Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo

As predicted in the Farmer’s Almanac, February did not disappoint with chilly weather. Below-average cold temperatures prevailed in many parts of the state last month. Hopefully, everyone took preventative measures ahead of time to keep their pipes from freezing.

Freeze Miser devices attached to a faucet and a water trough valve. AgriLife photos courtesy of Costanzo and www.freezemiser.com 2025 

One new product we tried out at my place, called the Freeze Miser, worked extremely well at keeping the lines from freezing. I have also gotten pictures from ranchers saying it will keep a trough from freezing over. You can buy the device with a “Y” which is what I did so that I could still use the water hose when needed. At approximately $30 each, they are not cheap if you have a lot of valves to keep from freezing. I think over time; the cost is worth the hassle of going out and breaking ice on troughs or dealing with frozen lines.

The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association is hosting a Trapping Clinic again this year on April 11-12 in El Dorado at the X Bar Ranch. I attended the event last year near Lampasas and learned a lot of valuable information. Last year, all the presenters were working trappers in the state with decades of knowledge. Everything from looking for signs and tracks to setting assorted styles of traps and snares was covered with hands-on demonstrations and practice by participants. I would strongly encourage everyone who needs a refresher in trapping or is new to predator control to attend the event. You will not be disappointed! Contact Darci at TSGRA to register for the event.

 AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

SAVE THE DATE! We will host the 9^th Annual AgriLife LGD Field Day at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo on May 2nd from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature workshops, a producer panel, and a ranch tour. Vendors and dog breeders will be present. Lunch and morning refreshments will be provided. Follow our social media pages, TAMUlivestockguarddog, for more information. Check the events page on our

Producers at a field day in 2022 in Ozona. AgriLife photo courtesy of Redden 2022.

website to register for the event!

 SAVE THE DATE! Our next webinar will be on May 15^th. It will be a producer Q&A panel event featuring several users of LGDs in Texas. Follow our Facebook page, TAMUlivestockguardog, for more information as the event approaches!

Is a Male or Female LGD Better?

This month, we will conclude our three-part series on male versus female LGDs. Last month, we explored the traits of male and female LGDs. This month, we will wrap up the series by looking at running same-sex or different-sex dogs and whether fixed or intact dogs are better to run.

Running Same-Sex or Different-Sex LGDs

The topic of mixed-gender dog handling elicits a variety of perspectives within the canine community. Some experts assert that dogs of the same sex may exhibit a higher propensity for conflict, particularly concerning food, territorial disputes, and interactions with their handlers. However, the key to successful cohabitation is the quality of the training provided to the dog. This emphasis on training makes the owner responsible and controls the dog’s behavior. Proper training and bonding are critical to the success of any LGD pack.

Mike and Wilma are a male and female pair on a ranch in Ft. Stockton, TX. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2023.

 Should Producers Neuter or Spay Their LGDs?

We strongly recommend spaying and neutering all LGDs to decrease the chances of roaming, resource guarding, and dog-on-dog aggression. As we have discussed, intact dogs create more management problems for producers. Just like there are registered livestock breeders from which to purchase male and female replacements, there are also LGD breeders. These breeders are better equipped than most producers to breed and raise quality LGDs. We encourage producers to locate quality LGD breeders and purchase their dogs from them instead of raising their own.

In conclusion, the decision to utilize either mixed-gender or same-gender livestock guardian dogs should be informed by individual preferences, individual experiences, and the specific roles assigned to dogs. These considerations and each dog’s unique personality traits and breeding will be more effective predictors of success than merely selecting dogs based on gender.be based on personal preference, individual experience, and the dogs’ purposes. These variables, along with the dog’s personality and breeding, will be the best indicators of success, rather than simply choosing dogs based on whether they are male or female.

Bonding Project Update

Round Six

The pups in round six are all doing well and are still on their ranches. They are right in the middle of their adolescent time, and we have had minimal issues as in the past with dogs. Lilly was seen chasing livestock once, and we applied a dangle stick to her, which stopped her behavior. Blitzen was also patrolling outside his pastures at ASU on a couple of occasions, and we resolved that issue by moving him to a large pasture and applying an invisible fence collar on him for retraining. Both dogs are doing well now. Lulu and Comet were moved to another location on their ranch away from the wind farm shop, which also stopped their wandering. Lady and Dasher are doing well and have not had any issues on their ranch in Ozona.

Round Seven

We will bond dogs with lightweight calves in round seven of the bonding project, starting mid-April. We are looking for four dogs, 8-week-old pups of the same breed and sex. Maremma or Karakachans are preferred for this project since they tend to be close proximity breeds. If you have any pups that would fit the project, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu

The research project will examine whether LGDs bonded to cattle can push coyotes out of the Rita Blanca National Grasslands, allow Swift foxes to repopulate the area, and balance the ecosystem. Coyotes prey on the foxes, and the plan is for the LGDs to create a territory that will push them out, allow them to return to satisfactory numbers, and keep them from being listed as an endangered species.

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe using this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have any feedback about this article or would like to propose topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at  bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you are seeking information on LGDs, visit our website. It features factsheets, global research on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a collaborative initiative between Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media platforms and share them with your friends and family!

 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube under @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

Texas A&M AgriLife provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

According to long-range forecasts, chilly weather will persist through the end of February. Ensure you provide plenty of dry bedding and fresh water for your LGDs. Dogs need fresh water like your livestock, even during cold weather. The dog’s double coat can easily keep them warm in dry, freezing conditions. If their coats become soaked from heavy rain and the weather is incredibly windy and below freezing, dry them thoroughly before allowing them to return to work!

 AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

Kangal dog on alert. AgriLife picture courtesy of the 101breeds.com 2024.

Our upcoming LGD webinar is scheduled for February 26th at 2 p.m. Tamara Taylor from Turkmen Kangal Dogs, Patteran Akbash, and Dairy Goats will lead a session on the Kangal breed. Mrs. Taylor has been involved with LGDs for over 35 years and has supplied Akbash and Kangal dogs for multiple USDA/APHIS research projects in the Western States. Please check our website and social media pages for more information or to register for the event.

