Whether you are looking for a LGD, donkey, llama or other guard animal, there are a few things you need to consider. Choosing a guard animal takes time and thought and research. While from time to time a farmer may get lucky and that $50 pup he got at the flea market works out wonderfully, but sadly that is not always the case.
Not every “guard” animal are up for the job! I have read where LDG have killed entire herds, or attacked his owner, I have read where Donkeys have stomped new babies to death, pick a goat up by the neck and toss them like a rag doll, and Llama chase until the goat killed over...just because the breed fall a under the heading of guard , does not mean every one is suited.
LGD
BUY from a reputable breeder. Get references and be ready and willing to pay for your guard. His/her job will be huge and he/she will be worth every penny. A reputable breeder knows the characteristics a pup needs to have to be a good guard. Those who do not make the cut would never be sold as a guard. The breeder knows his pups are bred for a job, and would never risk your herd on a “gee I hope this one turns out ok” When choosing a LGD, make sure parents are working and pups are raised in the field. Watch the pups in action and at play..you want a friendly but serious about the job. Talk with the breeders and be sure they are knowledgable.
Donkey
Donkeys are themselves a prey animal, and for that reason may not be the best choice as a guard. Choose wisely!! BUY from a reputable breeder. Never use a Jack as a guard. Only Choose Gelded Jacks or Jenny. And Please do not think a mini breed can hold off a pack of dogs. Don’t get a young donkey...even a 2 year old is still “ finding Himself”. You want an older Donkey who has been raised and used as a guard. You will want to introduce the donkey safely to the herd by fence visits for a while. I have 14 Donkeys who know all my dogs (we have 8) who know our goats and cows...we do not run our goats with the donkey herd, but they share fence line. Our cows run with the donkeys. IMPORTANT, when kidding season in you MUST remove the donkey to his own pen. Donkeys need time to know the kids are part of the herd. For Ex: Our cow calved out in the field. we were a bit off on her due date. The donkeys chased that new calf until mom took care of business..Donkeys were not doing anything wrong, that calf did not belong and they were doing their job. But the baby could have been injured. Please, before choosing a donkey, study! research! and search for one that is suited for the job...like a $50 flea market pup, a free donkey just may be the best thing to ever happen to you...but then it might not be..
Llama
Same info here...Not all are suited for the job. Buy from . Reputable breeder, watch the llama with goats..pick a geld or female. Do not expect a single llama to guard against a pack of dogs or large animal like a cat. They are more of an alarm and herd their charges to safety. They do quickly bond with their herd and will keep watch from higher locations and patrol the area..
All in all, do your research! Know what to expect..how to introduce the guard you have chosen to your herd..Best wishes
Not every “guard” animal are up for the job! I have read where LDG have killed entire herds, or attacked his owner, I have read where Donkeys have stomped new babies to death, pick a goat up by the neck and toss them like a rag doll, and Llama chase until the goat killed over...just because the breed fall a under the heading of guard , does not mean every one is suited.
LGD
BUY from a reputable breeder. Get references and be ready and willing to pay for your guard. His/her job will be huge and he/she will be worth every penny. A reputable breeder knows the characteristics a pup needs to have to be a good guard. Those who do not make the cut would never be sold as a guard. The breeder knows his pups are bred for a job, and would never risk your herd on a “gee I hope this one turns out ok” When choosing a LGD, make sure parents are working and pups are raised in the field. Watch the pups in action and at play..you want a friendly but serious about the job. Talk with the breeders and be sure they are knowledgable.
Donkey
Donkeys are themselves a prey animal, and for that reason may not be the best choice as a guard. Choose wisely!! BUY from a reputable breeder. Never use a Jack as a guard. Only Choose Gelded Jacks or Jenny. And Please do not think a mini breed can hold off a pack of dogs. Don’t get a young donkey...even a 2 year old is still “ finding Himself”. You want an older Donkey who has been raised and used as a guard. You will want to introduce the donkey safely to the herd by fence visits for a while. I have 14 Donkeys who know all my dogs (we have 8) who know our goats and cows...we do not run our goats with the donkey herd, but they share fence line. Our cows run with the donkeys. IMPORTANT, when kidding season in you MUST remove the donkey to his own pen. Donkeys need time to know the kids are part of the herd. For Ex: Our cow calved out in the field. we were a bit off on her due date. The donkeys chased that new calf until mom took care of business..Donkeys were not doing anything wrong, that calf did not belong and they were doing their job. But the baby could have been injured. Please, before choosing a donkey, study! research! and search for one that is suited for the job...like a $50 flea market pup, a free donkey just may be the best thing to ever happen to you...but then it might not be..
Llama
Same info here...Not all are suited for the job. Buy from . Reputable breeder, watch the llama with goats..pick a geld or female. Do not expect a single llama to guard against a pack of dogs or large animal like a cat. They are more of an alarm and herd their charges to safety. They do quickly bond with their herd and will keep watch from higher locations and patrol the area..
All in all, do your research! Know what to expect..how to introduce the guard you have chosen to your herd..Best wishes