05/18/2024
Sweet, little Annie!
When I picked her up from her previous home, I am convinced that was the first time she had experienced human touch. She was so tense and trembled as I held her. She wouldn't come when called, smooched at, or whistled at. She was living in a pasture with a sibling her age, 2 of her older siblings, and several buck goats. She has come a long way since then!
I have heard people say you can't/shouldn't train livestock guardian dogs. That they just follow their instincts. I agree they follow their instincts, but I also think they should listen to their owners. They should at least know basic commands along with their guardian duties.. An untrained dog of that size is a dangerous dog. (If you disagree, I can tell you about my experience picking her up and the 12 full sized, untrained LGD there. 😮💨)
Annie now knows how to come when called. She knows her name. She knows how to sit and lay down. She also knows human touch, how to play, and will sit still with a leash on, but won't walk on it yet.