 SAVE THE DATE! We will be hosting the annual AgriLife LGD Field Day at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo on May 2nd from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature workshops, a producer panel, and a ranch tour. Vendors and dog breeders will be present. Lunch and morning refreshments will be provided. Follow our social media pages @TAMUlivestockguarddog for more information. Check the events page on our website to register for the event!

Is a Male or Female LGD Better?

This month, we will continue our three-part series on male versus female LGDs. Last month, we examined some common misconceptions producers have regarding the guarding styles of male and female LGDs. This month, we will explore the traits of male and female LGDs. We will conclude our series in March.

Common Male LGD Traits

The larger size of male livestock guardian dogs is their most significant advantage. While both male and female LGD breeds are large dogs, males tend to be slightly taller and heavier overall. Ranchers report that male LGDs possess heightened territorial instincts, which may lead them to conduct more perimeter patrols. They mark their territory with urine during these patrols, deterring other canine predators. However, it’s important to note that females also mark their territory!

Male LGDs do have some drawbacks. They often take longer to mature, requiring more time and commitment to train them as reliable guardians. Aggression towards other dogs can be a concern with intact male LGDs; however, it’s crucial to recognize that some female LGDs can display similar aggressive behaviors. Additionally, intact males can become easily distracted by females in heat, encompassing not just those of their breed but also any nearby female dog. It’s also noteworthy that intact males may show increased aggression towards each other when vying for a female in heat.

Common Female LGD Traits

Ranchers claim that female LGDs tend to stay close to the herd or flock, providing close proximity protection. Producers also state that female LGDs are more nurturing and protective of newborn and young livestock. However, several research studies have shown no significant differences in the guarding abilities of males compared to females, or of fixed versus intact dogs. Additionally, we have not observed any differences in the guarding abilities of dogs in our own research study. We consider the anecdotal information about female LGDs to be inaccurate, based on studies conducted by other researchers as well as our LGD project findings. The primary advantage of having female livestock guardian dogs is that they mature faster. Some also suggest that they are more obedient. If this is true, it would require less training and allow more time for the dogs to serve as reliable guardians.

Jan and Betty are a female team on a producer’s ranch near Sonora, TX. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2022.

There are downsides to female LGDs as well. The most significant issues arise in unspayed females. Females often become distracted when they are in heat. They may focus more on reproduction than on their duties as LGDs and can become aggressive with other dogs. Their heat cycles can also create problems by attracting outside dogs and potentially distracting male livestock guardian dogs within their pack.

Female LGDs will be less effective if they have a litter of puppies that require their attention. Pregnancy can also be challenging for a female’s body. Dogs with multiple closely spaced pregnancies may wear down more quickly and be replaced sooner than spayed or neutered dogs. While not common, female dogs can interbreed with wolves and coyotes, resulting in large, dangerous feral dogs.

For more information on this topic, be sure to check out our blog next month!

 Bonding Project Update

Round Six Dogs

The pups are all doing well on their ranches. Last month, we observed Lilly chasing animals a couple of times. She is at the Center and has been wearing a dangle stick for a few weeks to modify her behavior. If that doesn’t work, we may need to pen her with some mature rams and billies. Producers must remember that training aids are not intended to be permanent solutions to the issue. We have the dogs wear the devices for a month, then remove them to see if the harmful behavior has decreased or stopped. If it has not, the device is reapplied for another 30 days. At that point, we remove it again and observe the dog’s behavior. If the behavior has not stopped, we will reapply the device for 30 days. If, after that, the behavior continues, we will switch to another method to change the dog’s behavior.

Adult LGDs

All adult dogs received their annual vaccinations and heartworm prevention in January. We are now safeguarding dogs against heartworm infection, even with the minimal risk in our area. The spread of heartworm is rising in regions not typically associated with the disease,

Blitzen (left) and Waylon in a pasture at ASU. AgriLife picture courtesy of Sustaita, 2024.

largely due to the increased movement of rescue dogs across state lines. These dogs often carry the disease and transmit it to noninfected dogs through mosquito bites. We recommend checking with your local veterinarian for further information.

Waylon and Penny are thriving as Blitzen and Lilly’s canine teachers. Both adult dogs have adapted well to having a teenager in their pastures. Recently, Blitzen was patrolling outside his pastures, so we kenneled him for a few days and started invisible fence training again. Blitzen and Lilly will leave the Center at the end of February or early March to guard the goat herd in Menard.

 In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe using this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have any feedback about this article or would like to propose topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at  bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you’re seeking information on LGDs, visit our website. It features factsheets, global research on LGDs, and case studies we’ve conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a collaborative initiative between Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media platforms and share them with your friends and family!

 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube under @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

Winter has arrived! As I sit in my office writing this blog, it’s currently 33 degrees outside with a wind chill of only 24 degrees. Ensure your LGDs have plenty of dry bedding and a place to get out of the wind. Hypothermia is a possibility if LGDs are drenched from rain and the temperature drops below freezing with strong winds. You may need to bring the dogs into the barn and dry them thoroughly before allowing them to return to work. A livestock blower with heat will work well and do the job quickly!

We are starting our seventh year of writing The Guardian Way blog in 2025! The blog was originally more of a monthly newsletter with more articles and producer interviews in 2019-2021. In 2021, we changed to the current format, with some updates and a feature article most months.

Thanks for all the positive comments on the “Christmas Guardian” story in last month’s blog. I think Gus and Duke will return when I have time to write another tale about their travels and adventures on the Harris Ranch.

 AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

The Texas LGD Association will host a field day in Lampasas, TX, on Saturday, January 18^th, at the Lampasas County Livestock Show Barn. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several different workshops, a breeder panel, vendors, and an association meeting will be held. Check out the Texas LGD Association Facebook pages for more information.

 Our next LGD webinar will be held on February 26^th at 2 p.m. Tamara Taylor from Turkmen Kangal Dogs, Patteran Akbash, and Dairy Goats will present a webinar on the Kangal breed. Ms. Taylor has been involved with LGDs for over 35 years and has provided Akbash and Kangal dogs for several USDA/APHIS research projects in the Western States. Check our website and social media pages for more information.

