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

LGD after grooming. AgriLife photo courtesy of Pfeiffer Ranch, 2023.

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 stay cool. Dead hair care clogs the air channels in your LGD coat, leading to them overheating easily. You may also want to consider giving them some canine electrolytes, especially if the temperature in your area is extremely high. These can be found at most local pet stores and online. Heat stroke is a serious concern for long-haired LGDs, especially in high-humidity environments. You may need to trim their belly, lower chest, and inner leg hair to help them stay cool.

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

We did not host an online seminar in May because we held the field day last month. Our next webinar is scheduled for August 21st at 3:00 p.m. This quarter’s webinar will focus on the Akbash breed. Akbash dogs are a white, short-haired breed of livestock guardian dog (LGD), originally from Türkiye, and they are a personal favorite of mine. Kristal Spenrath, a long-time LGD breeder and co-owner of Crazy Goat Socks, will present the webinar next quarter. Check our Facebook page (@TAMUlivestockguarddog) for more information and visit the events page on the Center’s website to register as the event approaches.

We also have Dr. Katherine Lord scheduled to present our November webinar. Dr. Lord will share data from the working dog collection of Darwin’s Ark Canine DNA Project, of which she is a member. We highly encourage all LGD owners to participate in the working dog project, helping to gather data on all types of working dog breeds. Check our Facebook page (TAMUlivestockguarddog) for more information and visit the events page on the Center’s website to register as the event approaches.

Training LGDs

Here is part two of a six-part series on training Local Guard Dogs (LGDs). Are livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) “untrainable?” This month, we will be reviewing positive training and basic obedience training for working LGDs.

Obedience Training LGDs Using Positive Methods

Are you uncertain what training with “positive methods” means? Here is a definition. We train dogs by making them want to do what we ask. We do not use force, punishment, or shame. How do we make them want to do the thing we are asking? Positive reinforcement makes training interactions fun, and the dogs should be treated respectfully. Training should feel like playing and be fun for the dog. Positive reinforcement may be giving the dogs a treat, praising them, a few minutes of play, or whatever they want, like ear rubs.

The dogs will view training and “obedience” as something fun. They will associate the training with the things they love most in life. Making the actions we want them to do worthwhile is beneficial for both them and us. By doing this, we learn to communicate with each other, strengthening our bond. All training should be done in conjunction with livestock. Please do not remove the LGD from the livestock to train them, as this can cause anxiety and make them more difficult to train.

For example, if the dog is barking excessively, show your dog that you acknowledge their concern. Take the dog with you to see what they are barking at, thank them for alerting you, tell them it’s okay, and use a command like “enough” or “leave it” to signal to the dog that their alert has been acknowledged and they can stop barking. The dog will see that we have taken their concerns seriously and respect us. This can be powerful for bonding with the dog and gaining their trust.

Training LGDs with positive methods is ethical and often very practical. Always treat the dog with kindness, and they will learn to obey. They obey us not because they fear us but because they trust us, view us as their partner, and want to please us. It is essential to remember that being too stern in training an LGD can cause them to become wary of humans and make them difficult to catch. Positive reinforcement should be used unless negative reinforcement is necessary to prevent a dangerous situation, such as when the dog is about to attack or when they are engaging in destructive behavior.

How to Start Obedience Training with Your LGDs

For optimal training, follow the steps listed below.

1. Start with exercise. If the dogs are hyper or overly excited, they will struggle to learn anything new. Ensure they have had sufficient
   

   Treats are helpful when obedience training LGDs. AgriLife photo courtesy of istockphoto.com 2021.

   exercise to be in a calm and receptive mental state.

2. Avoid distractions. Dogs struggle to learn new things when they are distracted by intriguing sights, sounds, or smells around them. Set them up for success by training them in a low-key environment with livestock.
3. Make training fun for them. Obedience training should feel like play, not work, for the dogs. Enjoy the time spent with them; knowing their personalities is vital for effective training.
4. Reward them with a treat; this should be easy. Some dogs respond well to food rewards, whereas others prefer to play with a favorite tug toy for a minute or two or be praised and coddled.
5. Take breaks. If a handler feels frustrated with the dogs, take a break. Keep training to about 15 minutes a day. Always end on a positive note. Take a few days off to reflect on any mistakes or issues that arose during training. Be patient with the dogs! Consistency with commands is essential for the dog’s success. Do not issue commands during breaks unless they are followed through with the dog.

