Guard Dogs

Date: Sun, 31 Jan 1999 21:03:18 -0800 Subject: Re: FEL-L: "Stupid" Dogs

My USDA inspector informed me several years ago that I was not allowed to let any of my dogs in next to my cat enclosures unless I was outside and supervising the dogs the whole time. I was told that was not allowed. We use to let one of our better guard dogs out to run the perimeter of the area where our cats are housed if we heard any noises that were suspicious.

She was the first to point out exactly where somebody was near the fence. She even bit the neighbor kid who climbed over the fence to retrieve a frisbee he had accidently thrown over our fence. He has been around the cats and the dog and didn't think it would be a problem. The dog bit him as he landed on the ground and he hollered at her and she let go just long enough for him to get back over the fence as she jumped up on the fence to try to bite him again.

The next day when he came over through the door as usual she was friendly with him and did not give him any grief. She knows that anything coming over the fence is not to be. Now that I cannot run her out there anymore I feel that the safety of the cats and us has been comprised. Glenda :)

Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 01:22:03 EST Subject: Re: FEL-L: "Stupid" Dogs

It is a shame that your UDSA will not allow your guardian dogs to patrol your property. I have security cameras at every location but the dogs are the first line of defense. Maybe it has to do with where you are and the USDA are more familiar with dealing with "pet" dogs than working dogs, thus the mandate??? It is important to have these boarder patrols at least where I live! Sherry:)

Date: Mon, 01 Feb 1999 08:34:06 -0500 Subject: Re: FEL-L: "Stupid" guards and smart guard dogs

Damn.....where do I get a dog this good. I have a beagle rescue from a lab environment, not exactly the sharpest tack in the box, but a great house dog. What I need is a guard dog that patrols the yard like ya'all do and one that is trustworthy for when we go to work not to go and party with the other dogs in the neighborhood. If he could talk, that would be a bonus that way I could give verbal instructions too...but I guess that is going to far. Seriously, the level of functioning that you people with guard dogs are describing, I doubt I could get that kinda service from Pinkerton or Doyle security guards. I know because I worked for a company that employed them as security, and good Lord were they dumb.

Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 11:11:03 EST Subject: Re: FEL-L: "Stupid" guards and smart guard dogs

Tony try Italian Maremmas or Maremma/Anatolian shepherd cross. Beats Gr. Pyrenees who tend to enjoy a 20 mile radius stroll every day.

Some AR's had released my whole flock 12 in all, of sheep and goats they even ran my geese off, while I was at work. The dog went after the AR's. Neighbors called to tell me they were out but not to worry the dog was with them. When I got home, the dog, my Maremma male, had corralled the whole herd and the geese back home and was laying across the opening in the gate so the animals could not escape again. Then once AR's tried to poison my livestock with antifreeze in the feed and dog food.(strange sense of justice... they thought they were saving the livestock from being eaten)

The dog, refused to eat his food and kept all the other animals away from the feed as well, until I got home. When he finally died of cancer it was a huge loss to us.

You want a dog who can guard and talk and follow instructions to the letter.... Go to a sheep dog trail and watch the boarder collies work the sheep, goats and cattle. They are soooo incredible! Haven't seen one that could drive a Brinks truck though. Pinkerton and Doyle would be wiser to employ them they work for feed :) Sherry:)

Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 13:03:22 EST Subject: Re: FEL-L: "Stupid" Dogs

We raise, show and trial Aussies. In fact, our male is the most Champion- titled Aussie in breed history, and he's only 3 years old! But he's a ranch dog first, show dog second. He's has killed a marauding coyote down stalking our newborn foal crops, and yet he's gentle enough with the sense to keep a colicy colt walking after "Mom" has fallen asleep at 3 AM. He's been as well socialized as they come, and is known by the dog folks to be "Mr. Lover" with his sweet friendly personality.

Yet let a stranger make the mistake of approaching one of "his" kids, and they're at serious risk of being nailed. Bill has been bitten in the ass more than once when he's proceeded to reprimand a child without checking to see where the dogs are first. And I'd have it no other way!!! Jill ;-)