Little America update

[Joyce]

So sorry the dogs haven't been caught yet and I do hope it will be soon. You have my sympathy for all that have been lost and hope that's the end. Will keep watching for updates.

Joyce

 

[Magic]

I've been doing research on Livestock Guardian Dogs for a while now, since I knew I would want and need at least one when we move to our new place. From what I've heard from those who have them, they have said not to get more than one at a time, as they may bond to each other, and not to the animals they should learn to protect.

: Whether this is true or not, I have no idea, as I've only just put a deposit down on my own Anatolian puppy and she won't be old enough to come home for several weeks yet. I know that others have said that a LGD needs "backup"-- ie, another guard dog, and that makes sense to me as well. But in my case, I plan to have my place fully fenced with "diamond mesh" fencing with electric wire along the top as well, so my LGD will be mainly to make predators think twice about trying to get over the fence (though surely a bear or cougar or even a wolf would probably have no problem getting over) and to alert us when something IS too close. That would make US the backup. Of course I don't have hundreds of acres to fence in like Tony has..... imagine the cost, and he's already fenced so much of it with gorgeous (and expensive) vinyl fencing.

I suppose that one or more of those that have and/or raise LGD's will be able to tell us more about their training. Great link on that btw Marty!

I SO hope that those dogs that are killing and maiming your horses are caught, and soon, Tony! I can only imagine the trauma you all are feeling.

 

[Debby - LB]

Also I meant to ad and forgot....if you have tracked the dogs to where you know how they got in you may want to put up a couple game spy digitals to record them entering your property and also do you have access to any live traps? bait some live traps. I don't how the DNR is in Texas, here in a case like yours the DNR would send someone out to bait them. I hope you get this resolved soon and figure out a good way to help stop this in the future, the type of fencing to deter them is expensive but not as expensive as what you have already lost.

 

[solupe]

""My Husband tied a female dog that was in heat and put a pan of feed about 20 feet or so from her. He slept with a gun by the bed, we got rid of a lot of them that way.""

Excellent idea.....might even get the lost anatolians back.....

good luck

 

[CharmedMinis]

I am so very sorry for all of your family losses Tony :no:

I just wanted to add a bit of input about the Anatolians, I don't know much but here is what I do know..........

I worked on a sheep ranch up in the Colorado mountains that had cougar, bear, and coyote problems even though the entire property was lined with 6 foot high field fence, they had major problems with sheep being killed.

They started with one llama added to the herd, it helped some but not a bunch.

So they got one anatolian female. She bonded with the llama and they work together. This one anatolian maintains their flock of over 300 sheep with no problems.

She scales the 6 foot fencing and cross fencing whenever she needs to.

She was very people friendly and slept on the porch of the house, but was never allowed inside.

I hope this helps some. I agree with everyone else, putting out a female that's in heat may very well do the trick.

Good luck Tony

 

[FairytailGlennMinis]

Using a female dog in heat and the separated goats are great ideas! I still think you should hire a professional tracker as well...a trained tracking dog could probaby show you exactly where the pack went...

I hope you get a solution soon, Tony. I'll be praying for you all.

-Amy

 

[SWA]

Tony, Just wanted to quickly post to say we're holding Traveler and your others in our continued prayers. Please post of their well being when you are able to gather of yourself for that. Sending warmest regards and deepest condolences to you and your family in all these horrible losses. I hope and pray with all my heart for those who have survived so far.

 

[Tony]

I have read a lot for several years and talked to many about the guard dogs. Everyone that I have talked to says to let them work in pairs and some even said that I needed a pair per ten acres, which we won't do, but the six, according to several, will be an excellent start. They will soon be neutered and are to live with the horses in a day or two. At this point the horses are not out in the big pastures due to the danger that we are not willing to endure currently. I appreciate everyones concern and thank you all for it. When they are ready, these six will be spread out into three pastures, leaving several other pastures, as yet, without help. We will see what transpires as time goes on.

 

[CLC Stables]

Tony

The best LGD I have ever seen is owned by Jane Taylor from Winsome etc.

It is an Awkbosh.........I am sure spelled wrong, but she has 2. They are wonderful, maybe get in touch with Jane and talk with her more about them............maybe something for later on.

 

[HGFarm]

Good luck Tony. I sure hope you can resolve this horrible issue. My neighbors have two females on their 10 acres, along with the old Neopolitan Mastiff that has 'taught' them a lot. They could actually probably do fine on even twice that many acres it seems. It is all flat ground there and they can see most of it.

I know you must all be at wit's end and will be exhausted by the time this is done.

Maybe the dogs could go into the outer pens along the perimeter first? I am not sure how your place is setup in regards to all the pastures.

Hugs to you and your family and again, sure hope this is resolved soon!!

 

[Hosscrazy]

Tony -

I'm so sorry that you are going through this again, and hope to see a post from you titled "We Got The Dogs".

Best wishes,

Liz R.