After the dog masters a skill in one area, work on that skill in another location. For example, the dog may learn how to sit in the bonding

Treat pouches are helpful when training dogs. AgriLife photo courtesy of PetSafe, 2024.

pen, but when asked to sit out in the field, she might be unable to do it. It would be best to teach her that the commands do not depend on the location. Continued training in new settings is vital to ensure the dog will obey the command in any situation.

Once the dog has mastered a command in multiple settings, gradually introduce more distractions over time. Training the dog to listen to a command is essential, even when they do not want to. Work on teaching the dog to respond to commands in various situations, such as around livestock, other dogs, people, and in uncomfortable settings, like on a busy road. It is also important to train them when they are hyper and have not had enough exercise. The dog must learn to listen to commands, regardless of the distractions or their emotional state. This is the only way to avoid dangerous situations.

Bonding Project Update

Diesel and Delta laying with a calf in the bonding pen. AgriLife picture courtesy of Sustaita 2025.

Round 7 Pups

The pups are all doing well and appear to have bonded with the cattle in their pens. The real test will be in late August when they are released from the pens and the pups have more room to wander from the calves. We regularly rotate the pups between the pens so that they get acclimated to different cattle. We are also using hot wire treatment in both pens this time to decrease the chance of roaming. While I would have preferred to single-bond the puppies to decrease further the chance of roaming, that was not possible this time due to budgetary constraints. Socialization and training are coming along well, and they are settling down during vehicle rides as well.

 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.

Seeking information on LGDs? Please visit our website, which 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

Be sure to visit 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.

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 literature review findings in a poster at the event. I look forward to attending this conference in the future. Anyone interested in canine behavior and training should do the same.

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

We did not host an online seminar in May because we held the field day last month. Our next webinar is scheduled for August 21st at 3:00 p.m. This quarter’s webinar will focus on the Akbash breed. Akbash dogs are a white, short-haired breed of livestock guardian dog (LGD), originally from Türkiye, and they are a personal favorite of mine. Kristal Spenrath, a long-time LGD breeder and co-owner of Crazy Goat Socks, will present the webinar next quarter. Check our Facebook page (@TAMUlivestockguarddog) for more information and visit the events page on the Center’s website to register as the event approaches.

We also have Dr. Katherine Lord scheduled to present our November webinar. Dr. Lord will share data from the working dog collection of Darwin’s Ark Canine DNA Project, of which she is a member. We highly encourage all LGD owners to participate in the working dog project, helping to gather data on all types of working dog breeds. Check our Facebook page (TAMUlivestockguarddog) for more information and visit the events page on the Center’s website to register as the event approaches.

Training LGDs

This month, we will launch a six-part series on training Local Guard Dogs (LGDs). Are livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) “untrainable?” Have they been bred to be stubborn and independent, designed to guard livestock without human direction? In addition to lacking socialization, this is one of the biggest myths about LGDs.

Can LGDs be trained? Yes, they can. Due to their size and strength, LGDs may accidentally or intentionally harm humans, other dogs, or livestock if not appropriately trained. When appropriate methods such as positive reinforcement and consistency are applied, LGDs respond well to limited obedience and livestock training, including commands like “no,” “stay,” and “come.”

Limited Obedience Training for LGDs

LGDs were not bred to function entirely independently of humans. Historically, they have always collaborated with shepherds in Europe. Traditionally, LGDs were never left to work alone with their animals year-round, as is often the case in Texas. Most breeds require significant human interaction until they reach adulthood, typically around two years of age. For millennia, shepherds often spent lengthy periods with their dogs during the day.

What does this mean for obedience training? Although LGDs are skilled problem solvers. They can be trusted to protect livestock even in their owners’ absence, they also have a strong desire for human companionship and praise. This desire makes them receptive to limited obedience training. Many people complain that their LGDs are difficult to train. This often stems from a lack of understanding of how to train them effectively. Typically, trainers may fail to make training enjoyable for the dogs or may hesitate to adjust their approach when the dogs show disinterest in learning a new command. In such cases, it is not the dogs that are at fault but rather the trainer.

