Don’t pigeonhole a livestock guardian dog’s intelligence
Bridger is in charge of our unruly, free-ranging, tree-sleeping poultry, the house, yard and us. Although she has filled many positions on this farm, part of having an intelligent dog is respecting that intelligence, and Bridger has had a hand in selecting her duties.
Livestock guardian dog training for modern shepherds
Tarma Shena is an accountant, homesteader, certified dog trainer, behaviorist and livestock guardian dog breeder. In many ways though, a lifetime of working with animals and farming off-the-grid has influenced her LGD training approach.
Learning proper lambing behavior key for young LGDs
Training young livestock guardian dogs during lambing can be time consuming, but Tarma Shena shares why it is an important job for the shepherd.
Preparing livestock guardian dogs for lambing
Winter and spring are unpredictable these days. With predators pushing in and lambing season starting early, the livestock guardian dogs are on their toes.
Expect more from your livestock
Just as environment and expectations are key for livestock guardian dog training, Tarma Shena says these aspects are crucial for livestock selection, too.
Finding the right jobs for livestock guardian dogs
Despite Tarma Shena's preference for sheep, sometimes, her livestock guardian dogs like goats instead.
Practical learning key to livestock guardian dog seminar
Tarma Shena prepares for the second annual livestock guardian dog and shepherding seminar, at Farei Kennels.
We asked for this. Can we change?
Instituting change is hard. It’s even more difficult when that change is ourselves. We created this and the change required to improve must start with us.
Planning never stops with livestock guardian dogs
A busy spring has Tarma Shena considering the next steps for her livestock guardian dog pack.
A young livestock guardian dog finds his calling
Tarma Shena's addition of a dairy cow herd ushers in a new calling for one of her young livestock guardian dogs.