SAVE THE DATE! We will host the annual AgriLife LGD Field Day at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo on May 2nd from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include several workshops, a producer panel, and a ranch tour. Vendors and dog breeders will be on site. Lunch and morning refreshments will be provided. Follow our social media pages @TAMUlivestockguarddog for more information.

 Is a Male or Female LGD Better?

We will start a three-part series this month on male vs female LGDs. When choosing a livestock guardian dog (LGD), the age-old question of

Sam (rear) and Susie are two Akbash dogs at the AgriLife Sonora Station. This picture shows the difference in size between adult males and females. AgriLife picture courtesy of Brown, 2022.

whether to get a male or female LGD often arises. While some believe that males are more aggressive and likely to roam and protect the perimeter, and females tend to stay with the livestock, it’s crucial to remember that these are generalizations. In reality, the dog’s breeding and personality are far more critical factors to consider than gender.

While both sexes of LGDs are effective, it may be essential to consider whether dogs of the same or different genders should work together. The problem of fixing the dogs also comes into question when considering running mixed-sex livestock guardian dogs together, along with the cost difference at the veterinary office.

 Differences Between Male and Female LGDs

The following chart shows the anecdotal evidence collected from producers regarding male and female livestock guardian dogs. Many owners swear by these observations, however, scientific data to back up these claims is difficult to corroborate or nonexistent.

The disadvantages of intact dogs are real and can create dangerous problems for LGDs in a pack. Dogs are individuals, just as humans are. They all have unique personalities. However, some fundamental physical differences between male and female livestock guardian dogs may influence which gender to purchase.

For more information on this topic check out our blog next month!

Bonding Project Update

Round Six Dogs

Lilly (front) and Penny with their sheep in San Angelo. AgriLife picture courtesy of Sustaita, 2024.

Lilly, Lady, Dasher, and Blitzen are all doing well at their ranches. Lulu and Comet are getting along well but regularly leave their ranch boundaries. They are frequently traveling onto a wind farm next to their ranch across a cattle guard when the wind farm employees leave the gate open. They have also visited the shop area several times, making friends with the employees. Blitzen and Lilly will join the Menard pack to assist Sara with the goats in late February or early March. They are both doing well in San Angelo. Blitzen has been learning the guardian way from Waylon, who is on loan to ASU, and Lilly has been paired up with Penny. Both sets of dogs are getting along well together. Lady and Dasher are staying with their sheep in Ozona and have been seen separated a few times as the herd moves in different directions. We like to hear reports from producers about that behavior so that the herd is not unprotected at any point.

Adult LGDs

All the adult dogs are doing well on their ranches. Sara is guarding goats, and Thelma is with the sheep in Menard. Sam and Susie are in Ozona at the Read Ranch, guarding goats. Thor and Hulk are at the Sonora Station guarding sheep and goats. Waylon, Wyatt, Penny, and Duchess are all at the Center in San Angelo, guarding sheep and goats. Waylon is still on loan to ASU as they plan to implement LGDs to protect their livestock. We still have not found Goliath in Ozona. He has been missing since October 2024. If anyone has any information or believes they have seen him near Taylor Box Rd, please contact me at 325-657-7311 or via email at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu.

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family!

 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

Cooler temperatures are here, and we have gotten some rain lately across the state. Heavy rain has occurred at times around the San Angelo area, with over 5.5 inches falling at the Center on one day! We got 20 inches of rain from October 1^st to November 15^th at the Center. We hope this will continue through the winter and into the spring next year to help recharge the aquifer and provide an abundance of forage for the livestock.

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas for all of us at the AgriLife Center. Our Christmas wish this year is to bring Goliath back home to the ranch in Ozona. We lost him back in October when illegal aliens or drug smugglers damaged our GPS tracking system. We lost track of Goliath’s location shortly afterward. We ordered a new tracking system, which finally arrived before Thanksgiving. The system is back up, but we have not been able to locate Goliath.  

Goliath with his sheep in Ozona. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo, 2021. 

Goliath is a 5-year-old “Texas mix” (Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd x Akbash).  If you live near Taylor Box Rd in Ozona and have livestock, please check your pastures for him. He could be up to 10 miles away from the ranch at this point. Goliath is long-haired with cream coloring. He is friendly and should come when called. He prefers sheep but will guard goats as well. He is wearing a large orange collar with a black GPS tracker. He is ID chipped, also. If you have seen or caught him, please contact me at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo immediately at 325-657-7311 or at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu.

 AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

The Texas LGD Association will host a field day in Lampasas, TX, on Saturday, January 18^th, at the Lampasas County Livestock Showbarn. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several different workshops, a breeder panel, vendors, and an association meeting will be held. A ranch tour is also being planned for the event. Check out the Texas LGD Association Facebook pages for more information.

Our next LGD webinar will be held on February 26^th at 2 p.m. Tamara Taylor from Turkmen Kangal Dogs, Patteran Akbash, and Dairy Goats will present a webinar on the Kangal breed. Ms. Taylor has been involved with LGDs for over 35 years and has provided Akbash and Kangal dogs for several USDA/APHIS research projects in the Western States. Check our website and social media pages for more information.

 LGD Christmas Story

With the holiday season upon us, I thought it might be appropriate to write a story this month honoring the spirit of the livestock guardian dog. I have seen the courage and bravery of these fearless dogs firsthand and know that if needed, they will give their lives to protect our livestock from a threat. Here’s to all the LGDs past and present LGDs that keep our livestock safe all year.

The Christmas Guardian

Gus and Duke guard their herd in a snow-filled pasture on a ranch. The AgriLife picture is courtesy of ChatGPT and Costanzo, 2024.

Snow blanketed the wide-open pastures of the Harris family ranch, nestled in a quiet valley. The sheep huddled together for warmth, their breath steaming in the crisp winter air. At the pasture’s edge, a small puppy with oversized paws and fluffy white fur stood watch, his eyes gleaming with determination. His name was Gus, a Great Pyrenees pup barely six months old, full of heart but still learning the ways of the ranch.