We have observed that many LGD owners prefer to skip obedience training in favor of training their dogs directly with livestock. This

LGD protecting livestock. AgriLife photo courtesy of Coche, 2022

approach may be misguided. While obedience training can be time-consuming for LGDs, the benefits are substantial. By investing time in training, the dogs’ daily functioning improves as they learn to work with us rather than against us.

Basic obedience training teaches dogs essential commands that help them perform their protective roles more effectively. For instance, while an LGD needs to understand the “stay” command, teaching them to “roll over” is unnecessary!

Why Obedience Train LGDs?

LGDs require obedience training for two main reasons: safety and bonding. Their enormous size can pose a risk if they are not adequately trained. For instance, imagine a Pyrenean Mastiff jumping on a child or an individual with a pre-existing back condition due to insufficient training. Additionally, if a conflict arises between this dog and other dogs or even a person they perceive as a threat, the situation could escalate uncontrollably if the dog is not taught to follow commands.

Even smaller LGDs can still pose problems. Imagine a livestock guardian dog facing an adversary much larger than itself or encountering a predator and refusing to back down. In these situations, the dog must have a dependable recall and respond to the ‘come’ command. Without this training, the consequences could be dire, potentially injuring the dog, other animals, or even humans.

Young pup already learning how to sit on command. AgriLife photo courtesy of Costanzo 2019

To encourage LGDs to respond to commands, they need to cultivate a close relationship with their owners. The concept of “obedience training” may be outdated. It implies a hierarchy where the owner must be the dominant “alpha” over the dogs. This approach suggests that dogs must obey their owners simply because they are in charge, failing to genuinely teach the dogs to meet their needs.

Instead, training should focus on fostering collaboration between dogs and humans. Both dogs and owners can learn from one another in this process. The owner’s role is not to dominate the dog but to cultivate a relationship based on trust and respect. In this way, dogs learn to respond to commands, not out of fear or obligation but because they want to please their owners and understand that this cooperation benefits both parties.

For this reason, we recommend acquiring a weaned puppy and bonding with it on the ranch. This approach enables producers to gain a deeper understanding of the dog’s behavior as it develops a bond with the ranch livestock and learns the expectations set by its owner.

Learning to work together voluntarily and in a fun way for the dog will give us the “obedience” we desire from the LGDs. This “obedience” is simply the dog’s trust in us and their desire to please us as partners in protecting livestock. We will continue this series next month in The Guardian Way.

Bonding Project Update

Round 6 Pups

All the pups from this round graduated this month. Dasher, Blitzen, and Lilly will join the AgriLife crew of LGDs protecting our research

Dozer from the “D” pups waiting for his ride. AgriLife photo courtesy of Sustaita 2025.

herds. Dasher was successfully retrained with an E-collar to prevent him from playing with lambs. Lady will remain with her producer on a ranch in Ozona, while Comet and Lulu will be staying with their producer in Mc Camey.

Round 7 Pups

The “D” pups are all doing well in the cattle bonding project and are growing quickly. We have been working on leash and tether training, as

well as taking weekly vehicle rides. They will be released from the bonding pens into training pastures in late August.

 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.

Are you are seeking information on LGDs? Please visit our website, which 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

Be sure to visit 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.

Spear grass seed. AgriLife photo courtesy of Tall Spear-grass | Grasslands

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 the summer months.

Make plans now to groom your long-haired LGDs well before the summer heat arrives. Heat stroke can be a significant issue for dogs with matted coats and long hair. Ensure you have plenty of hydration fluids for your dogs in case they experience heat stroke, as it can be fatal. Additionally, with less-than-average rainfall, Speargrass seeds will likely drop by the time this month’s edition is published. The seeds can cause various skin issues in dogs.

AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program: Update and Events

On May 2nd, we hosted the 9th Annual AgriLife LGD Field Day at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo. The event featured workshops, a producer panel, and a tour of the LGD facilities at the Center. Presenters included Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Wildlife Specialist, and Dr. Walter Burghardt, a canine behaviorist. Vendors and dog breeders were also present.

