Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care and Training Book

Preface to the Second Edition . vi

Preface to the Original Edition . ix

Acknowledgments . xi

What is a Livestock Protection Dog ? .1

What does a Good Livestock Protection Dog Do? What Not to Expect from a Livestock Protection Dog The Effectiveness of Livestock Protection Dogs

The Breeds 11

Specific Breeds The Past and Future of Livestock Protection Breeds

Selecting a Puppy 53

Cost Guarantees Locating a Breeder Selecting Your Puppy

The Puppy Arrives 69

Introducing and Bonding Your Puppy to Livestock Boundary Training The

New Puppy and Other Dogs Chewing Feeding Your Puppy Basic Training

The Adolescent Dog 87

Overactive Dogs and Escape Artists Socialization Posting Signs Sexual Development Physical Problems Continued Training Your Dog's Safety

The Mature Dog 99

Caring for Your Dog Handling Aggressive Dogs Diet for the Mature Dog

Changing the Dog's Routine Lambing Time Continuing Education

Specific Behavioral Problems and Solutions 107

Escaping Aggression Toward Livestock Aggression Towards Other

Livestock Protection Dogs Aggression Toward Herding Dogs Aggression Toward People The Livestock Protection Dog that Won't Protect Use of

an Electric Collar for Serious Problems

Puppy Testing and Selection 127

What is Aptitude Testing? How to Conduct the Puppy Aptitude Test

Scoring the Puppy Aptitude Test The Puppy Aptitude Test and the Livestock Guardian The Barrier Test The Livestock Test Keep Testing in

Perspective

The Family Companion 143

The Myth of Dual Purpose Breeds The Ideal Companion Home Preparations: Start with a Good Fence Setting the Right Tone Establishing the Hierarchy

Leadership Exercises Basic Obedience Training Equipment House-

Training Chewing Barking Dogs that Jump Up or Beg Obedience Training-Beyond Basic Commands Children and Dogs Multiple Dogs,

Other Species The Versatile Protection Dog

Diet and Its Many Influences 171

Determining Optimum Body Condition A Sensible Approach to Feeding

How to Select the Best Foods for Your Dog The Dog that Won't Eat The Dental Checkup

Health Problems 183

Canine Bloat Hip Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Panosteitis Cruciate Ligament Injuries Chiropractic Adjustments Echinococcus Coat and

Skin Problems Anesthesia Problems with Eyes and Eyelids

Special Considerations for Unusual Livestock 199

Poultry Ratites-Ostriches, Emus and Rheas Llamas and Alpacas

Breeding 209

Breeding Stock Managing Breeding Dogs The Bred Bitch and Whelping

The Litter The First Few Weeks Matching Puppies and New Owners

Concerns for the Future The Cycle Continues

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SUGGESTED READING 229

LIVESTOCK PROTECTION DOG BREED ASSOCIATIONS

AND OTHER CONTACTS 236