LGD Concern

[Jyllie63]

I bought LGD sisters back in February. I also have a male that is 2 months younger than they are (7 months and 5 months). For the most part they all get along, but the sisters are starting to fight. And one of them is getting aggressive/mean with the goats when they (the goats) are eating their food. I feed the dogs in a separate area, but they can get back to the goats after they are done and then want to eat the goat's food. I'm wondering if she would do better in a setting where she is the only dog. I really think she is uptight with her sister around. I wanted a dog in each barn area, but now I'm thinking it's just not worth it...it's getting way to stressful for me (not the mention the goats). Is there something I can do to stop this? Right now the sisters have to be together until our new barn is finished. That will be about 4 more months. Both girls are very stubborn and don't listen to me very well. Do you think there's hope that I can get this to work out having all three of them or should I find her another (good) home?

[Pammielu]

Are they spayed?

[Jyllie63]

Originally Posted by Pammielu

Are they spayed?

No...I'm not sure if I will do that yet or not.

[Goat Servant]

Jyllie Ive not had experience with what youre going through, however these LGDs do not mature until around 2 or so.
You are going to have to put up with a certain amount of puppy misbehavior.
When it happens you must be VERY firm.
A shock collar isnt a bad thing to invest in. I had to use one on my Anatolian when he tried riding my goats.
Last yr (as a year old pup) he lacerated my one milk doe's rear leg. I have no idea what his thought process was but it was complelely unacceptable.
These dogs are extremely hard headed and independent.
Try to find a way to make it work...it is worth it if you can. What breed are they?

[Jyllie63]

They are Great Pyrenees/Anatolian mix. The "puppy-ness" in them doesn't bother me. It's the aggression towards the goats she has been showing. I want to trust her, but right now I don't. She is very sweet and I don't want to get rid of her. I just don't want her to hurt or kill a goat either. I may invest in a shock collar.

[Bearfootfarm]

Many LGD's show food agression.
It shouldnt take long for the goats to learn to heed the dogs warnings without things becoming physical

[SheriM]

I also have two sisters, full blood Pyr, and both will snarl and growl at the goats if they come near the dog food. However, it has never gone beyond that. The goats back right off when the dogs snarl or growl and that's the end of it. I now have a son from one of the two girls and his "auntie" won't let him near the food either. Thankfully, he can slip out of the pen and share supper with Daddy, who's more than happy to share. Because it has never gone beyond snarls and growls (and the occasional snap in the goat's direction) I've chosen to let it be. I do NOT want the goats eating dog food. There are ingredients in dog food that are prohibited feed in ruminants and technically, I'm in contravention of CFIA (Federal Vets here in Canada) regulations just by having the dog food somewhere that the goats can access, but I don't have anywhere I can feed the girls that the goats can't get to.

Having said all of that, if the dogs were to ever actually bite a goat, that would be a completely different story and I'd have to move her out of the goat pen or re-home her.

[DaniR1968]

I think she's saying the dog is eating her own food then going and eating the goat food and getting aggressive with the goats who are just wanting to eat their OWN food. The only thing I can think to do is seperate that dog from the goats until they are done eating. Do you have a kennel area where she could be fed?

[KSALguy]

is she getting enough to eat if she is going after the goats food?

[brody]

she may just have a strong resource guarding thing going on ... the just isn't really fair as it can escalate to a real problem

how is she with you and resources?