We want to thank the following field day sponsors for their valuable support in making this year’s event a success. Without their support, the event would not have been as successful.
Platinum Sponsors – Lone Star Tracking, Los Caballos Vet Clinic, Nestle – Purina, Sheep & Goat Predator Board, Spot On Fence, USDA – NASS
Gold Sponsors – Diamond Pet Foods, Noble Research Institute, Tom Green County Farm Bureau
Silver Sponsors – Angelo Pellets, Capital Farm Credit, First State Bank of Paint Rock, Gun Dog Supply, Regal Oil, Palmer Feed, Producers Livestock Auction, Trans Texas Southwest Credit Union, Twin Mountain Fence, West Texas Steel
Commercial Exhibitors – Central Farm Credit, ENVU, Renewal By Anderson, Texas LGD Association, Tom Green County Farm Bureau
LGD Breeders – Finder Maremmas, Glen Enterprises, Pfeuffer Ranch, Stoffels Family Farm, WW Livestock Dogs

Feeding LGDs

This month, we will finish a two-part series on feeding an LGD. Last month, we discussed nutrition, health, and commercial vs. raw feed for dogs. This month, we will look at ways to feed your LGD and how much they should be fed. For more information and to learn about our feeding stations and improved self-feeders, please contact us at the AgriLife Center in San Angelo.

How to Feed an LGD.
For most large producers, a feeding station is the best option for their livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), as it allows all dogs to eat when

AgriLife LGD feeding station. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2019.

hungry. Placing a feeding station at every water source is best so the LGDs do not have to leave the livestock to feed. Livestock will go to water at least every other day, allowing the LGDs to eat simultaneously. We have made several improvements to self-feeders to make them sturdier and more straightforward to mount in a station. It is also essential to provide a latch on the top to prevent varmints from opening the lid. We recommend using a jump gate of some design for an LGD to enter the feeding station. Gates that do not allow a dog to jump into a station frequently have large holes dug by the gate, which eventually allow feral hogs and livestock to enter, wasting dog food unless the station is regularly relocated.

If choosing to hand-feed the LGDs, a producer will want huge, durable dog bowls. We recommend stainless steel bowls with a sloped side, so they are not easily tipped over. Hand feeding may be a better option for smaller producers as it keeps the dogs socialized and allows them to check for body condition scores daily. For older dogs with joint pain, a raised bowl may be easier for them to eat out of and maintain their body condition score.

AgriLife improved self-feeder. AgriLife picture courtesy of Costanzo 2021.

Stainless steel sloped dog food bowl. AgriLife picture courtesy of temu.com, 2024

How Often Should an LGD Be Fed?
If hand feeding, we recommend feeding adults once a day and young puppies three times a day. We move weaned puppies over to self-feeders as soon as possible to decrease the workload and acclimate them to what they will use on our ranches. Producers using self-feeders should regularly monitor their LGD feeders for adequate levels. We check our self-feeders at least three times a week.

It is essential only to fill a self-feeder with enough kibble until you plan to return. This keeps the feed fresh in the warmer months and does not supply varmints with substantial amounts of feed. It is best to check with the dog’s breeder and a vet to ensure proper feed for a specific LGD. Again, using the dog’s body condition score is the easiest way to ensure they consume enough kibble. Improper feeding can lead to health issues and resource guarding of feed. Neither is good for an LGD or the bottom line!

Generic feeding label on a bag of feed. AgriLife picture courtesy of Nestle Purina, 2022.

How Much Should an LGD Be Fed?
The amount to feed an LGD will depend on its age, weight, and activity level. We recommend following the recommendation on the dog food bag and double-checking with a vet. It is best to calculate the amount of kibble based on the caloric content of the food being fed and the dog’s activity level, weight, and age. However, this can be a time-consuming process if the feed changes regularly.

Also, it is important to remember that dog food is measured in cups. While a cup is 8 ounces, due to the pore space of the kibble, a regular measuring cup contains approximately 5 ounces of kibble. It is essential to adjust the feeding amount for that variance. Intact females in the latter half of pregnancy and lactating dogs will need more kibble than the rest of the pack. Injured, ill, and older dogs often have different food requirements. Be sure to check with a vet for the correct feed for an LGD. Puppies must also be on full feed until they are at least a year old, as LGD mature slowly. As always, refer to a veterinarian for a recommendation on appropriate amounts of feed.

