Re: [PyrNet-L] Work, Show or Pet?

["Patti Brunkala" <menditar@grrtech.com>]

> I was told that pups are not the way to
> go if you want a LGD, that adults are what you should be looking at. 

If you can get an adult dog that has been raised and trained as a livestock
guardian dog and  does his or her job well, then you are extremely lucky. 
People don't usually give these dogs up - they are worth their weight in
gold.  Someone has to train the dog from puppy hood, minimal training at
least, and usually dogs that have lived with their livestock since
puppyhood make the best livestock guardians.  I understand that if someone
wants to get a rescue dog and make him/her a livestock guardian dog, they
are taking a big chance that dog will work out.  The dog is in rescue for a
reason, many times because of behavior.  The environment a dog is brought
up in can have a huge influence on his/her behavior.  I also understand
that usually a trained adult livestock guardian dog goes for a higher price
than a carefully bred puppy, unless, of course, they are having problems
with the dog that a farmer might not want to inherit!

So IMHO, I would ask why they are looking at rescue for a livestock
guardian dog?  As far as the fencing issue goes, even large farms are
fenced to keep the livestock in.   Hot wire is an option which might be
considered.  

Just some of my opinions.

Patti Brunkala
menditar@grrtech.com
Gold Hill, Oregon