You have just purchased a 'hybrid' Livestock Guardian Dog from Guinea Lane Farm

We are very proud of our line of dogs.  Many years of research and time have gone
into our selection of breeding animals.

Our current pups are a hybrid cross of 1/2 Great Pyrenees (working stock ... not AKC) 1/4 Anatolian Shepherd and 1/4 Maremma.  All ancestry are working dogs.

We guarantee against hip dysplasia.  If a problem should arise concerning a genetic defect, please return the dog with a statement from your veterinarian and your $$ will be refunded immediately.  (Or a replacement dog will be made available. Buyers preference.)

We stress working ability in our dogs.  We believe that these dogs 'do what they do' because of their highly developed maternal/paternal instincts. NOT AGGRESSIVENESS!

Extremely intelligent and not 'entirely' domestic, these dogs think for themselves. Do not expect your dog to be easily 'trained.'  These are 'no nonsense' animals. If you are looking for a pet, we would advise you to look for a different breed.

It has been our experience that these dogs will do what 'they' believe to be right regardless of what you may think.  Patient guidance will be rewarded with a devoted trusting animal.

Guarding their 'wards' IS a thoroughly developed instinct and will come naturally at an early age. Our parent dogs have typically started working in earnest at four months of age.

All pups are born in the paddock near sheep, goats and various other livestock. They are introduced to mild mannered animals at the age of 5 weeks. By the time they are ready to leave (8 weeks being the soonest we would allow) they will have been in the main paddock for at least a week. They must show total submission to aggressive livestock or we will not consider them suitable working dogs.

After they leave the confines of our farm their personalities will be shaped by how they are treated. A LGD should NEVER be hit or beaten.  These dogs do NOT forget an insult easily. We would also advise against 'roughousing'.  If the dogs are going to be in contact with people, social training is imperative.  They will 'bond' with what they know. What they are not familiar with, will most probably be considered a threat. (Or something/someone to be distrusted.)

A very useful 'conditioning' tactic is to teach your dog submission.  We will be happy to give demonstrations on how this can be achieved.  We use the command, "Head Down", while gently forcing the dog to the ground.  The animal should display a submissive posture (belly up).  If this technique is started at an early age and reinforced
often, (weekly while young) you should have no trouble working on adult dogs. Whether examining an injury, or having veterinarian work done, the dog will retain this posture.

If you should have any questions we will always be available by phone or 'on line' to give advice.  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

We are confident that these dogs will do the job that they have been bred for. I stress again - aggressiveness is not an acceptable trait. We breed intelligent, working animals. Our breeding animals have no aggressive tendencies.

These are our opinions and policies only and may not adhere to the definitions or beliefs of others concerning these dogs.

We are very satisfied with the working abilities of the dogs on our farm. We are confident that you will be very happy with your new working companion.
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Below are some additional recommendations.

1 - Be sure that your dog has his/her private space. A creep would be advisable (which is an area that the dog can get into and out of, but the livestock does not have access to.)  The dog will have this area for it's feedings and a place to escape from overly rambunctious, aggressive livestock.

2 - We would highly recommend that raw meat not be included in these dogs' diets. Though their instincts ultimately require them to protect their livestock from all threats, it is wise to remember that they are carnivores after all.

3 - 'Cooked' meats/eggs and large, non splintering bones would be much loved and appreciated. :)

Thank you

If you have questions or comments, feel free to call, write, or e-mail us.

 

Guinea Lane Farm
Cis Hanson & Steve Egbert
PO Box 1098
Canyonville, OR 97417-1098
(541)825-3778
guinealn@pioneer-net.com