Bonding Project Update

Round Six

Dasher has undergone retraining for killing lambs at his producer’s ranch. We placed him wearing a shock collar in a field with lambing ewes. We observed him daily, and every time a ewe lambed and he came near the lambs, we shocked him. This training lasted for two weeks, after which we returned him to the producer. Hopefully, this has cured him of killing newborn lambs.
Lulu and Comet are still doing well in Mc Camey and are no longer leaving the ranch. Lady is also doing well in Ozona and is staying close to her sheep. Blitzen is still at the Center, guarding goats that will go back to Menard when they are done kidding. Lilly went out to the Read Ranch in Ozona last month to guard some sheep.

Round Seven

The “D pups” in their temporary safe pen inside the cattle bonding pen. AgriLife photo courtesy of Sustaita 2025

The “D pups” (Duke, Dozer, Delta, and Diesel) are all doing well. They went into their bonding pens in mid-April with several light-weight weaned calves on loan from Sul Ross University for this project. The pups were temporarily housed in a joint pen with the calves while we completed the other pen area. The pups are in bonding pens with hot wire at the base and will stay in the pens until they are 6 months old. At that time, they will be placed into 100-acre training pastures with the calves.

We were concerned that the pups might get injured, so we have created an enclosure for them near the cattle’s feeding area. This allows the pups to receive exposure to the calves while remaining safe until they are 3 months old. At that time, we will enable them to leave the enclosure area, but keep it open in case the calves bully them. We are socializing the dogs three to four days a week and giving them leash and tether training, along with vehicle rides, each week.

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, please visit our website, which 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.

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 hinder the effective use of LGDs for ranchers. If you want to join the association, please use this link to the association’s website.

If you have not visited our Facebook page recently, you have been missing our new posts. We are now posting almost daily on Facebook and Instagram. Each week, we have new, updated posts on training tips, health tips, and facts. You can follow us online @TAMUlivestockguarddog on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and the Sheep and Goat Predator Management Board hosted a Trapping Clinic again this year. The event was held on April 11-12 in El Dorado at the X Bar Ranch. I attended the event last year and again this year and learned a lot of valuable information about predator control. I strongly encourage everyone involved in predator control and ranching to attend next year’s 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 four workshops, a producer panel, and a ranch tour. Presenters for the event will include Dr. John Tomecek (AgriLife Wildlife Specialist) and Dr. Walter Burghardt (Canine Behaviorist). 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!

 Feeding LGDs

Feeding LGDs by hand can be time-consuming, but it allows you to do health checks and socialize your dog regularly. Self-feeding is much easier and less time-consuming. However, it creates a feed source for varmints and livestock. This month, we will start a two-part series on what to feed, how to feed, and problems to avoid when feeding an LGD.

What should an LGD Be Fed?

LGD breeds should be fed high-quality commercial food; alternatively, if there is time in the day and nutrition knowledge, they can have a carefully balanced raw diet. However, few people have that time and expertise, so we recommend purchasing a quality commercial kibble with animal protein as the first ingredient. LGDs have historically lived on marginal diets, and small property owners must be careful not to overfeed their dogs. LGDs working on large ranches are rarely overweight, as they burn many calories daily.

LGD Nutrition and Health

Whether it is a large Pyrenees Mastiff or a smaller Maremma, all breeds of LGDs were traditionally bred to thrive on a minimal diet. While they are large dog breeds requiring substantial food, feeding them appropriately is important. Healthy adult LGDs should exhibit a lean appearance. A healthy dog will have a defined waist, as indicated by Nestle Purina’s body condition scoring system. Body condition scoring is the simplest way to determine whether an LGD is properly weighed. If used regularly, producers can accurately assess the dog’s appropriate BCS and make necessary dietary adjustments.

Puppies must be kept within a healthy weight range. It is preferable for them to be slightly overweight rather than underweight, as they can overgrow and become too thin if they do not receive enough food. Large-breed dogs should grow slowly to mitigate the risk of health problems later. The main concerns are osteochondrosis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and panosteitis.

Osteochondrosis in dogs is a general failure of cartilage to develop properly, which can lead to osteochondritis dissecans. It is considered an inherited disorder, but other factors, such as trauma, rapid growth, and nutrition, may also contribute. Symptoms include joint pain, lameness, and reduced movement. Hip dysplasia in dogs is marked by abnormal hip joint development, resulting in pain and permanent joint damage. Elbow dysplasia in dogs is less common but causes swelling, pain, and eventually arthritis in the elbows of LGDs. Irregular development of the bones in the elbow joint leads to uneven weight distribution, resulting in lameness and arthritis.

