Presented by Erin Williams
This webinar will focus on providing a better understanding of “Livestock Guardian Dogs” and it would be beneficial to professional dog trainers, daycare providers, Veterinarians, other clinical staff, shelter & rescue staff, as well as LGD owners in urban environments. With an increase in LGDs as pet/companion dogs, a high percentage of these dogs quickly end up in rescues, shelters or being euthanised unnecessarily, simply because they are misunderstood. These dogs are often referred to as “Primitive” breeds with a long and rich working history that dates back over 3,000 years ago and they are absolutely critical to the success of farming in many countries.
While every dog is ‘a study of one’, understanding some of the more unique and ‘typical’ behavioural characteristics of these breeds, will increase your knowledge and confidence to assist novice LGD owners and their LGDs in suburban environments. We will look at the differences and similarities between these breeds and other breeds; the differences between working and non-working LGDs; aggression in these breeds; and how you need to adapt your programs in training, daycare, clinical, and shelter situations, to successfully integrate them into these challenging environments.
Learning Objectives
What is a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD)
The behavioural characteristics of these breeds and how they differ
from other breeds
How we as professionals, can help them to better adapt to life in the suburbs including;
- Considerations for adapting your training programs to meet their needs
- Accommodating their needs in non-working suburban environments
including clinical care and daycare
Considerations for shelter and rescue staff in handling, managing and
assessing LGDs
About The Presenter
Erin Williams, CPDT MDI, specialises in Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) in both working rural situations on farms and in urban environments as companion dogs. She is alarmed at the increasing number of LGDs in shelters and rescues, and the number that are euthanised or die unnecessarily. She sees an urgent need to address the lack of understanding about these unique breeds which is also putting their welfare at risk. She established her second business “Livestock Guardian Dogs Australia”, a first for Australia, to address this situation and to also provide robust education for rural practitioners to successfully implement an LGD strategy.
After studying Agriculture and working with dogs in various fields for 35+ years, Erin gained her CPDT qualification with the renowned Delta Institute in Australia. She is a Committee Member of APDT Australia and a Professional Member of PPG Australia. Her Maremma became an ambassador for the breed, after her successful transformation from a working LGD into a Therapy Dog with her story appearing in various media and included in Penguin’s publication “Dogs That Make A Difference.”
As an Administrator for the largest LGD Facebook Group, Erin and her colleagues, provided advice and support to around 28,000 Members worldwide. She is passionate about education and deepening her understanding of behaviour to assist the dogs that stand before her, to ensure they are living the instinctually satisfying lives for which they were bred.
