One of the many stages of getting your puppy ready to be a future guardians.
They are born in the barn; this enables them to smell their future charges and
begins the primary bonding process at an early age. It is important for the pup to bond with the species it will guard between 8 and 16 weeks.
Their first living quarters help the goats and puppies to be introduced safely. We call these various enclosures as bonding pens. At this stage, the puppies are exposed both visually and with scents of the species they will bond with.
Chickens are also introduced. We have a few extra friendly chickens, and a tolerant barn cat. They become volunteers by being in the presence of the puppies. A few of the puppies may show curious interest by sniffing and licking them. A few of the other puppies may notice the chicken and cat, but totally ignore them, without a care. We are taking note of these reactions.
In all reality, a puppy should receive supervised direction for the first 2 years of life. You are investing in a future partner and connection to you, the shepherd, and your livestock.
It's important to maintain the human bond with them as well; because as the new owner, you will be guiding his/her natural instincts; warding off bad habits from developing; giving praise, correction, direction and love.
We begin every pup with the idea that they will be livestock guardians. The puppy comes fully equipped with all the instinct needed; we add the love, affection, and lay the initial foundation for the new family and farm.
For continued success, it's up to the new owner to continue this process and implement training on their own. This will help to develop a confident guardian.
If you decide not to use your puppy as future livestock guardian, they will gladly automatically guard you, your family, and property.
They are born in the barn; this enables them to smell their future charges and
begins the primary bonding process at an early age. It is important for the pup to bond with the species it will guard between 8 and 16 weeks.
Their first living quarters help the goats and puppies to be introduced safely. We call these various enclosures as bonding pens. At this stage, the puppies are exposed both visually and with scents of the species they will bond with.
Chickens are also introduced. We have a few extra friendly chickens, and a tolerant barn cat. They become volunteers by being in the presence of the puppies. A few of the puppies may show curious interest by sniffing and licking them. A few of the other puppies may notice the chicken and cat, but totally ignore them, without a care. We are taking note of these reactions.
In all reality, a puppy should receive supervised direction for the first 2 years of life. You are investing in a future partner and connection to you, the shepherd, and your livestock.
It's important to maintain the human bond with them as well; because as the new owner, you will be guiding his/her natural instincts; warding off bad habits from developing; giving praise, correction, direction and love.
We begin every pup with the idea that they will be livestock guardians. The puppy comes fully equipped with all the instinct needed; we add the love, affection, and lay the initial foundation for the new family and farm.
For continued success, it's up to the new owner to continue this process and implement training on their own. This will help to develop a confident guardian.
If you decide not to use your puppy as future livestock guardian, they will gladly automatically guard you, your family, and property.
The pictures below tell a story of a love between two, make that three species. Nakomi: the dog, Diamond: the goat, and Screech: the cat. Diamond and Nakomi were inseparable. When Nakomi had her singleton pup she had to see and be near her goats. When the pup was older we included Diamond in the training sessions. Her tolerance and love extended to the cat, in-spite of being in full-time momma mode.
©ShadyMapleAcres
2013 - 2026
2013 - 2026
