Finally, I started a new phase of my livestock guardian dog behavior study this week. Ill be tracking the movements of four dogs (2 each in separate 1000-ewe bands of sheep) grazing on the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada and Sierra Counties (in an area that a collared Oregon wolf has been known to visit in the last 12 months). This is a long-time producer with experienced herders operating on open range with no fences. They typically use two dogs with one band and three dogs with the other, and experience less than one percent death loss while the sheep are on Forest Service allotments. They also have additional dogs they can add to each band if predator problems begin to escalate.
Operational characteristics, in my experience, play a significant role in determining the optimal number of dogs. Birthing seasons (spring vs. fall), other livestock protection tools (like electric fence, on-site herders, night penning, etc.), grazing management (set stocking versus rotational grazing), and the number of individual herds or flocks all factor into determining the right number. Using our operation as an example:
Finally, every livestock guardian dog is an individual. Some are athletic and want to patrol a wide area; others want to stay with their livestock. Some dogs are more canine aggressive than others (an important trait in wolf habitat); others will harass bears. And these traits will change over time – a dog that was aggressive and athletic in his younger days might be content to stay with lambs on irrigated pasture in his later years. In my experience, there is more variation between individuals than there is between livestock guardian dog breeds (a subject for a future blog post!).
Based on these factors, we feel that we need at least three dogs for our small, part-time operation. With three dogs, we can protect three different groups of sheep or place two dogs together during our most vulnerable time of year (lambing). During some parts of the year, we have more dogs than necessary, which provides flexibility if we begin to have problems with predation. The environment where were grazing, and the predators it contains, is a second critical consideration. Here in the Sierra foothills (at least at the moment) our main predators (in order of potential threat) are domestic dogs, coyotes, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, foxes, and birds of prey. Ive spoken with ranchers on the north coast who would add crows, ravens, and magpies to that list. And ranchers in northeastern California would add gray wolves. Predator density and prey base also come in to play. Are there several established packs of wolves in the region? Is there sufficient native prey? Are these particular wolves (or coyotes, or mountain lions) known to prey on livestock? Each of these questions are important to consider when determining how many dogs a particular operation might need.
One of the questions Im asked most frequently when it comes to livestock guardian dogs is, “How many dogs do I need to protect my sheep/goats/cows?” As you might imagine, the short answer is, “It depends.” The long answer is more complex. From an economic perspective, the answer is, “As many as it takes to hold predator losses in your operation at an acceptable level, but no more than that.” From a production perspective, Ive found that the answer depends on operational characteristics, the environment, and the abilities of the specific dog(s).
Reliable Companion
The number one reason why people get dogs is to have a reliable companion. Farmers choose to have dogs for the same reason. Those who work in agriculture full time don’t get to leave their farms much because of all of the tasks and responsibilities of having a farm.
You might just want a dog to love, and a dog will love you back. Many studies have shown that dogs make people happier, less stressed, and more productive, all of which are positive perks on a farm. Plus, they benefit physical health because of their need for exercise.
Registering and identifying dogs improves their chances of being returned to you if they become lost. Registration fees also provide a wide range of other important services. You are eligible for reduced registration fees if your dog meets the definition of a farm working dog under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. To be eligible, you must be engaged in primary production as your primary source of income. Your dog must herd, drove, protect, tend or work stock on land used solely or primarily for primary production.
Attach the restraint by a swivel to an anchor point against the vehicle cabin. Fix the other end of the chain to the dog’s harness or leather collar with another swivel to stop the chain from tangling. There is a penalty for breaking this law under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Dogs being registered for the first time must be microchipped before registration. This gives dogs a permanent means of identification, and ensures they can be returned to you if they become lost and lose their collar and tag identification. You can be fined if you fail to comply with registration requirements.
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dogs 3 months of age and over must be registered with the local council. Existing registrations must be renewed by 10 April each year. Dogs must wear their council identification marker when off the property. Check with your council to find out how many dogs you can keep before you need to get a permit for excess animals.
Dogs registered with local council as farm working dogs do not count towards a propertys fertile female dog breeding limit. If you keep farm working dogs entire, there is no requirement to register as a Domestic Animal Business (DAB) nor meet the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses 2014 (revision 2018). However, if you keep more than three female dogs entire for the purpose of breeding, and they are not registered with council as farm working dogs — you must register as a breeding domestic animal business, regardless of the breed of dog.
These Are 10 Best Farm Dog Breeds
Besides being man’s best friend, dogs continue to prove to be reliable protectors, herders and guiders. Farmers have many responsibilities day-to-day, and in times where extra farmhands aren’t available, a dog is your next best companion and helper.
Dogs are integral members of farms. Almost any dog breed or mutt can be trained to assist you on the farm, whether it’s through herding livestock, warding off predators or just being there to keep you company on longer days.
If you’re considering adding a dog — or a few — to help with your agricultural needs, read through these benefits of dogs on your farm.