 

[tagalong]

Tony

The best LGD I have ever seen is owned by Jane Taylor from Winsome etc.

It is an Awkbosh.........I am sure spelled wrong, but she has 2. They are wonderful, maybe get in touch with Jane and talk with her more about them............maybe something for later on.

Jane has Akbash dogs.... like these...

 

[virginia]

Tony, I was thinking of what you said. If you have some friends patroling your fields, that is probably what's keeping the dogs away. They won't come if they know people are about. The Deer stand sounds good though. I've never killed a dog before but in this case, I wouldn't hesitate and if I lived nearer, I'd sit in that stand for you. Hope you get them soon.

Ginny

 

[Kim Rule]

When I was a child in the early 60's we lived outside of Big Rapids Michigan, by a dam. Across the busy highway from us was a National Forest. People would get big dogs from the pound, and take them out to the forest during deer hunting season. They would let the dogs loose, and the dogs would run down deer, and the hunters would shoot them. They would take the deer, and leave the dogs. The dogs formed packs. They were worse than wolves, because they had no fear of men. As a young child I was taught how to behave if I saw a wild dog. Playing statue, and looking at the ground was the only way a little kid could survive. These dogs would come onto our property. They would attack our family dogs or cats. They raided our garbage mostly.

I don't know whatever happened to these dogs. We moved away when I was 7 or 8...

Tony, I understand that you will have to take drastic measures to get rid of these dogs. That will be the only way to make sure your herd...and your family...is safe. I'm so sorry for your loss, and hope that you can rid your ranch of these horrible preditors.

Kim R.

 

[slaneyrose]

Its all so sad isnt it??? The terror the poor horses must have suffered, and the pain, but also that these poor dogs have to resort to this because they are hungry and abandoned by irresponsible "owners" Dogs that as pups were probably given to these people in good faith that they would look after them always and be responsible owners. Pity you couldnt shoot them!! It would be better for them too to be shot and I agree the bitch in heat (maybe someone could lend you one??) and the goat idea sounds excellent. I was wondering about geese?? I know that may sound silly but a flock of geese are known to be one of the best "guard" animals (here at least) anyone any experience with them?? Might be good in the interim till the dogs are older???

 

[Marion]

I always thought that if you train the donkeys and llamas that these dogs belong they would not run them out, but would another other dog.

I know that our geese make enough noise when any animal comes on the place. You can hear them but they don't protect anything. They just let you know that something is there that don't belong. It can a dog, coon, possum, or cats.

 

[slaneyrose]

I see what you mean Marion, I Guess that might work on a small holding but not a big farm like Tony`s. What a worry. I certainly learned something tonight tho....didnt know that donkeys were protectors??!! That is really interesting!!

 

[frekles93]

[SIZE=14pt]It is obvious that the dogs are only "thrill" killers if they have not taken the "bait" with the llama remains. The dog in heat idea is a good one...... although I would cage her so that the wild dogs would not hurt her. Desperate times call for desperate measures.......[/SIZE]

April

 

[Miniv]

I have read a lot for several years and talked to many about the guard dogs. Everyone that I have talked to says to let them work in pairs and some even said that I needed a pair per ten acres, which we won't do, but the six, according to several, will be an excellent start. They will soon be neutered and are to live with the horses in a day or two. At this point the horses are not out in the big pastures due to the danger that we are not willing to endure currently. I appreciate everyones concern and thank you all for it. When they are ready, these six will be spread out into three pastures, leaving several other pastures, as yet, without help. We will see what transpires as time goes on.

You do have a situation to deal with, Tony.....

One thing to consider (not sure of your pasture set-up, but...) if the guard dogs could live in the farthest fields, then your other guard animals (llamas, donkeys,etc) could guard the areas closer in? Of course, this would mean providing your dogs with shelters......

I'm kicking myself now for never coming to see your place in person. If I had, I could picture better what your lay-out is!

Ma

 

[Michelle@wescofarms]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the update - please don't feel your taking up Forum space. You're such an important part of the Forum family - it's awful to know you've been dealing with this for weeks.

I'm glad you got the Anatolian/Pry crosses they're suppose to combine the best of both breeds. The problem with llamas or donkeys is they're fine for an individual animal trespassing (our llamas will run off coyotes), but I don't think they'd have the ability to deal with a pack, as you've unfortunately had to experience.

As others have mentioned the Washburns and Eberths both have them and they do a great job on large properties. I know the Eberths have had puppies available, but Sheri & Phil weren't breeding when I inquired last year.

We're talking to a lady that raises sheep in Northeastern Nevada - 5000 sheep, 30 adult dogs. We're looking to get two puppies this spring. Hers are Anatolian/Pyr crosses or Anatolian/Maremma crosses. Those along with the Akbash do a great job. Hers are raised with the animals so learn early their job.

Debby had great suggestions to socializing/acclimating them to your lifestyle and your animals. It really is important they know everything that is 'theirs' to guard.

Best of luck. Hopefully you'll post a 'We got them, they're dead' soon!