Gus wasn’t alone in his training. His mentor, Duke, a seasoned Great Pyrenees with a grizzled muzzle and a wise gaze, had been the ranch’s guardian for over a decade. Duke was patient, showing Gus how to patrol the perimeter and bark just right to scare off threats. But a few weeks before Christmas, Duke had injured his leg while chasing off a mountain lion. The vet ordered complete rest, so Duke stayed by the barn, unable to help.

“You’re the guardian now, Gus,” Duke had rumbled one evening as they lay together near the barn. “Keep those sheep safe. I know you can do it.” Gus had puffed up with pride, determined to make Duke proud.

On Christmas Eve, the ranch was buzzing with preparation. Mrs. Harris was baking pies in the cozy farmhouse, and Mr. Harris was finishing last-minute chores in the barn. The ranch’s livelihood depended on a successful holiday season—local families always bought their Christmas lamb from the Harris Ranch.

As night fell, a snowstorm rolled in. The wind howled, shaking the barn doors. Gus trotted around the pasture, sniffing the icy air. Something wasn’t right. His ears perked, and he let out a low growl. He could sense danger.

The storm grew fiercer, and visibility dropped to almost nothing. Gus heard the faint sound of hoofbeats growing louder. A shadow moved along the fence line—it was a pack of hungry and bold coyotes. Gus barked sharply, and his little frame puffed up as he sprinted toward the threat.

Duke heard the commotion from the barn and tried to stand, but his injured leg gave out. He let out a deep, frustrated bark, calling encouragement to Gus. “You can do it, pup! Hold your ground!”

Gus stood firm, his barks sharp and commanding, echoing through the storm. The coyotes paused, startled by the unexpected confidence of the small guardian. Gus darted along the fence, nipping and barking, making himself appear larger and more threatening than he was. But the coyotes weren’t giving up easily.

Just then, Mr. Harris appeared, lantern in hand. “What’s going on out here?” he shouted, spotting Gus facing off against the coyotes. “Good boy, Gus!” He raised his shotgun and fired a warning shot into the air. The coyotes scattered into the woods.

Mr. Harris knelt down and hugged Gus, who wagged his tail furiously. “You saved the herd, boy,” he said, his voice thick with gratitude. “Duke trained you well.”

Duke released a soft, proud bark inside the barn as he watched from his resting spot. Gus trotted over to him, tail wagging, and Duke gave him a gentle lick on the nose. “You did it, kid. You’re a true guardian now.”

When the storm cleared on Christmas morning, the ranch was peaceful once more. The sheep were safe, and Gus sat proudly at the top of the hill, his fur glowing in the sunlight. Mr. Harris poured an extra helping of gravy on Gus’s breakfast, a Christmas feast fit for a hero.

That night, as the Harris family gathered around the tree, Gus and Duke lay side by side by the fireplace, the older dog resting his chin on Gus’s head. Gus may have been just a puppy, but on that snowy Christmas Eve, with Duke’s faith in him, he proved that even the smallest guardian could save the day.

Bonding Project Update

Dasher and Lady in Ozona at their new home. AgriLife photo courtesy of Costanzo, 2024

Round Six Dogs

All the pups were delivered to producers last month. This round of pups was tested for socialization levels, and all received a hot wire in the bonding pens. The pups were bonded as a single or pair as in past rounds. In addition, the Santa’s Reindeer pups received continuous invisible fence training after being released from the bonding pens. After being released from their pens, the “L” girls received semi-regular invisible fence training. We separated the pups into groups of two by treatment for this round. Each cooperating producer received a well-socialized pup and a less-socialized pup. Pups are in Ozona (Dasher and Lady), Mc Camey (Comet and Lulu), and San Angelo (Blitzen and Lilly).

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family!

 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

The weather is getting cooler, and fall is upon us. Now is the time to ensure your LGDs are in proper body condition. If they have lost their condition from the summer heat, add more fat and protein to their diet. Changing feeds or adding extra calories through supplements can help increase your dog’s BCS in time for spring lambing and kidding. Your LGD should have a body condition score of 4.5 to 5 by the spring season.

 AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

Please mark your calendars for our next online seminar on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. CST. We are thrilled to have Mark Taylor from Prescribed Hunts present a workshop on using LGDs on ranches with hunting leases. Mark has unique ways of working around LGDs in pastures at the AgriLife Sonora Station that hunters use during deer season. This enlightening event is an excellent opportunity for all LGD enthusiasts. To secure your spot, watch the events page on our website. The workshop will be hosted on Zoom, ensuring easy access for all. As always, it is free!

The Texas LGD Association will host a field day in Lampasas, TX, on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Lampasas County Livestock Showbarn. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several different workshops, a breeder panel, vendors, and an association meeting will be held. A ranch tour is also being planned for the event. Check out the Texas LGD Association Facebook page for more information.

 Roaming Research

I had a couple of producers email in comments and questions regarding last month’s blog post about my thesis project and the results on roaming that I have found to date. Based on our bonding project, roaming is reduced in adult dogs that have had the treatment of hot wire in the bonding pens. We expose the dogs to hot wire from the first day they are placed in the bonding pens at 8 weeks old. They remain in a fenced pen with hot wire at the base until they are 6 months old. The first four rounds of dogs were then placed into pastures without hot wire until 10 months of age. They were tracked for roaming patterns at the Center and on cooperating producers’ ranches until eighteen months of age.

In round five of the project, we added invisible fence training to the hot wire treatment group for the pups from 6 to 10 months of age. Initial results are encouraging. None of the pups left their pastures at the cooperating producers’ ranches a single time from 10 to 18 months of age. This had not been seen in the previous four rounds. In round six of the project, we used hot wire in all bonding pens and included treatments for invisible fence training after the pups left the bonding pens. We will continue using this protocol and bonding pups as singles vs pairs.

The research articles I am reviewing for my thesis were conducted in various countries. Six of the articles were based in the U.S., and seven of the 19 articles are from research conducted in Australia. The types of livestock included in the research on LGDs included sheep, goats, cattle, and poultry. Nineteen studies tracked the movements of 302 dogs with an average age of 3.93 years. The Maremma breed was used in 47% of the studies, and 37% of the studies used Great Pyrenees. In most studies, various LGD breeds available in the geographic region were used to conduct the research projects.

