06/14/2026
It is impossible to convey just how impressed we are with these girls.
Years ago, I was told the way we raised our LGDs was wrong and that I'd ruined them. For whatever reason, that comment has always stuck with me.
With the exception of Security, Felicia, and Violet, our other three were raised inside. They learned basic obedience, were house-trained, and eventually transitioned to living full-time outside. Security came to us in early summer when he was already four months old and pretty well set in his ways. He wouldn't be contained by fences or walls, yet somehow always knew not to leave the farm.
Violet and Felicia, on the other hand, weren't raised inside and stayed with their parents a few weeks longer than Celia, Leo, and Recon did.
Long story short, we've been letting the girls come into the tasting room with Security on the REALLY hot days. For two puppies that have never been house-trained, they act like fully trained adult dogs. They come in, lay down, and enjoy the cool concrete floor for hours, without a single accident. When I take them outside, they do their business and then stand by the door waiting to come back in, as if they're grateful for the chance to hang out with Security in the A/C. They have been the easiest dogs to "potty train".
Brian has wanted a "rat dog" because... farms. If you know, you know. Especially when you live smack dab in the middle of a field.
As of this post, we've found nearly ten dead rats around the yard. That used to be Celia's department, but the girls have apparently decided to take over the position and make sure the rats understand their place. 😁
Thankfully, they've left the chickens, ducks, and even the little chick following its momma around the farm completely alone.
Eggs, however, are a different story.
Felicia discovered those tasty little treasures and generously shared her find with Violet. Now I have to stay on top of collecting them. But I've never been one to be too greedy about sharing eggs with the dogs... or the occasional black snake. 😉
