Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: LGD with alpaca
On the subject of bonding and whatnot... We were told not to bond
with our LGD as well. But we were also told that alpacas won't come
into barns, we were told not to handle crias until weaning...
Now, the Mallon method of training does what I've always said to
do... socialize crias and get them used to handling from day one. Get
a halter on them so they know what it feels like and won't go crazy
when halter training starts. I start training crias as early as one
week old. I learned this after a newborn cria spent a week at OSU,
and after I got her home, I had to monitor her weight daily. After
she weighed about 30 lbs, carrying her kicking and struggling to the
scale in the barn wasn't going to work. So she began her halter
training and even learned how to load by having to step up onto the
chute where the scale is.
Moral of that story is, use your own common sense and do what works
for you! And do what you need to do to make your life easier. :) The
obedience training will certainly make your life easier. Do they have
free classes at PetSmart on Saturdays?
I agree about the possibility of a rescue dog. Sometimes they are
placed into shelters because they aren't good enough human companions
but make outstanding LGDs. Or they bark too much at night for the
residential neighborhood, or whatever. That LGD I spoke about at my
friend's farm is a perfect example. I don't know the whole story but
she was miserable in the house and cried and whined and scratched to
get outside. They do have her with their females and babies, and she
is an excellent guard dog. Luckily they live in an area where a lot
of wildlife like coyotes isn't much of a problem.
Someone posts on some groups from time to time with LGDs placed in
shelters. I need to find out who that is and ask them to post here as
well. If anyone can remember who that person is, please let me know!
Or invite them to join this group and post rescues here.
The log really does prevent jumping. make the chain long enough so
that the dog can stand up normally with a small amount of slack, and
attach it to the log with a heavy duty screw eye. Our dog eventually
learned how to carry the log around in his mouth while playing with
the alpacas, but that also prevented him from nipping them. :) After
a year or so with the log, he didn't need it any more. They do
outgrow that behavior, I think. The log helps stop it because they
aren't able to jump up on the alpacas easily, and stops the nipping
altogether. People will think a lot of things, but it really is an
accepted LGD thing, I swear!
I'll keep looking for info and that one list I used to belong to.
Heather
On Mar 20, 2009, at 2:06 PM, Susan Forman wrote:
> Chrys:
> I have to agree with Heather. I'm certainly no expert, but I have 2
> pyrs. I gave up on doing any training with either! They have a mind
> of their own, and quite frankly, their minds are better than mine
> when it comes to keeping unwanted 'visitors' out of the pasture (as
> in skunks, rats, dogs, coyotes, etc.) Any negativity from me finds
> them cringing and really trying hard to understand what I want. On
> the other hand, if I get a leash out, Maggie just sits and won't
> move.......and I just plain and simple gave up and let the vet come
> to her when I have her out for the alpacas.
>
> The big thing that I wanted to comment on was about forming a
> relationship with your dog. I know a lot of folks would have you
> NOT bonding with them. I have found that to be totally ridiculous!
> Neither of my girls leaves the pasture and both are always more
> than happy to see me. They bark on and off all night and even watch
> the neighbor's driveways so I know when they come and go. I feel
> completely safe with them around and know they would defend not
> just the alpacas, but me...and that's comforting when I have to go
> out late and into a dark barn. They are bonded with the alpacas and
> are simple couch potatoes during the day, lazing usually near the
> alpacas, but sometimes a little further away. My boy alpacas are
> really being butts lately, chasing the dogs--I'm sure they have a
> bad case of spring fever and just kicking their heels up, but the
> dogs put up with it without a fuss.......just serious submission
> and then running like nuts to get away!
>
> As for birthing, I watched them closely the first year we were all
> together and no problems....
> finally back and they go running and barking after them, so I'm not
> too worried one of the nasty black headed ones will attack a cria
> without some serious interference from the dogs.
>
> Hang in there and spend time with your dog when you do chores. I
> would say that getting him leash trained is probably
> important...
> for very little money. And an older dog would help teach your
> youngster what he needs to be doing and probably wouldn't tolerate
> any play with the alpacas. One of my girls had been with goats and
> ended up with alpacas only about 1 month before I got her.......she
> is the better of the 2 guards and sticks to me like glue when it
> suits her......when someone is in the pasture with me, she won't
> come near and barks intermitted while keeping an eye on everything.
> I wouldn't take a million dollars for her.........
> million, but not much less! (btw, this dog was FREE) The peace of
> mind they give me can't be beat........
> could care less if they see me everyday, ,the dogs are almost
> always at the gate to greet me and then stick around and beg for
> their treats.....they are wonderful and I adore both of them! Don't
> give up, these animals are really priceless once you get them
> settled down into adulthood. Miss Isabel and Miss Maggie are
> priceless and they deserve much more than what they get from me!!!
> BTW, Izzy is supposed to be about 4 (I suspect she's older) and
> Maggie is 3 -- they still romp and play from time to
> time.......especial
> me.........they love me as much as I love them and it always
> tickles them to get the love they deserve..and they work for food
> and water.
>
> Susan
>
> Susan Forman
> Dewey Morning Alpacas
> Washington Court House, OH 43160
> 740-636-1899
> http://www.alpacana
> Home of Huey, Louie, and Dewey!
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posted by Chaddo at 3:01 PM
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