Herders were used with 26% of the dogs in the studies. Sadly, most of the articles that tracked roaming did not use a herder, so I cannot determine whether a herder influences the roaming behavior of the dogs. While it seems likely that human presence would decrease roaming behavior, I cannot substantiate that based on the articles in the literature review. All LGDs in the studies reviewed worked with other LGDs in the same pasture or ranch property. None of the dogs worked entirely alone. Researchers could not track whether aggression between the LGDs caused any of them to roam. Again, it seems logical that if LGDs have dominance or resource-guarding issues, they may roam to find other livestock to protect, but I cannot prove that based on the data presented in the articles reviewed. Sixty-eight percent of the studies had more male dogs on the ranches than female dogs. This could be because male dogs are perceived to be more aggressive towards threats to their territories. However, we have not seen that to be true in the bonding project dogs. In addition, none of the research I have read has shown a difference in the guarding abilities of males vs. females or fixed vs. intact dogs. It was impossible to determine if any breed was more apt to roam as the roaming data was not calculated by the breed of dogs. Researchers looked at distances traveled and time of day compared to the location of the livestock in the studies. Most dogs did tend to roam more at night than during the day.

 Bonding Project Update

Round Six Dogs

The “L” Girls (Lilly, Lulu, and Lady) looking for treats and kibble in the Ranger one day. AgriLife picture courtesy of Sustaita, 2024

The “L” Girls have been feeling a little more adventurous lately and have been getting into mischief now that the weather is cooling down. They are used to riding in the Ranger to travel from the kennel back to the bonding pasture or for training to acclimate them to different vehicles. The pups in round six were fixed in late October and will be dropped off at cooperating producers’ ranches in  November. They will be tracked for roaming until the dogs are 18 months old. You can look for updates on the pups on our Facebook page.

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family!

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

Roaming is one of the most significant issues with LGDs, but there is very little published literature on this topic. Many research articles are available on the dogs’ movements about livestock or their general movements in a pasture, but not on roaming. Roaming is the random travel of LGDs outside their pasture boundaries away from livestock. The reason for their trip may be predators, but often, the dogs travel in a straight line as if they are headed to a particular location over many miles. The reason for LGD roaming is not known. Roaming differs from patrolling outside pasture boundaries, as patrolling follows a dog’s regular guarding pattern. Recently, as part of my master’s thesis, I started a literature review on roaming. Still, despite querying academic search engines with thousands of articles, I only found 19 explicitly related to roaming. However, even of these 19, only six articles tracked the roaming behavior of the dogs. None of those articles were specifically looking at the roaming patterns of the dogs or how to stop that behavior. Researchers classified roaming as being a specific distance from livestock. Distances varied amongst the researchers. Hopefully, our bonding project can solve some of those issues for producers. One thing I found interesting is that more male dogs were used than females. We hypothesize this is because many believe male dogs are more aggressive toward other canine threats.

I am currently analyzing the data for the round four pups, and by the end of 2025, I will have completed my thesis on this group of dogs. One interesting note in the articles is that researchers found dogs roaming more at night than during the day. I am not sure whether our dogs roam at a specific time of day, but according to producers, it is generally predator-related when they do. Hopefully, we will better understand roaming patterns once I finish analyzing all the data from round four.

 AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

We recently loaned Waylon to the ASU school farm in San Angelo. Angelo State runs a university research ranch right next to our location in

Waylon in a bonding pen at Angelo State University ranch. AgriLife picture courtesy of Sustaita, 2024

San Angelo, but they have been having many predator issues recently. Waylon will be on loan to them for the next 60 days to help determine whether it is worthwhile for their university to start running LGDs. A university farm’s unique management, high student traffic, and liability concerns present different challenges for integrating LGDs. Due to the success of integrating LGDs into the flocks at the TAMU campus in College Station, we believe this is the right decision for ASU as well, but we also recognize it is best for all parties to have a trial run just to make sure. Waylon is wearing the new Invisible Fence Brand collar we are evaluating to ensure he does not leave his pasture. We will keep you posted on the progress of the trial, but we are excited that this could eventually lead LGDs to play a more prominent role in college animal science labs and courses.

Please mark your calendars for our next online seminar on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. CST. We are thrilled to have Mark Taylor from Prescribed Hunts present a workshop on using LGDs on ranches with hunting leases. Mark has unique ways of working around LGDs in pastures at the AgriLife Sonora Station that hunters use during deer season. This enlightening event is an excellent opportunity for all LGD enthusiasts. To secure your spot, watch the events page on our website. The workshop will be hosted on Zoom, ensuring easy access for all, and as always, it is free!

Bonding Project Update

Round Five Dogs

Mabel has been rebonding with some goats at the AgriLife Center for the last couple of weeks and will be going with them to the ranch in Menard this month. Hopefully, she will stay on the ranch and fit in well with Sara, who tends to be a more dominant dog. I expect Mabel to fit in as she seems more submissive. We will keep you posted on Mabel to see if she works out or if she is our first failed LGD from the bonding project.

Round Six Dogs

The newest version of the Invisible Fence Brand GPS-based collar. AgriLife picture courtesy of Invisible Fence Brand company, 2024

The pups are all doing well. Despite our hopes otherwise, SpotOn Fence has suspended its pursuit of developing long-life battery collars, but we appreciate their efforts in exploring this option. Issues with the sample units not charging, as well as we hoped, have proven difficult to overcome in our trials. Fortunately, we have received four new collars from SpotOn, which will have updated software this month that should allow two to three days of battery life out of the collars. The new collars we received from Invisible Fence have been working exceptionally well, but we still prefer the replaceable battery design of the original units. This previous design was more convenient than the current process, which requires removing the entire collar for recharging. While swapping the collars each time we need to charge isn’t as ideal, we couldn’t be happier with the collar’s performance while on the dogs. The puppies will be ready to go to cooperating producers in early November.

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family! 

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

Brutus in a bonding pen with training pups. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo, 2023.

