Predators?    A 5000 Year Old Solution
by Jane DeJong
Published in  "The Regional County News"  March 2009

The past year, I‘ve witnessed terrifying headlines both in the Ontario Farmer, and our own local newspapers.  I am sure the same can be said right across our province and country.  Predators are increasing, and livestock and the family farm are at their mercy.  Am I dramatizing? I think not!

“Coyotes Stalk Area Sheep” Clinton News Record , 12/02/08 , “Coyotes Take Stage at Council Meeting”, Clinton news Record ,  “Coyotes Avoid Death Penalty”, Goderich Signal Star,  “Farmers to lose millions to wildlife damage”, Ontario Farmers, 12/16/08, and most recently,                                  “ Farmers fighting a losing battle against introduced elk herds”, 01/13/09.  I could go on, but this is just a small sample of a rising problem, and I think you get the picture.

The Ministry of Natural Resources senior fish–and-wildlife specialist Bev Stephenson is quoted as saying that livestock kills by coyotes have been on the rise this past year (Clinton News Record, 12/02/08 Susan Hundertmark.)  While there can be many reasons for this, it is a problem to every livestock/ cash crop farmer, or pet owner.  Our local veterinarian stated he was shocked at the occurrences of small animal attacks this past spring.  Unprovoked attacks by coyotes wanting nothing more than a feed.   These animals have grown brave, so brave in fact, as recent as last November, a coyote was spotted prowling the streets of Goderich in search of small animals. After an attack on a family cat in a quiet neighbourhood, the public was warned to lock their pets away at night.  It is also quite obvious that they are becoming fearless when we look out of our farmhouse window to spot a coyote tugging relentlessly at a small calf in its protective hut, beside the barn.   Or when you come home to find you small dog has been mauled and half eaten on your very own porch! Not only are there livestock losses, but deer, moose, and elk can cause millions in damage to crops. Isn’t that our livelihood?  These animals all fall into the predator bracket, but wildlife is precious and should be protected at all costs. So what do we do?  I think we can all agree that we have a problem, but there is a solution.  One that does not include a bullet.

For over 5000 years, man has relied on Livestock Guardian Dogs to protect their possessions, whether, livestock, property, or children. We have tended to get away from this heritage and think we can resolve the problem on our own.  Nothing can be as effective as a bold courageous dog doing what it was born and bred to do, efficiently, and completely. Nor can it be as cost effective.

Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) breeds have been used for centuries to protect livestock from predators in Europe and Asia. The most well-known of these breeds in Canada are the Kuvasz, Great Pyrenees, Akbash and Maremma.  Some of these breeds, the Kuvasz in particular, work as family and home guardians.  Being a hypoallergenic dog, families who always had to forgo having a dog on the arm due to allergic reactions of the children, are now finding them to be the perfect solution. Not only this, but they are amazing at stock protection, which proves that they are an all round multipurpose dog.  Some breeds are used as assistance dogs to their disabled owners because of their sturdiness and strength.  They are generally cautious toward strangers but their size alone can be intimidating.  Unbelievably, even though they are strong, independent-minded and protective, they are known to be gentle with children and livestock alike, quite often found helping clean a newborn calf or lamb.  You see, they consider these animals, to be their own.  To be protected by them, and cared for with tenderness.

Each LGD breed is different, showing a range of temperaments, but all have the same goal in mind. Some are better suited as remote pasture guardians where a daily routine is very constant, while some are good in situations where there is a high degree of variety. They thrive on small farms, in a rural home, or as a city pet. You can find them in the middle of Toronto, or wondering the grasslands of Alberta.  These dogs can find a purpose practically anywhere they are stationed. There are enough variations between the breeds, to provide a suitable dog for most situations. But let’s remember what they were born to do. Protect!

I can only speak of the Kuvasz, because that is what we raise and use to protect our family farm, but I know there are many breeds of LGD that we can all benefit from. We have cattle, and quite often calves are born in the field, not unlike many farmers.  We hear the coyote at night in the back field, but more importantly, we hear our dogs answering them with the warning reply of “Just you try to come close and see what happens”.  We have never had a calf lost to these predators, but I know most certainly we would have if the dogs were not out there. The dogs instinctively know their job; they know who belongs and who is not welcome. They show no fear in the face of danger, whether nose to nose with a bear, moose or obnoxious raccoon.

Like all dogs, LGD’s need daily exercise and the daily discipline of a job to do. They take their job seriously and find immense pleasure in protecting their possessions. Also, just like all dogs, they need training, supervision and a human who is capable of assuming the "alpha" role in their pack.  They quickly learn who loves them, and respect those of authority.

There is nothing that a Kuvasz, or LGD will stand down from whether it be racoon, possum, skunk, coyotes, fox, bear, moose, or elk.  These dogs will not attack and kill predators of the larger group, (bear, coyote, moose, deer and elk), but instead will push them off. They know their territory and chase back anything that comes close. This has a twofold reward as our precious wildlife is preserved and unharmed, something wildlife enthusiasts everywhere would appreciate. Raccoon, skunk and possum however, find a different fate.

The International Plowing Match was a fantastic event this past September, and we had the pleasure of taking our dogs to show.  Literally thousands of people were amazed at the size, strength and beautiful disposition of these dogs. Hardly anyone knew what they were, or what they did.  It seemed that everyone we spoke to told a horrifying story of a predator problem, kill or tragedy.  The solution is simple. The solution is as old as the hills, and the solution, is right in front of us.  Why can’t we be as smart as our ancestors and use the creatures that God gave us for protection. Let them do what they were bred and born to do.  Maybe it’s too simple, and our human nature is to complicate things.

There is another good side to this story. Funding is available to any farmer that has completed the Environment Farm Plan. The program will pay up to 30% of your purchase towards a Livestock Guardian Dog.  This falls under the Preventing Wildlife Damage category #2303 “Scaring and repellent systems and devices”.  You can contact Lois Sinclair for information on when the next EFP workshop is to take place in your area at (519) 357-3146. Also let’s not forget the LGD is a tax write off to farmers. Another benefit!

I hope this has been informative to the readers of Ontario Farmer. The problem has become too big, but the solution so simple. We need to get back to nature, and let nature take care of itself!  LGD’s are very much the perfect natural solution to the rising threats that we all face today more than ever.

A word of caution though.... there is a common saying among dog owners, and that is.... "LGDs are like potato chips - you can't have just one".  I know this to be true... starting with one, and now looking at getting our fourth and fifth.

Jane DeJong