What is a livestock guardian dog?

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) have been bred for thousands of years to protect farm animals from predators such as wolves, bears, and coyotes to name a few. Unlike regular dogs, LGDs are independent thinkers with strong instincts, allowing them to keep livestock safe without constant human supervision. They use scent-marking, barking, and strategic positioning to deter threats before a fight happens.

These dogs form deep bonds with their livestock, staying close to vulnerable animals and even alerting farmers to dangers. Their natural protectiveness extends to children and farm families, making them invaluable working partners.

Beyond farm protection, LGDs play a key role in wildlife conservation by preventing predator attacks, reducing conflicts between farmers and wildlife. This helps keep predators like wolves and coyotes from being unnecessarily killed.

At GSGPRS, we train and place LGDs where they are needed most. If a dog isn’t suited for guarding, we find them loving homes. Your support helps us continue this vital mission—donate today to help protect livestock, wildlife, and these incredible dogs.

Investing in a Trained Livestock Guardian Dog

The cost of a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) depends on age and training. Unlike pet dogs, older, trained LGDs are more valuable because they have the experience and size needed to protect stock. These dogs go through three key stages of development, requiring patience, supervision, and training to become reliable guardians. A well-trained LGD is a lifelong protector, keeping flocks and families safe while reducing conflicts with wildlife. Their ability to deter predators like wolves and coyotes helps support wildlife conservation by preventing unnecessary killings. When adopting an LGD, you’re investing in a working partner with instincts refined over generations.

STARTER DOG

Age: 8 weeks to 6 months. Ideally you want them longer with the parents so they learn how to behave with the livestock.
Livestock training level: Exposure only
They observe older dogs and human handlers to learn behaviors.
Supervision Level: High—needs constant supervision to prevent rough play, chasing, or inappropriate behavior around animals.
Basic vaccinations and deworming.

Here’s an overview of the average cost of ownership for a starter dog:

Initial Vet Expenses: $200–$500 (vaccinations, deworming, microchipping).
Spay/Neuter (if needed): $150–$500.
Food & Supplies: $50–$100/month (puppy food, bowls, bedding).
Training Tools: $50–$200 (leashes, collars, pens, or electric fencing for training).

INTERMEDIATE

FINISHED

Age: 6 months to 18 months
Behavior: Testing independence but starting to show more serious guarding instincts. May become territorial and develop a stronger bond with livestock.
Supervision Level: Moderate—requires regular check-ins to correct behaviors like wandering, roughhousing, or digging.

Here’s an overview of the average costs of ownership at the starter stage of a livestock guardian dog (LGD):

Ongoing Food Costs: $75–$150/month (high-protein diet for growth and activity).
Vet Care: $200–$500/year (boosters, flea/tick prevention, and checkups).
Training Costs (if professional help is used): $500–$1,500 (herding/guardian-specific training).
Working Gear or GPS Tracking Collars (optional): $200–$500.
Fencing Repairs/Upgrades: $200–$1,000 (to secure pastures and boundaries).

Age: 18 months and up
Behavior: Fully mature, calm, and confident in handling threats. Recognizes territory and livestock as its responsibility.
Supervision Level: Low—can work independently with occasional check-ins.

Here’s an overview of the average costs of ownership associated with the finished stage of a livestock guardian dog (LGD):

Food Costs: $75–$150/month.
Vet Care: $300–$700/year (preventative care and emergencies).
Working Gear or GPS Tracking Collars (optional): $200–$500.
Livestock Loss Prevention Savings: These dogs often save thousands in potential livestock losses by this stage, off-setting costs.

Choosing the Right Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD)

When considering a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD), you must decide whether to train one yourself or invest in a fully trained protector. Training an LGD takes at least 18 months, requiring patience, consistency, and supervision. These dogs must learn to bond with livestock, recognize threats, and respond appropriately.

While training a young LGD can be rewarding, a fully trained dog offers immediate protection and requires less work. The cost of an LGD varies based on breed, training, and location, but studies show that adding LGDs to a farm can increase livestock survival rates by over 100%. These dogs deter predators like wolves, coyotes, etc., reducing losses and promoting wildlife conservation by preventing unnecessary predator killings. Investing in an LGD means peace of mind, safety, and long-term success for livestock owners.

FENCING

Livestock guardians need a secure physical fencing. You can add an invisible fence and GPS collars but you still need a physical fence. The ideal fence is a 6 ft deer fence or no-climb fence.

If the dog tends to dig out, there are several options available :

A hot wire placed low to the ground
Hot wire / Electric fence is also an option make sure the hot wire is visible.
If you have existing fence and need to reinforce it, running 2 strands of hot wire are a good option.
You can also extend the height of your fence visibly with hot wire
Coyote rollers
Sport dog fence system. The sport dog fence system is an "invisible" fence that allows you to attach the signal wire to your existing fence. This is only to be used in addition to a physical fence. It is NOT a stand alone option. It is a "shock collar" and does have fallout.