Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
At Rafter C Consulting, we address your inquiries with clarity and expertise, ensuring you have the information needed to enhance your understanding of livestock guardian dogs and their significance in livestock protection.
What breeds are effective?
There are over 30 LGD breeds worldwide, with some more common than others. Several breeds in the US excel as livestock guardian dogs, including Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, Akbash, Karakachan, Kangal, and Maremma Sheepdogs. Each breed possesses unique instincts and traits that make it suitable for various livestock protection needs. At this time, we only recommend producers purchase purebred dogs, as there is too much variability in crossbred LGDs. Also, we do not recommend crossing or purchasing a crossbred dog that is part LGD and part non LGD breeding. These types of dogs have prey drive instincts that a true LGD does not possess.
How many dogs do I need?
The general rule of thumb is to start with 1-2 dogs per 100 head of livestock and adjust the number of dogs from that point. However, that is in an area of average predation and large herds. Areas of high predation and smaller herds may actually need more dogs and a number similar to 1-2 dogs per 50 head of livestock may be needed. The number of dogs required actually depends on a lot of factors such as type of livestock, management style, amount of brush, type of terrain, quality of fencing, age of the dogs, type of predators, amount of predators and flocking instincts. All of those items need to be considered when looking at optimal LGD numbers for a herd. In addition, the breed of LGD can come into play as well.
How do training programs work?
Our training programs are designed to educate both handlers and dogs, focusing on instinctive behaviors, socialization, and effective communication techniques to ensure optimal performance in safeguarding your livestock.
What support do you provide?
We offer ongoing support through virtual and on-site consultations, educational workshops, training sessions, and resources that help you develop effective management strategies for your livestock guardian dogs, ensuring their success in protecting your animals. We primarily work with small ruminant producers, but we have experience in using LGDs to protect cattle and poultry as well.
We are also affiliated with other canine and ranch management consultants and frequently team up to provide more support for customers. We can provide you with contact information for them if needed.
We are also able to provide LGD and herding dog animal welfare visitations and reviews for clients based on the A Greener World (AGW) LGD welfare standard. We are not a certified animal welfare auditor for legal purposes.