Summer heat and high humidity can be a severe problem for LGDs, especially the long-haired breeds. Heat exhaustion (hyperthermia) and heat stroke can occur rapidly in LGDs and can even lead to death. I recently lost my lead male LGD Brutus to heat stroke on a not overly hot or humid day. Brutus was a 7 ½-year-old male Maremma x Akbash x Great Pyrenees. He had suffered heat exhaustion last summer. After that incident, we watched the heat index daily for any spikes. We also ensured he was well groomed and kept his belly and inner legs trimmed short so he had good contact with the cool soil. We ensured he had trees or other shade areas to lay under. On days with high heat and humidity, we brought him inside the mud room in front of a fan with plenty of cool water to drink. We kept him there until mid-evening when he was allowed to go back outside and guard his charges. This summer, we groomed him well and trimmed up his belly again. We watched for a heat index warning every morning this year, but he still could not manage the stress of even a mid-90-degree day with average humidity this summer. You will be missed, you “big old monster!”

Dogs with heat exhaustion are more susceptible to heat stroke. Once a dog has a heat stroke, it is at a higher risk of having a second one and dying. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in dogs include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, dehydration, excessive drooling, fever, bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums, lack of urine, rapid pulse, muscle tremors, lethargy or weakness, vomiting or diarrhea, and dizziness. For more information on heat stroke, check out this link.  As always, consult your local veterinarian for more information.

Ensure your LGDs hair coats are free of dirt and old hair to allow them to regulate body temperatures. Provide them with plenty of cool, fresh water and shade. Plastic pools for kids may allow the dogs to cool off as well. You can place frozen water jugs into the pools to help keep the water cool throughout the day so the dogs can lay in cool water. Prevention is the key to keeping your LGDs cool and alive during the summer heat!

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

Please mark your calendars for our next online seminar on Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. CST. We are thrilled to have Dr. Julie Young from Utah State University, a renowned researcher in LGDs, share her extensive knowledge, research, and insights. This enlightening event is an excellent opportunity for all LGD enthusiasts. To secure your spot, watch the events page on our website. The workshop will be hosted on Zoom, ensuring easy access for all, and as always, it is free!

The 51^st Annual AgriLife Center Field Day, held on Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon, was filled with informative sessions and engaging activities at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo. This was followed by the highly anticipated Texas Sheep and Goat Expo at the Spur Arena on Aug. 16 – 17. Several hundred people attended the Expo and field day.

Bonding Project Update

Round Five Dogs

Mabel was returned to us in mid-August by her cooperating producer. Mabel initially worked very well and stayed with her goats when she

Mabel waiting in the truck to return to the Center. AgriLife picture courtesy of Sustaita 2024

was placed on the ranch in the fall. After the producer sheared the goats, Mabel refused to leave the barn area. We tried several things to encourage her to reengage with her charges, but for some reason, she would only travel to get feed and then return to a barn area on the ranch. We checked with canine behaviorists and long-time breeders to determine the cause of Mabel not wanting to leave the barn area, but nothing we tried solved the problem. We will be taking Mabel to the ranch in Menard to evaluate her as a potential LGD and see how she interacts with another LGD who needs help guarding our meat goats. We will keep you posted on Mabel’s progress and if she eventually graduates or fails the program.

Round Six Dogs

Initial testing of the new Spot On collars on the “L Girls” (Lilly, Lulu and Lady) is progressing slower than anticipated. We have had issues with the prototype collars not charging or internal wires coming loose, affecting

“L Girls” hanging out in the pasture with their charges. AgriLife picture courtesy of Rogers, 2024.

the electrodes. The company is working to fix those as quickly as possible to continue the testing.

We will also get some other updated collars from SpotOn Fence, like the current versions with longer battery life. Invisible Fence Brand has also released an updated GPS collar that we just received. We will evaluate all of these invisible fence collars over the next few months. Continue to follow this blog and our social media pages for more updates on the collars and the pups.

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family!

 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

The summer heat and some moisture across the state have increased the number of flies in many locations. It is important to watch your LGDs for signs of a fly strike. We see it very often in short-haired LGD breeds, but it can also occur in long-haired LGDs. We use three products on our dogs that are susceptible to fly strikes. All three products from Farnam are commonly found in feed and farm stores. We use Swat ointment and a long-acting fly spray as preventative measures for dogs. If a dog has fly strike, we like to use Tri-Care ointment. Tri-Care ointment has a fly repellent, prevents infections, and relieves pain. Tri-Care is an excellent product for all minor wounds on dogs and livestock.

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

Please mark your calendars for our next online seminar on Sept.19 at 3 p.m. CST. We are thrilled to have Dr. Julie Young from Utah State University, a renowned researcher in LGDs, share her extensive knowledge, research, and insights. This enlightening event is an excellent opportunity for all LGD enthusiasts. To secure your spot, watch the events page on our website. The workshop will be hosted on Zoom, ensuring easy access for all, and as always, it is free!

Get ready for the 51^st Annual AgriLife Center Field Day, a day filled with informative sessions and engaging activities, to be held on Aug.16 from 8 a.m. – noonat the AgriLife Center in San Angelo. This will be followed by the highly anticipated Texas Sheep and Goat Expo at the Spur Arena on Aug. 16 – 17. As part of the Expo, we are hosting an LGD workshop on Aug. 16, a fantastic opportunity for producers to enhance their knowledge and skills in LGDs. Producers can register for the field day and Expo on the AgriLife Center – San Angelo’s events page. And do not forget that the Texas LGD Association will hold its annual in-person meeting immediately after the Expo ends on Aug.17 in the lobby of the Spur Arena.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

Adding New LGDs to Your Pack

We frequently get questions about adding a new LGD to your current pack or group of dogs. This can be incredibly stressful and dangerous for the new dog. We recommend starting with a younger dog that has not reached adolescence, as they are more likely to be submissive to the established dog or pack and accepted by them without injury. Older mature dogs are more likely to fight as they have already established dominance in their previous setting. This situation can lead to injuries or death for new and established dogs on the ranch. It is vital to introduce new dogs slowly in a controlled setting.

