Janice:
I'm on a quick break right now, but wanted to chime in and let you know that I think lgd/mixes are a bad idea. I've never had one, so can't speak from experience, but if you want an lgd, get an lgd. Some individual crosses very well may work out, but there is just as much - or more - chance that the 'mix' will show up in it's behavior and NOT guard, but chase. There's enough problems with purebred lgd's going through a chasing phase as puppies to risk a dog where you know that part of their breed is all about chasing -- and that's just about any breed of dog. Please do not waste your time on such a dog unless it is going to be as a pet and NOT to guard.
I have 2 female pyrs. Neither is registered. there is nothing in either their appearance or behavior to make me suspect there is anything but pyr in either one. both have double dew claws in the back, both fit what a pyr is supposed to look like. One is more silky while the other has a rougher coat. One is longer and leaner, one is a little stockier - either is acceptable for a purebred pyr. I paid about $200 for the one and the other was a rescue that was given to me. Both are wonderful dogs and I can't say enough about them that is good. One is a pussycat with everybody and a pia to be petted even by strangers. the other circles the barn and barks on and off when there are strangers. both will stick to me like glue when we walk alone in the pasture or when I enter in the morning or eves. They do what pyrs do and I still keep an eye on them..........they're still dogs.
Please take your time and look around. Deals are to be had for decent dogs, though maybe not registered. If you want papers, you'll have to pay. find out who the breeder is, the circumstances, etc...you CAN get a good dog without paying an arm and a leg! I did it and haven't regretted one minute with them in 2.5 years.
Susan
PS -- When I brought mine home, one was 1 year old, the other was supposed to be 2, but I think maybe older. Puppies need to be 'guided', not trained..they'll do what nature meant for them to do, but they do need some education/guidance in many cases. Adults that are settled might be a better choice. Puppies are puppies until about 2 years and all puppies are more inclined to chase for play--and that is simply not permitted in an lgd...No Chasing animals other than intruders is the basic, don't mess with me, rule!
Susan Forman
Dewey Morning Alpacas
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-636-1899
http://www.alpacanation.com/deweymorning.asp
Home of Huey, Louie, and Dewey!
----- Original Message -----
From: houckj@aol.com
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 11:04 AM
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] LGD
<><<<A little over a year ago we got a border collie/pyranees mix and a
full blood pyranees as puppies. We put them in with the alpacas the day
we brought them home. They are the best investment we could have ever
made. They are now almost full grown and work as a team to protect the
herd. One stays close to the alpacas and the other goes out to challenge
what ever is causing the threat. They were never trained to do this,
they do it by instinct. You might want to consider doing this if you
choose to start again.>>>>
This is back on my radar now. I looked into last year when I was having
my attacks, but everything I read was so contradictory. Some great,
some terrible incidents; some killing the animals they were supposed to
be guarding. All said these dogs require intense training - which I
knew I didn't have time for, so I let it go.
But I constantly worry about my critters. I was frantic when I couldn't
find my ducks after getting home late the other night. This latest
attack suffered by Wendy's pacas has kept me awake nights. Esp as I had
been having thoughts of dogs getting into my inner fences for a few days
before that post. Too scary. My fences are nowhere near as secure as
Wendy describes.....and with horse, donkeys, and llamas in an outer ring
of pasture to boot! My goodness, you would certainly have thought that
would have been sufficient. So I am back revisiting the lgd again. I
would get a couple in a heartbeat if what you are saying above is the
norm, but that is certainly not what I was getting when I first
addressed the lgd issue here a year ago. I cannot afford the expensive
full bred ones, but would want to find perhaps a rescue situation or
some that needed a home, or some puppies that were perhaps not full bred
and being sold inexpensively.
In my reading I have become quite fond of the farm collie and want to
get one, but what I am getting from my reading is that they would be an
overall farm/family/livestock protection dog and would come in with the
family at night as opposed to the Pyr.
If I could get a couple of puppies and put them right in with the
critters I would be ecstatically happy.
Warmly, Janice
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