My first Publication CC April Edition-19-High Resolution | Page 33

perform their jobs similarly, with subtle
diff erences between them. Some mature
faster intelligence-wise; others have long
coats adapted for comfort in very cold
climates, while some breeds are more
even-tempered. I prefer the Central Asian
Shepherd (Alabai) breed because of its
short hair (perfect for hot, dry), sunny
disposition, and its early mental maturity.
You must not leave your LGD to spend
all its time alone; it has to be socialized in
order to handle, feed, and medicate it, so
that it does not become an antisocial dog
which would be aggressive even in its little
actions.. If you have dogs, cats, poultry
or other livestock, you must be careful
with the introduction of the LGD to these
animals. Unless the Livestock Guardian
Dog (LGD) is taught otherwise, all other
animals, even other Livestock Guardian
Dogs, are enemies to its livestock. An
LGD puppy raised with an older Livestock
Guardian Dog should allow the older dog
All breeds perform their jobs similarly, with
subtle diff erences between them. Some mature
faster intelligence-wise; others have long coats
adapted for comfort in very cold climates, while
some breeds are more even-tempered
to temper the rough playfulness of the pup
to avoid injuries to its livestock. .A puppy
isn't ready to handle predators on its own
and won't be until it is about eighteen (18)
months old.
LGD's work best in pairs. A male-female
pair, preferably neutered/spayed, works
well together. Dogs that are sexually intact
are not working when they are breeding
or raising pups. An older dog works well
with a younger, less-experienced animal,
teaching the pup how to refi ne its instincts
and control the playful behavior that can
result in injured or dead sheep. LGD's
are big animals. Th ey grow fast, oft en
achieving weights of over 100 pounds in 12
months or less.When an adult LGD is put
into a sheepfold, it will usually walk the
perimeter fencing, stopping to smell and
urinate on fence posts. It may also walk up
to each sheep in its newly-acquired fl ock
and lick or gently paw its face.
Challenges for LGD Owners:
1. Th e biggest challenge being faced by
most LGD owners is making sure that the
dogs get properly fed. Some Livestock
Guardian Dogs will eat sheep food at the
trough with the sheep it is guarding and
may try to eat hay. Th is nutritional level
is much too low for a canine. Establish a
location where the dog can eat undisturbed
by the livestock, and feed the dog at the
same time that the sheep are fed. Don't
be surprised if the LGD eats one day, then
skips eating for several days.
2. LGD's should be vaccinated against
rabies, parvo, distemper, and other serious
diseases annually since their exposure to
these diseases is high. Th ey seldom sleep
under shelter.
*Paramjeet Singh Dhesi runs
ELITE SQUAD KENNEL
(www.EliteSquadKennel.com) in
Ludhiana – Punjab. He is an avid
dog lover who imports rare breeds
to India.
April 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 4 • Noida
33
| Creature Companion