|
A livestock guardian dog (LGD)
is a domesticated dog used to defend livestock against predators. These are not herding dogs, instead it is the job
of the LGD to blend into the flock and keep an eye out for potential threats. LGD breeds have
been used for centuries in Europe and Asia. The most well-known of these breeds in the United States are the Great Pyrenees,
Anatolian Shepherds, Akbash and Maremma. The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed, and has been used by the Basque people
who inhabit the area in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern Spain. Information
from www.wikipedia.com
Kahu is a Hawaiian word meaning honored attendant, guardian or caretaker.
| Scott & Kahu |
|
|
| She weighs 72 pounds and is 6 months in this pic. |
Kahu is a Great Pyrenees and is in training to be our herd
guardian. So far she's doing great. She is with our does 24/7; she even sleeps right next to
them at night. We introduced her to her territory by walking the perimeter of the does' pasture (five acres)
at least three times a day. Now Kahu investigates the property on her own, twice a day. In spite of the
weather, we still try to walk her on a leash at least once a day. We keep her on a line with the goats as she still
has many puppy tendencies. Her behavior is consistently maturing and improving. We hope to have her spending far
more time off the line this summer.
|