Introducing a new dog should be a gradual and carefully managed process. We recommend that you follow these steps whether you have a young dog or an older dog you are trying to add. First, introduce them across the fence line with the new dog leashed for 15-20 minutes four to five times weekly. Then, place the new dog and the most dominant dog or dogs in the group into a secure pen. Have the current dogs tethered before bringing the new dog into the pen on a leash. This is especially important as it allows you to pull the dogs apart should they start to fight. Allow the dogs to socialize with each other for at least 15-20 minutes. Do this at least four to five times for the second week. Make sure to interact with all the dogs so that the current dogs learn that it is okay for the new dog to be there. Plenty of treats are helpful to have on hand during this entire process to reward good behavior. Always try to end the sessions on a positive note. Shorter, more frequent sessions are preferred over longer, less frequent ones.

Observing the dogs’ behavior and understanding their interactions is crucial as you progress through the weeks. This will help you identify any potential issues and address them early on. Excessive aggression at the stages or constant straying by a specific dog may mean one dog is being bullied, and joining these dogs may need to be abandoned. In the third week, allow the new dog into the pen without a leash with the same adult dominant dog or dogs tethered. Repeat this for 10-15 minutes for four to five days. During the fourth week, allow the tethered dog or dogs to be on a leash while the new dog is free. If you have multiple dogs, having another person there will be beneficial if a fight arises. In the fifth week, introduce feed in bowls to each dog in the group pen area. This is generally when aggression may occur if the dog has resource-guarding tendencies. You may need to work with one or more dogs for a week to get past this issue. It is sometimes difficult to overcome resource guarding in older dogs, and it may be easier to add another feeding station 50-60 feet away from the original feeding station so that the new dog can eat.

Pearl during tether testing. She did an excellent job and received a perfect score. AgriLife picture courtesy Costanzo 2024.

Bonding Project Update

Round Five Dogs

Six of the seven dogs graduated from round five of the bonding project. Mabel is the last dog that needs to be evaluated in August. The producer was on vacation for a couple of weeks in July, which postponed her final test until he returned. Since starting the project last fall, all producers are happy with their dogs and have seen a decrease in predation or no predation on their livestock. We will update you on Mabel and the other pups here and on our Facebook page.

Round Six Dogs

So far, the pups in round six are all doing well in their training pastures. The “Santa’s Reindeer” pups all wear Invisible Fence Brand collars to ensure they respect fence boundaries. The “L Girls” are wearing a new collar from SpotOn Fence that we are evaluating. The pups are frequently seen with their charges, which is a good sign that the bonding process went well.

Santa Reindeer pups still receive three days of socialization a week, as we often change the batteries in

Santa’s Reindeer pups resting in the shade with their charges. AgriLife picture courtesy Costanzo 2024.

their collars. The “L Girls” continue to get one day a week of socialization as the batteries in the SpotOn Fence collar are long-lasting. Moving forward, all pups will continue to receive hot wire training and some invisible fence collar training. The first five rounds of the bonding project have shown that pups bonded and raised in pens with hot wire roam or patrol outside pasture boundaries drastically less than pups bonded without hot wire in the pens. These pups will be looking for ranches to work on in late October or early November of this year. Please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu if you are interested in participating in this round of the bonding project.

Round Seven

Swift fox in a pasture. AgriLife picture courtesy USFWS Mountain Prairie 2024

In 2025, round seven of the bonding project will incorporate cattle. In round seven, we will bond four dogs in hot wire to cattle as part of a project to help restore Swift foxes in the Rita Blanca National Grasslands. We will look for pups 8 weeks old in late January and early February 2025. Please contact us if you plan to have a litter during that time. We are looking for breeds we have not tried to bond in previous years. Future rounds of the bonding project will include training for aerial threats, tethering, acclimation to deer/exotics, and training dogs to combat feral hogs.

In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, webinars, or workshops, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311. The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family!

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

Johnny in 2022 with some of his goats in Menard. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2022.

This blog has often emphasized the importance of tick control, particularly for controlling Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease, spreading farther north of I-10 every year. While we use regular flea/tick control products, it’s crucial to note that not all products control all ticks for the same length. I urge you to read all the product inserts and do your due diligence to inform yourself of what a product does and does not control for a specified period. We tragically lost Johnny from round two of the bonding project in 2020 (Male Legends of Country Music) last month to complications from the tick disease Ehrlichiosis. Even though Johnny was current on his tick control product last year, he still contracted the infection. Some strains of the disease attach to the spinal column and can cause the dogs to have difficulty walking. We discovered Johnny could not use his back legs on the morning of June 12th. We immediately took him to the vet. After a complete examination, our veterinarian determined that his prognosis for recovery was extraordinarily slim and recommended that we euthanize him as he was in pain.

Johnny, a beloved member of our LGD group, always had a silly smile. He was a friendly dog who hated feral hogs, a trait that endeared him to many. You may remember his multiple trips to the vet over the last few years from getting gored on his sides and shoulders. His last day on guard was 6-12-24.

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

Please mark your calendars for our next online seminar on September 19th at 3 pm CST. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Julie Young from Utah State University, a renowned expert in LGDs, share her extensive knowledge, research, and insights. This enlightening event is a golden opportunity for all LGD enthusiasts to learn about her research. To secure your spot, watch the events page on our website in late July. The workshop will be hosted on Zoom, ensuring easy access for all, and as always, it is free!

Get ready for the annual AgriLife Center Field Day, a day filled with informative sessions and engaging activities, to be held on Aug.16 at the Center in San Angelo. This will be followed by the highly anticipated Texas Sheep and Goat Expo at the Spur Arena on Aug. 16 – 17. As part of the Expo, we’re hosting an LGD workshop on Aug.16, a fantastic opportunity for producers to enhance their knowledge and skills.  Producers can register for the field day and expo on the AgriLife Center – San Angelo’s events page. And don’t forget; the Texas LGD Association will hold its annual in-person meeting after the Expo ends on August 17th in the lobby of the Spur Arena.

If you are looking for information on LGDs, make sure to check out our website. It contains factsheets, research from around the world on LGDs, and case studies we have conducted.

