The weather has been getting cooler, and fall is definitely on its way. Now is the time to ensure your LGD is getting plenty of feed and regaining any body condition lost during the hot summer. Your dogs should be a BCS of 4.5 to 5 going into winter! You may need to increase the protein and fat content of the kibble to make this adjustment. Grooming is also important at this time of year, as your LGD will be shedding its summer coat to prepare for winter…. Read More →

Last month, the AgriLife Center in San Angelo hosted its annual field day on August 15th, with over 100 people attending the event. It was followed by the two-day AgriLife Extension, which hosted the annual Sheep and Goat Expo in San Angelo at the Spur Arena. The event featured workshops, demonstrations, and guest speakers from across the US. A tradeshow was also part of the event, with vendors exhibiting equipment, supplies, and different breeds of sheep and goats. I gave a workshop and demonstration on grooming LGDs at… Read More →

Welcome to the August edition of The Guardian Way! Well, it appears the National Weather Service was incorrect about the forecast for July being near normal precipitation! Investigations will eventually determine if cloud seeding was the cause of the intense rainfall. While I am sure most ranchers were pleased to see the extra rain last month, it also caused significant flooding and damage across the state, particularly in the Hill Country. Our prayers continue to go out to those who lost loved ones in the flooding. I was… Read More →

June flew by quickly for me, and I was glad to see the various rain showers at my place and around the state. The National Weather Service predicts that the 90-day temperature outlook will be above average, with near-normal precipitation levels. The expected rainfall is reassuring, especially since there were many rumors about a drought this year. However, the forecast of above-average temperatures for July and August is not very encouraging. Make sure your LGDs are well-groomed and have access to plenty of fresh water and shade to… Read More →

I attended a fantastic conference in California last month. The Canine Science Symposium is held annually at the California State University, San Francisco campus. The weather was lovely throughout the event, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s. The conference features some of the leading canine scientists from across the nation and around the world, presenting their work to attendees. This year, the event was condensed into full days, covering a variety of topics on canine behavior and training. I was fortunate to be selected to present my master’s degree… Read More →

The weather is slowly getting warmer across the state. Rain levels appear to be lower than normal, indicating a drought in the region. Blue Bonnets and Indian Paintbrush are out in pastures again this year, but not in the abundance of previous years, which could be another indication of lower rainfall across the state. The long-range forecast for May shows average rainfall potential, but lower-than-average rainfall is predicted for most of the state this summer in the extended forecast. The forecast also indicates higher-than-average temperatures from May through… Read More →

The Texas LGD Association had its fifth anniversary last month. While it was a rocky start due to COVID-19, the association has steadily grown in membership each year and elected new board members in January. The association is made up of LGD breeders and producers. It was initially designed to be a Texas organization, but now includes members and breeders across the US! We encourage all LGD breeders and ranchers to join the organization. One of its goals is to work against legislative issues in the state that could… Read More →

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… Read More →

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 Our upcoming LGD… Read More →

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… Read More →