs are hard to find. Those for sale often have behavioral issues, making it unwise to buy them or accept them for free. To purchase pups, it is best to seek an LGD breeder whose operation aligns with yours. Partnering with a reputable breeder is invaluable for most ranchers.
Still Undecided on How Many LGDs?
The best place to start is to talk with other ranchers in your area who use LGDs, especially if you are still unsure how many you need. Their experience with predators and LGDs will be invaluable to you.
You should also consult your county AgriLife Extension Agent for additional insights; they are often a good starting point. AgriLife Extension Agents typically know various farmers and ranchers in the area and have access to specialists who can provide specific information you may need.
Additionally, local predator clubs and trappers can be helpful when deciding how many LGDs to employ. Both can advise on how and where to use LGDs based on the local predator types.
28 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | October 2026