Comment by BobaFloutist
2 days ago
Can't your livestock guard dog also be a pet that's socialized like a house dog? Are the two mutually exclusive?
2 days ago
Can't your livestock guard dog also be a pet that's socialized like a house dog? Are the two mutually exclusive?
Based solely on what I've read and experience with them when I'm on a bicycle...
Not really, because you want to dog to be bonded to the livestock, not the humans. The dog lives outside amongst the other farm animals. They tend to be more territorial and protective than pet dogs. All that said, I've seen them used more with sheep than poultry.
If your dog is hanging out with you, it's not guarding the henhouse.