Michael,
Most LGDs believe that a good offense is the best defense and will
network with the entire neighborhood to keep current on the state of
affairs. Networking in this sense is barking. And LGDs need to bark
long before there is a problem to ensure that whatever is out there
doesn't become a problem. In my experience, there are over-barky
LGDs, but I have found that my minimalist LGDs still bark at things
that I don't perceive as problems. Like you, my farm was victim to a
combined cougar/coyote attack that killed and consumed 5 90-lb lambs.
I lived under siege until I could purchase my LGDs. They were 6
months old when they arrived (they don't become adults until they are
2 years old), but they had their adult bark. That bark is what I have
relied on ever since they arrived in 2008 to keep my farm safe. Yes,
it can be really annoying at times (full moons are particularly
problematic), but I have ear plugs.
Carol
At 03:50 PM 5/9/2014, you wrote:
Sheila is a good dog in that she only barks when there's really a
problem. Living only 30-40 feet from the house, that is important to
us. I'd like to at least try to get the pup to learn from that
example.
Carol Elkins
Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep
(no shear, no dock, no fuss)
Pueblo, Colorado
http://www.critterhaven.biz
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