The Livestock Guardian Dog: How to maximize his/her effectiveness and prevent risks?

This activity promotes the successful implementation of the Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) as a work companion, often indispensable for the survival of some extensive livestock farms. The general objective is to develop a tool that allows each shepherd and livestock farmer to evaluate the pros and cons associated with the work of the Livestock Guardian Dog.

It proposes the identification of key factors to maximize the success of the implementation of LGDs on extensive farms. These pros and cons will be quantified for each herd and taking into account the specific context of each farm. This aims to raise awareness among each shepherd and livestock farmer about the behavior of the LGD, his/her education, handling, management and what it means to work with Livestock Guardian Dogs in a changing world.

This activity will help shepherds and ranchers decide whether it will be worth implementing a Livestock Guardian Dog given the characteristics of their herd. For those shepherds and ranchers who choose to have LGDs, it will guide them to have a successful implementation.

The activity is co-directed by two entities: the animal behavior and welfare group (AWEC) and the epidemiology group of the Department of Animal Health and Anatomy of the UAB and with the support and collaboration of pastoral and rancher groups.



Actuació del Pla estratègic de la Política agrària comuna PAC 2023-2027