A Doggone Good Fit!

Blessings come in unexpected ways.  Although we knew we couldn't keep our last livestock guardian dog (LGD) Daisy, we had been concerned about how our goats and poultry would fare with the coyotes that frequent our area.  We really needed a full-grown dog that was already trained, but we hadn't counted on that type of purchase in our immediate budget (well-trained LGDs can start around $300, but I have seen some that cost more than $1000 and most are somewhere in between).  The biggest concern was that we didn't want to put out that kind of money and not get what we needed in a dog.

A friend surprised us shortly after we surrendered Daisy by telling us we could have one of her LGDs (she has several).  She told us Miller was an excellent guardian, but one of her other, larger male dogs was constantly beating up on him - to the point she had to take him to the vet for injuries.  She completely took us by surprise when she said that she didn't want any money for him; she just wanted him to have a good home.  We could even try him out for a few weeks and if it didn't work, she would take him back.

It only took a few days to see that Miller was the perfect fit for our little farm.   He has such a calm disposition, we were able to put him in with the goats as soon as we brought him home.  Our does had been a little skittish around dogs, even Daisy, but they warmed up to him quickly.  He's fantastic with the chickens and guineas (that was something new and different for us), and even though he's a big boy, he's gentle enough I'm completely comfortable with allowing my one and a half-year old goddaughter in the pen with him.

Sassy, one of our doelings, checking out Miller when we brought him into the pen for the first time.

Miller leaving the chickens alone - even when they get right up in his space                            (you'll notice the smile on my husband's face).

My brother asked me if I was confident Miller would be able to effectively guard since he's so calm.  I told him the best thing about most LGD breeds, is that if properly trained, they can be the sweetest, gentlest animals with the people and critters they protect, but they are fierce with predators.  We haven't heard a peep from the coyotes these past few weeks.  Since LGDs work best in teams, we'd like to get him a buddy in the future, but for now, we're just happy to have a dog that's both an effective guardian and a loving companion.

Hard to believe this cute, cuddly guy can open up a can on coyotes, but it's true! :)

Greenhorn Tips (i.e. things that should be obvious, but sometimes aren't): No matter how healthy a new puppy or newly adopted dog seems, or what vaccinations they have, always take them to the vet for a basic checkup.  Miller was very well cared for, and was on monthly flea and tick treatment; however, the fleas and ticks are so bad this summer, he came to us with a few extra friends anyway.  During the exam from the vet, we not only got him stronger pest protection, but we found out he had two tick-born diseases that we were able to treat with antibiotics before they took any major toll on him.