Some rain has finally been falling around San Angelo bringing some colder temperatures too.  Make sure that your LGDs are in adequate body condition to handle the colder weather and can bed down with livestock to stay warm.  All LGDs, even shorthaired breeds, have double hair coats to protect them from the cold but a layer of fat is helpful for extra insulation and metabolic needs. We have moved over to feeding a high energy 24/20 kibble this winter and the dogs seem to be doing much better… Read More →

The new year often brings resolutions.  One of our resolutions is to body condition score, BCS, all the LGDs on a quarterly basis.  Body condition scoring of dogs is like livestock, but dogs have a nine-point scale.  The ideal score for a dog is 4.5.  Its relatively easy to score your dog, feel down their spine and across the ribs.  They should have some cover across both areas.  A good reference is to hold your hand out flat with the palm down.  Run your fingers across the knuckles… Read More →

Hopefully you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! It was cold around Christmas. The holidays can be a hectic time of year and things like LGD health checks can slip our minds.  Make sure to check your LGDs regularly to keep them healthy and guarding your livestock.  Check your dogs’ ears, eyes, coat and especially its paws for injuries.  Long haired dogs can collect lots of burrs and thorns in the hair on their paws.  These items can cause an abscess causing lameness to occur. … Read More →

Since cooler than normal temperatures are forecast for the next couple months, make sure that you are keeping your LGDs well fed during the winter months.  LGDs should be in a Body Condition Score (BCS) of at least 4 at this point with normal feeding.  If your LGD is below a BCS 4 you should consider providing extra feed or a better-quality feed now before winter completely arrives later this month. AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Events and Update On November 17th we held our Fall LGD Webinar. … Read More →

The cooler temperatures of fall are here, and it has brought some much-needed rain to the San Angelo area.  Hunting season has started as well and with that comes plans for dealing with LGDs.  Make sure you talk to your hunters about the LGDs on your ranch.  Remind them not to feed the dogs or encourage them to hang out near camp or hunting blinds.  It can also help to focus hunting efforts on pastures away from livestock and LGDs, although this is not always possible.  Try to… Read More →

Daily temperatures are starting to decline, and fall is coming soon.  A chilly winter with normal rainfall is predicted for Texas this year.  With fall approaching, now is the time to body condition score your LGDs to make sure they have enough fat cover to keep them in adequate condition through the winter.  Dogs have a one to nine body condition scale, and the ideal score is a five.  Your LGD should be at least a BCS of four going into the winter months so that it can… Read More →

Some cooler days finally showed up in late August around San Angelo.  There were also a few scattered showers across the area too which were a welcomed sight.  They weren’t enough to bring us out of the drought but at least they settled the dust for a day or two!  Hopefully we will continue to get some rain to quench the dry fields and grow some feed for the hungry livestock. AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Events and Update We will be holding our Fall LGD Field Day… Read More →

Summer has arrived and I think we have had more days over 100 degrees already than all last year.  While the drought hasn’t broken, several of the ranches we manage have received some rain bringing a little bit of optimism.  We could still use a lot more rain (or optimism), however.  With hot conditions and wet weather, make sure to check your LGD’s neck for hot spots under their collars.  They can lead to serious infection if not treated quickly.  It’s also that time of the year that… Read More →