Bonding Project Update

Round Five Dogs

The “Old-Fashioned Gals,” “Gun Dogs,” and “Top Guns” dogs will all graduate from the bonding project this month. Except for Mabel, the producers are happy with how the dogs have turned out.  Mabel is not staying with the herd of goats the producer wanted her to guard.  She is not roaming off the ranch, but she is staying with a different group of animals and spending a lot of time near a barn and a set of corrals. The producer had the same issue with two previous dogs, which leads me to believe that something is drawing the dogs to this location for some reason. It’s not the ranch headquarters. No one frequents the area other than to feed a couple of horses. Mabel is not fed at the location and leaves to get fed at her feeding station on the other side of the hill. Livestock only come to the area to get water and then leave. We installed trackers on her and the livestock she is supposed to guard, but she is rarely with them. I’ve contacted a couple of canine behaviorists, but we can’t determine why the dogs continually return to this area.

Round Six Dogs

The pups have been out of their bonding pens since mid-June and are doing well. The “Santas Reindeer” and “L girls” pups were placed into

Picture of the four bonding pens, (red rectangles) and the two training pastures (blue polygons). AgriLife picture courtesy of Google Earth 2020.

training pastures of approximately 100 acres. Both sets of pups are wearing either the Invisible Fence Brand or the SpotOn Fence e-collars to continue teaching respect for fence boundaries. Both current systems have pros and cons to the units. The companies have taken our recommendations to develop new, more user-friendly systems for livestock guardian dogs. Check our Facebook page and this blog for more updates on the invisible fence systems used in the bonding project.

 In closing

If you enjoyed this monthly LGD blog, please remember to subscribe to it with this link: The Guardian Way | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

If you have feedback on this article or would like to suggest topics for future articles, please contact me at bill.costanzo@ag.tamu.edu or 325-657-7311. The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program is a cooperative effort by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board. Follow us on our social media sites and share them with your friends and family!

 Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @TAMUlivestockguarddog

Remember to check out the Texas LGD Association online! You can follow the organization on Facebook or YouTube at @TexasLGDAssociation or visit its website.

A friend recently shared a thought-provoking Facebook post with me, which I found deeply resonating with the spirit of LGDs. I shared it on our Facebook page in May, and I thought it would be fitting to include it in this month’s blog, as it beautifully captures the essence of these remarkable animals.

An LGD perched on a high spot overlooking his charges. AgriLife picture courtesy of Becky Wofford 2023.

“An LGD Never Retires” – author unknown.

At some point in time, the young LGD becomes the old LGD. He can’t run as fast anymore, if at all. His claws have been worn smooth, and his few teeth are no longer sharp. His joints ache, he is no longer slender and muscular, and his hearing and eyesight are no longer acute and keen. He has passed his watch over the flock to the younger pups he taught and raised. Occasionally, he passes some of his pups while he wanders amongst the flock; those pups who remember him present themselves with courtesy and respect. Other young pups ignore him, not knowing who he is or recognizing the scars he has earned from fighting predators over the years.

But, when the wolf arrives, the one thing that has not left the old LGD is his indomitable spirit; he still yearns for the fight with the wolf. The younger LGDs rush to protect the flock, and despite the wear of time and age, the older LGD runs in alongside them, a testament to his unwavering dedication.

There are times when the old LGD confronts the wolf alone by himself. The wolf appears, and the younger LGDs, for whatever reason, are not around – they can’t be everywhere at once. The wolf circles and snarls; he isn’t afraid of the old dog. Yet, it is still within the old LGD to rise up, take a stance, bare his teeth, and growl. He will still take on that wolf, for he still protects the flock and will, as he always has, to the end of his life if necessary. He does this because it is who he is, what he is, an LGD!

This unwavering determination is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the LGD that protects our livestock daily.

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

Our next online seminar, scheduled for Aug. 22, will feature Dr. Julie Young, who will share her extensive knowledge, research, and insights on LGDs. This enlightening event is a must-attend for all LGD enthusiasts. To register, please check the events page on our website in late July. The workshop will be hosted on Zoom, ensuring easy access for all, and as always, it is free!

The annual AgriLife Center Field Day will be held on Aug.16 at the Center in San Angelo, followed by the Texas Sheep and Goat Expo at the Spur Arena on Aug. 16 – 17. This year, an LGD workshop will be held during the Expo on Aug.16.  Producers can register for the field day and expo on the AgriLife Center – San Angelo’s events page. The Texas LGD Association will also hold its annual in-person meeting after the Expo ends on Aug. 17 in the lobby of the Spur Arena.

Bonding Project Update

Round Five Dogs

Pearl anxiously runs to greet us! AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2024.

I visited all the producers recently to check on the dogs and see how the pups are progressing. Pearl is doing much better and has stopped chasing the goats at her ranch. The Komondors seem to be maturing slightly slower than the other breeds we tested. I hope to try some more in the future to see if this is a breed tendency or just this line of pups. Mabel is doing well, but she often hangs out near a set of corrals and a barn where the producer has some horses.  We aren’t sure why she is doing this yet. No other animals are at the location, and no one but the producer comes by to feed the horses. The producer is concerned that she is not staying with her charges. We placed several GPS trackers on his goats to monitor Mabel and the goat’s locations.  I believe she is following them based on her past tracker data, but we will see for sure next month.

Viper waiting to go back to his charges after getting new batteries in his GPS tracker. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2024.

Viper is doing great in Ft. Davis and has helped a fellow LGD learn to stay with the livestock and not hang out at the ranch headquarters.  Smith and Wesson have helped their producer in Sonora raise his largest number of kids since the ranch started.  Maverick and Goose have moved to the Texas A&M Sheep Unit and are adjusting well to their new homes. The invisible fence training for the Top Gun pups appears to have worked extremely well, with none of the dogs leaving their pastures since they left the Center.

Round Six Dogs

The pups will leave their bonding pens early this month and join the other pups and livestock in their training pastures. All pups will enter invisible fence systems this round when released from the bonding pens. We will test the Invisible Fence Brand and the Spot On Fence GPS-based containment systems.  All livestock and puppies will have GPS trackers placed on them to help determine if any pup prefers a specific livestock species and to monitor the pups for bad behaviors such as chasing.  We have activated the speed alerts on the tracker to help monitor the puppies for chasing behavior when we are not in the pastures.

In closing

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