How livestock guardian dogs protect our herd and strengthen our operation
By Cheryl Zuckschwerdt
At Not Forgotten Farmstead, our ani- mals are the heart of everything we do. From our thriving goat herd to our pas- ture-raised chickens and grazing cattle, each animal plays a vital role in the bal- ance and success of our operation. For all the effort we put into raising healthy live- stock, one of the greatest challenges we face as producers is keeping them safe from predators.
Coyotes, foxes, raccoons and even the occasional stray dog or bird of prey pose a constant threat. Goats and poultry are especially vulnerable, but even young calves can become targets if left unpro- tected.
Early on, we decided that before we expanded our herds and flocks, we would first build a foundation of protection. That’s when we turned to one of the oldest and most trusted partners in livestock production: live- stock guardian dogs.
Building the foundation before the herd Before our herds ever grew large, we began by training our first guardian dogs — Great Pyrenees and Catahoulas — alongside our small flock of chickens and a few young goats. We knew from the
6 Goat Rancher | December 2025
start that if we were going to expand, our livestock needed dependable protection. We started with puppies, raising them in the pastures and around the ani- mals from day one. As they grew, they learned to read the behaviors of our live- stock and to recognize the natural preda- tors of our territory. Over time, they grew stronger, more confident and remarkably capable.
Long before we had large numbers of animals, we already had peace of mind. We could leave the farm knowing our dogs would keep everything safe — from pred- ators and even theft. At night, their deep, steady bark was our reassurance that all was well. That early investment in training and trust made it possible for us to grow with confidence.
Our guardian team today Today, our guardian dog family has grown to 10 incredible working dogs. Our team includes two Great Pyrenees (Sasha and Vi- olet), one Standard Poodle (Spirit), two Catahoulas (Voodoo and Freya), one Turkish Akbash named Valor purchased from a SEKGA sale, and three Great Pyrenees-Catahoula hybrids (Maple, Bo and Keeva). Each has its own personality, strengths and preferred territory on the farm.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
