We need a guard animal, either llama or dog, and prefer an experienced one. We will provide references upon request, and of course will pay a reasonable price. We live in southwest Washington state, and prefer to confine our search to southwest WA and northwest OR.

-- Dianne Wood (woodgoat@pacifier.com), March 30, 2002

Answers

I do know of a person who breeds LGD in Washington, if you are interested let me know and I will sned her information privately, she breeds Pryneese (sp)? If you are on any of the goat lists at yahoogroups put the word out, you'll find one.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), March 30, 2002.

Diane, this page has links that may help you also,

http://www.lgd.org/ This site is devoted to Livestock Guardian Dogs and you should find links to people with dogs for sale. Hope this helps. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), March 30, 2002.

Have you considered a minature donkey? It is a "genetic" trait with them to chase "varmits' especially dogs from their pastures. Not only that. . . .they are absolutely the sweetest animals going. They love their humans, and are so easy going, and easy to keep. ( Feed very sparsely. NO rich food or grain).

It is best to have a jennet - - - one raised with sheep or goats would be ideal, or. . get a young one and introduce cautiously so the donkey doesn't think the sheep are varmits.

My donkeys still chase my dogs from the field, and they see these dogs every day! !

Beware - - if you have never met a mini donkey - - you will fall head-over-heels when you do. They really are very special little guys.

As an aside - - I know the Llama market needs sales - - but - - when I had Llamas, they paid no attention to my dogs or anything else! I did enjoy the Llamas, though I think you should have a few, ( and at least two donkeys - they need some of their own for companionship), but I found the llamas to be much more interesting within their herd heirarchy.

-- Judy (JMcFerrin@aol.com), March 30, 2002.

Also check this page for nice people who raise Llamas for guardians.

http://www.truxton.com/foster/ good luck. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), March 30, 2002.

Miniature donkeys are too small to guard. They're often the prey of predators. Standard donkeys are used for guarding. For the safety of the flock/herd, the donkey should be purchased from a breeder who raises guardian donkeys.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

Judy, rarely are 2 donkeys used for guarding, unless there's many acres that need guarding. The problem is the donkeys bond to each other instead of the stock. When donkeys are raised by breeders who raise guardian stock, the donkeys are put with the stock when they're weaned ~ about 6 months old. They can't see/smell other donks and they grow up with the stock.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

Check the barter board There was one out thata way someone wanted to get rid of Cindy

-- Cindy (hollo@bitwisesystems.com), April 01, 2002.