Panosteitis is a painful bone condition in dogs that affects the long leg bones of young large breed dogs. It is also known as “growing pains” and typically occurs between the ages of 5 and 18 months. The inflammation may involve one or multiple bones and can cause intermittent lameness. If feeding a commercial kibble, buy ‘large breed’ puppy and dog food for the LGDs. This will help maintain their growth and weight while decreasing the chances of the diseases listed above.

What to Feed LGD Breeds: Commercial Vs. Raw Dog Food

The debate over commercial food versus raw food is significant among dog owners. The foundation of raw food diets is that wild canines consume raw food. Since dogs are closely related to wild canines, their optimal diet should also consist of raw foods. While many LGD owners advocate raw food diets, we believe that this may not be the best approach. We strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to safely and effectively implement this diet. Others contend that domesticated dogs possess a digestive system sufficiently different from their wild ancestors, making it unreasonable to assume they should follow the same diet.

Dogs’ digestive systems are tailored to a more varied diet because they have been domesticated for thousands of years. Science has shown that their digestive and body systems have evolved to require more carbohydrates than their wild canine relatives. A balanced approach is the best diet for LGDs. If raw meat is available to supplement their commercial kibble during the year after hunting season or when livestock are butchered, feed it! If not, we do not suggest purchasing raw feed for an LGD.

We feed high-quality, mid-level protein, high-fat commercial kibble to our LGDs at the Center. Since adopting this ratio, our dogs have never looked better, are more active, and have fewer health issues. The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” applies to dog food, just like it does for livestock feed. You would likely not feed show animals only corn, so do not feed low-quality kibble from a large chain store. Dogs fed low-quality feed will be less active, leading to lower protection levels and more livestock predation.

We will conclude this article next month in the May issue of The Guardian Way.

Bonding Project Update

Round Six

Round six pups are healthy and doing well. We had an issue with Lilly about 10 days after placing her on the Menard ranch. In mid-March, she decided to roam off the ranch. Lilly traveled almost five miles east towards Hwy 83 one morning. She was within ¾ of a mile of the highway before she stopped, and we got her from a neighbor’s ranch. We returned Lilly that day to San Angelo for kennel punishment. She was kenneled for several days and returned to a pasture at the Center for observation and retraining with an invisible fence collar. After that, Lilly was placed with some sheep and has been placed at the Read Ranch in Ozona. She has been doing well at the new location on her own.

Lilly’s roaming pattern in March of 2025. Black outline is the Martin Ranch Boundary. AgriLife picture courtesy Costanzo 2025.

The pups in Mc Camey have not caused any teenage problems for the producer yet.  Dasher was recently picked up from the producer in Ozona for retraining, as he had killed two newborn lambs. The kill was confirmed to be his because the ranch hand had gone to lunch while the lambs were alive. He returned from lunch 45 minutes later and found Dasher eating them. We brought Dasher back to the Center the next day for retraining, as this type of behavior can get out of hand quickly and lead to prey drive in a dog that should not have any predatory instincts.

The best way to stop this type of adolescent behavior is with an E-collar. Dasher will be placed in a pen with an E-collar on and add some young lambs. He will be observed from a distance, and anytime he goes near the lambs, we will shock him at the highest setting. We observe from a distance so that the dog does not think the shock is caused by humans. We want him to believe the shock is caused by the lambs. He will not be shocked if he approaches an adult animal since he is not chasing or chewing on ewes or rams. The training will be performed daily for approximately 15 minutes for 10 days.

Round Seven

We have secured four Maremma puppies for the cattle bonding project in round seven. They arrived on April 6th to

Round 7 Maremma puppies Duke, Diesel, Dozer, and Delta. AgriLife photo courtesy of Costanzo 2025.

start the project. A separate set of pens will be used for the cattle bonding project, so this time there will also be a set of puppies bonded with sheep and goats for AgriLife use.

The puppies will be bonded in pairs, this time within pens surrounded by hot wire at the base. Since we are bonding with weaned calves, the puppies will be placed in an enclosure next to the cattle feeder for the first 30 days to prevent injury. This will keep them safe while allowing the pups to be exposed to the calves during feeding. The pups in round 7 of the bonding project are Duke, Diesel, Dozer, and Delta.

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.

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 Cooperatin

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.