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Anatolian Shepherds: The Livestock Guarding Dogs

One of the solutions to prevent conflicts between predators and farm animals is a pilot Livestock Guarding Dog program.  The CCF began breeding Anatolian Shepherds in 1996.  Several farms in Namibia are already using this method, which is closely monitored by the CCF.

Anatolian Shepherds are very large and protective dogs.  Properly trained, they will protect livestock as if they were members of their pack.  This is one great tool to keep farm animals safe from predators.

The hardest part was to see the cute little puppies and not being able to cuddle and pet them.  However, if they are to become good guarding dogs, they must identify livestock as their family, and not humans.  

I could hardly believe my luck when I was asked to help with their vaccination!  I got to touch all of them... just briefly.

In order to make this breeding program work, the CCF has farm animals which also require care.  Our first day's mission was to vaccinate, worm and rub an anti-parasite solution on about 220 goats.  The ground was muddy, and the goats moody.  Definitely not a happy combination.  Even though we tried to be gentle, I found myself grabbing a goat by its hind leg when it tried to escape without having completed its treatment!

Our ordeal wasn't over.   Heavy rains postponed, but not cancelled, the sheep that needed the same treatment.  The ground wasn't as soggy, and with the help of the Round River students, we got over 80 sheep all set to fight parasites, worms and other health problems.  With the exception of one sheep that decided to take a bath in the water tank, I can say that we were pretty dry and happy by the completion of our task.

The puppies bred at CCF are placed at farms when they are about 8 weeks old.  We were lucky to join Bonnie on a trip to a farm about 2 hours away (yes! another chance to touch a puppy), and witness a puppy placement.

This was a very interesting and educational experience, as we listened to Bonnie explain to the farm owner how to care and train the puppy.  Among other things, we learned that puppy food is not advisable for these puppies because it accelerates bone development, and that the puppy should stay in an area where he could be with livestock, and not with its human family. 

The puppy was promptly given a nice shaded area with a nice house, and a sheep was caught to stay with him.  We went back to CCF with our empty crate and the joy of knowing that that puppy can contribute to saving cheetah lives.

Another task having to do with farm animals was feeding and grooming horses.  I had ridden horses a few times, but never stood by one for a prolonged period of time.  It is while grooming them that one can feel their power and strength, and their nobility.  I learned to use different brushes for the soft parts, or the mane and tail.  I also got to know their different personalities.  

There are nine horses at CCF.  My favorites were Amarula, a beautiful mare with the sweetest disposition, and Zandu, an old macho with a powerful spirit.

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Created in  December, 1999, and updated in May, 2001