Hey Reader,

As we begin to settle into our new place in Tennessee, all efforts are being put into fencing (nothing new there) and these puppies.

Now going into their 6th week, they're growing like crazy and the boys have almost caught up with the girls.

Since they're 6 weeks old this week, it was time for their first vet visit since we don't intend to keep any of these puppies ourselves. To be able to sell, these puppies will need to have their core puppy vaccines.

They all behaved so calmly and were perfect angels. They took those shots like champs.

These pups are growing up on mom's milk and raw meat. Funnily enough we think this led to them disliking the cheez whiz 🤮 that was offered while getting their vaccinations.

The tech was shocked that none of the puppies were interested in consuming the treat that all the animals go crazy for.

raw meat > cheez whiz

Here's a few fun videos of the puppies from this past week.

​Puppy shenanigans​

​A puppy meeting the goats​

​Training around chickens​

So how do LGDs actually protect their livestock?

With their winning personality!

Kidding, but not also not kidding.

While most people tend to think of fighting as the first and foremost option for protection, that's actually the last and least preferred means of protection.

In fact, I hope my dogs never get in a physical fight.

LGDs don't lead with violence when it comes to protecting livestock.

LGDs use barking, physical presence, and patrolling as deterrence methods before physical violence is ever needed.

Most of the time, those three options are enough to keep predators at bay.

Dogs will mark their territory and their scent alone while patrolling can help to keep livestock safe.

Barking lets all others know that there's a barrier to entry for a fresh meal.

Predators want to procure a meal as easily as possible so as not to expend unnecessary energy or risk life-threatening injury.

Path of least resistance, minimum effective dose, etc., just like humans.

The first time we heard Juno's "real voice", after listening to her cute baby yips for months, was quite awe inspiring.

Even now if we walk near Juno or Jove at night or quietly (not on purpose) they'll start a cacophony that I swear neighbors in the next town over can hear.

And don't even ask how it goes when strangers drive up...

In Wyoming especially we'd hear them respond to coyotes come dusk once the yipping started up. All to let the coyotes know that they were heard and that they better not come Juno and Jove's way.

This is why I'm not of the belief that llamas, donkeys, or geese make good LGDs. They do not possess the total package that a dog has with scent, presence, bark, and bite.

And while their barking is ferocious, their bite is definitely worse.

So far the only animal (that we're aware of) that has met their demise upon meeting Juno and Jove is a raccoon.

And we hope that no other (especially larger) animal risks it all by coming up against these two.

LGDs will fight and kill if necessary, but it should always be the last resort.

Now on the flipside...

You'll want to make sure that you're in a location that has a right to farm. I've read countless stories of farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders having animal control or the cops called on them because of barking dogs.

And with the desire to live more rural growing along with increased work-from-home options, many people moving out to the countryside don't understand how LGDs work and why the barking is beneficial for everyone.

Sometimes people don't understand what's just beyond the tree line that affects not only livestock but any pets they may have.

Ciao for now!

Jamie

P.s. In need of a LGD pup for your livestock? Ours are available mid December!

​​​