Laingcroft Farm

    Coyote, roaming and lost hunting dogs, and Fluffy from next door are all equally capable of killing stock.  Wild canines will kill to eat and usually only what they need, while Fluffy is out to have a good time.  Since poisons and shooting are not an option for us, we chose to utilize livestock guardian dogs.  

    Livestock guardian dogs work first and foremost as a deterrent.   They live with the stock as part of the flock, patrolling and marking territory to warn off predators.   If that doesn’t work, they will bark a warning, becoming progressively more strident and threatening if the predator refuses to take heed.  As a last resort, the livestock guardian will actively engage the predator to chase or destroy.   

    An Italian Maremma was the first guardian to join our farm.  The Maremma is a large white dog, similar in appearance to its close cousins the Great Pyrnees and Kuvasz.   Our boy has been a wonderful flock guardian, reducing our losses of goats and poultry to none.

    Sadly, as is the case in many rural communities, agricultural land is rapidly turning into residential property.   Our little homestead has not escaped this encroachment and its attendant problems.   With an increase in domestic dogs roaming at large, we felt a second dog would be beneficial.   This time we chose an Anatolian Shepherd.    The Anatolian is also a large dog with two coat types, smooth and rough.  Our girl is a wonderful guardian who prefers to stay close to the stock while the Maremma monitors the perimeters.        

    Working with sheep is similar but not exactly the same as working with goats, presenting a new set of handling challenges.   To help make shepherding easier, we've "hired" a new farm hand.  She is Lena, a seven year old Border Collie.   Retired from trialing, her willing attitude and capable working skills make keeping sheep a true pleasure.