Livestock Protection Animals
What is it?
Livestock protection animals (also commonly referred to as “livestock guardian animals”) are domesticated animals that are used on animal agriculture operations to protect livestock from predation and conflict with predators. When selecting a livestock guardian animal, it is important that the animals are appropriate in size and temperament for the particular predator they will be deterring and compatible with the species of animal they will be protecting. There are three types of domestic animals commonly used to protect livestock from wolves: donkeys, llamas, and dogs. Livestock protection dogs are large dogs bred for their protective traits. These working animals are integrated into a flock or herd to discourage predators from approaching the livestock and, in many cases, they will chase, harass, or attack predators that attempt to interfere with livestock.
Why does it work?
Livestock protection animals help minimize wolf conflict by providing eyes on the livestock when a producer or herder is not present. Their reactions (barking, chasing, acting defensively) often alert the producer that a predator may be near. The presence of livestock protection animals, particularly livestock protection dogs, may be enough to discourage wolves from ever approaching livestock. Livestock protection animals are naturally protective of “their” animals and territory. In situations where wolves are not initially deterred by their presence, livestock protection animals will often increase their aggression to move wolves away.
When is it effective?
Livestock protection animals are often most effective in settings where the livestock are contained (up to 1000-acre pastures), or in situations where the stock naturally group or flock together. In these situations, the dogs, donkeys, or llamas will travel with the livestock and remain on alert for intruders either from the inside or around the perimeter of the flock or herd. In areas of recreation and other shared landscapes, additional care and training is necessary by both the producer and the other users of the area.
Livestock protection animals can be used around a variety of livestock but are most often used to protect medium to large sized stock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. It is important to frequently check in with your protection animals to ensure they have access to food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Livestock protection dogs should know basic commands so they can be handled when needed.
How to implement it?
Livestock protection dogs start with intensive training and bonding to livestock when they are young. They must be watched, corrected, and reminded for the first couple of years. Dedicating this time to training sets both your operation and the dogs up for success. If you are unfamiliar with training livestock protection dogs, we recommend you work with someone with this experience to maximize their effectiveness.
There are over thirty breeds of livestock protection dogs, so matching the right breed of dog to your livestock and potential predators is a must. Livestock protection dogs are often broken down into two different behavioral categories:
Roamers: Breeds that tend to be more oriented towards driving predators away. A good example of these breeds includes Anatolian shepherds, Komondor, Turkish Kangal, and the Akbash.
Tenders: Breeds that tend to stick closer to livestock and may attempt to gather up stock when confronted with threats. A good example of these breeds includes: Tatra, Maremma, and Great Pyrenees.
For help determining whether livestock protection animals are a good fit for your operation, contact Lauren Emerick with USDA Wildlife Services. Colorado’s Wildlife Services has a livestock protection dog program, providing producers with dogs to aid in defending their livestock against large predators. This program provides producers with two puppies, first year of veterinary care (spay/neuter costs and first-year vaccinations), spiked collars, training guidance, and on-call support for questions and guidance.
Additional Resources on Livestock Guardian Animals
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s A Producer’s Guide to Livestock Depredations
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Conflict Minimization Program In-Depth Producer Guide
Texas A&M University San Angelo Livestock Guardian Dog Program
Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care and Training by Orysia Dawydiak and David Sims
American Sheep Industry Association’s Recommended Best Management Practices for Livestock Protection Dogs prepared by Bryce Reece & Bonnie Brown
American Sheep Industry Podcast - Part 1:Livestock Guardian Dogs – Evaluating Different Breeds with Dr. Julie Young