Wild dog control methods – Livestock guarding dogs
Livestock-guarding breeds of dog originated in Europe and Asia, where they have been used for
centuries to protect livestock from wolves and bears. For many years, Australians have made limited use
of livestock guarding dogs. They have been used successfully to guard small herds of goats, sheep,
deer, alpaca and even free-range fowl.
There are several breeds. Some of the more common are Great Pyrenees (France), Komondor
(Hungary), Akbash dog and Anatolian shepherd (Turkey), and Maremma (Italy). All of these are large
animals, weighing between 35 and 55kgs. They are usually white or fawn coloured with dark muzzles.
The behaviour of livestock guard dogs differs from herding dogs. Guarding dogs do not usually herd
livestock. Acting independently of humans, guarding dogs usually stay with or near livestock and
aggressively repel predators. Breeding and proper rearing both contribute to the makeup of a successful
guarding dog.
Some guarding dogs do not adequately carry out their protective role. Failures can usually be attributed
to improper rearing, cross breeding or trying to use a dog that is too old to train. To get the best possible
service from their dogs, producers need to recognize the characteristics of a good guarding dog and
know how to raise one correctly. Success is not automatic, though, and some dogs do not perform well
despite having been properly reared.
Key points in successfully rearing a guarding dog
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Select a suitable breed and reputable breeder;
Rear pups with livestock, individually or with experienced dogs, from the age of 8 weeks;
While rearing the dogs, maintain contact with them so you are still able to approach and
handle the dog when necessary. Any bonding between owner and dog should happen with
the herd so the dog knows that its place is with the herd;
Observe the dog and correct undesirable behaviour;
Encourage the dog to remain with or near the livestock;
Ensure the dog’s health and safety - this includes providing a good diet, worming and
vaccination.
Manage livestock in accordance with the dog’s age and experience - for example while the dog is young
and inexperienced, keep livestock in smaller pastures.
Be patient and allow plenty of time to train your dog. Most guarding dogs will work well within a year, but
they may need up to 2 years to mature fully.
Are there any potential problems with using dogs?
Poorly trained or improperly bred (crossbred) dogs can cause some problems. They may:
 harass, injure, or kill stock;
 roam away from the flock;
 harass, injure, or kill non-target wildlife or other animals;
 become aggressive towards neighbours and or bark constantly causing complaints.
How to assist a livestock guard dog
Good training and breeding are essential to success. Producers using dogs also need to:
 maintain good fences;
 pen stock in smaller yards at night;
 maintain an appropriate guard dog/ livestock/ predator ratios.
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Is this an appropriate option?
Livestock guarding dogs are not a solution for all problems of livestock predation. Employing livestock
guard dogs may limit the use of other predator control methods such as baiting. Guarding dogs are
potentially aggressive. They may injure pets or confront unfamiliar people, such as visitors to the
property, who approach ‘protected’ livestock. These issues must always be considered. The limitations
may preclude the use of guarding dogs on some smaller properties, or properties in densely settled
areas. Producers who use guarding dogs should post signs to warn passers-by and visitors should be
escorted when approaching livestock. Guarding dogs should be well trained and used only in appropriate
situations.
Using a guarding dog does not prevent the application of other predation reduction methods. However,
the other techniques must be compatible. Using toxicants, such as 1080 baits, is not recommended
where guarding dogs are working. Trapping should only be used with caution where livestock guard
dogs are employed.
In many situations, guarding dogs are very useful in reducing the impact of predators on livestock. Good
breeding and training, combined with good livestock management and targeted predator control, can
enhance their effectiveness. Dogs have worked well in both fenced pasture and herded range
operations.
Livestock guard dogs cannot solve the problems of all producers. Good livestock guarding dog are a
reliable and effective option for producers, but it is unreasonable to expect any dog to do more than it is
physically capable of. Guarding dogs may not be suitable for very large pastures where livestock are
widely scattered. At least two dogs are recommended in large areas with more than several hundred
beasts.
Maremma dog guarding goat herd
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