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.

What is a starter LGD?

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: Depends on age but mostly exposure.
Predation: At this age they can’t defend themselves against predators that’s why we recommend they don’t stay unattended.
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.

What is an intermediate LGD?

What is a finished LGD?

Age: 6 months to 18 months
Behavior: Welcome to the hardest age of an LGD this stage is very similar to our teenage years. They start testing , they become more independent but start 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.

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

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.