By Shannon Lukens. (Puppy pictures courtesy Jan Stanko.)
Livestock protection dogs can be placed with livestock producers, for free. It’s a program with USDA and APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Wildlife Services. It’s to help with wolf conflict, or any livestock conflict with mountain lions, black bears, or coyotes.
Lauren Emerick is a Non-Lethal Wildlife Specialist with the program. She says the guardian dogs provide protection for livestock when the rancher can’t be around.
“A properly trained and bred livestock protection dog will use escalating aggression and stick with their flock or their herd. If a threat comes in, they’re able to drive it away and provide that extra set of eyes and protection when you can’t be there.”
Pictures courtesy Jan Stanko.
Emerick says the right breed of guardian dog is important, such as Turkish Kangals or Bulgarian Karakachans. The dogs are specially bred and raised to watch your livestock. The presence of dogs can deter predators.
These two guardian dogs, pictured with sheep, are named Blondie and Monkey. They’re on a ranch in Grand County.
The USDA sources the dogs from across the country, but they are trying to switch to producers in Colorado. The dogs are given to producers as puppies and they are vaccinated.
Emerick guesses they’ve placed about 40 dogs in the program and about a dozen this year.
Can you spot the Livestock Guardian Dog? (Lower right)
Another concern is when people see a Livestock Guardian Dog and they think it is abandoned. To avoid having dogs picked up by strangers, some ranchers have put up signs that say, “Working dogs in the area.” Others have tags on collars that say, “This is a working dog. Don’t pick up.” And never feed a Livestock Guardian Dog that you may see when it is working.
For more information on the Livestock Guardian Dog program, reach out to Lauren Emerick at Lauren.Emerick@usda.gov/ 248-819-1702.
Other numbers for USDA Animal Control are 301-851-3751. The USDA Animal Care Program number is 970-494-7478.
Dogs Help Protect Livestock Against Predators
From ColoradoSheep.org — Etiquette with Livestock Guardian Dogs
If you encounter a band of sheep…
Listed below are actions to take to minimize conflicts if you are near a band of sheep.
DO…..
- Keep your dog on a leash and never allow your dog to run towards or harass the sheep
- Watch for livestock protection dogs near sheep (usually large white or tan dogs)
- Remain calm if a livestock protection dog approaches
- Stop and get off of your bike, put your bike between you and the dog
- Tell the dog to “go back to the sheep” or say “no” in a firm voice
- Keep your distance from the sheep and choose the least disruptive route around the sheep
- If the sheep are trailing, be still and quiet and wait for them to pass
DO NOT…..
- Chase or harass the sheep or dogs
- Try to outrun the dogs
- Throw things at the dogs
- Make quick movements
- Feed the dogs
- Take a dog with you
- Attempt to befriend or pet the dog