LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS:THE WAY OF THE PACK BRENDA NEGRI

[@BrendaNegri]

Zeke, again thank you so much for choosing my ranch and my dogs and allowing me to share my philosophy of owning, training, raising and using these dogs. I have owned many LGD breeds including Kangals. All LGD breeds have something to offer, and all have unique traits and ways about them. As you say: they truly are fascinating dogs. What I hope people will do is learn to realize, there is a breed or combination of breeds for every situation that works best, and to keep these ancient breeds alive and used as they were meant to be - treated with the respect they deserve, and used in a humane manner to effect protection of livestock, and promote their use as non-lethal means of coexistence. I truly enjoy helping people understand these dogs better. I look forward to getting my book The Way of The Pack done early in 2018 and hopefully published soon afterwards. Peace, everyone…..thanks again.

[@BrendaNegri]

PS Zeke: I'm a HUGE jazz fan - Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, etc. Love the entree music!!

[@ladida9084]

Hey Brenda, how many dogs do you have?

[@BrendaNegri]

Only 11 right now.

[@raddest.radish]

I think what you do is really neat, Brenda! Thanks for making sure these ancient guys get proper care!

[@amtauras]

Really looking forward to reading your book. I am full on appreciative of what you do. Thank you!

[@thefilthelement]

My Pyr is out during the day protecting the animals with his life, he's angry if I try taking him away from his job. At dusk the animals are Barned and he comes inside being the biggest, cuddliest baby I've ever seen.

[@beckybrown5792]

Glad to hear. I was reading about LGDs awhile ago and stopped considering it when the sources were saying the dog shouldn't come in the house. I have non-working pets, and couldn't fathom having a dog that couldn't come in with the family if it wanted to.

[@Rocmax417]

Becky Brown its honestly up to the dog, I have a few livestock guardian dogs, some want to sleep with my sheep and some want to sleep with the family. Dogs have unique personalities and preferences, whether it’s where to pet them or where they want to sleep

[@alibentz8692]

We have a pyr mix. And I love her! My baby saved my nephew from being mauled by a pit bull. She was only 8-9 months old, and she didn’t care that she could have been hurt. she saw he posture of that dog change and she threw that dog down. I remember thinking my 4 year old nephew would have been s dead or seriously mauled without her. They love their people.

[@BrendaNegri]

Self-taught writer, internationally published author and long time rancher Brenda M. Negri earned a living horseback for many years as a working buckaroo on several huge cattle and sheep ranch operations in the 1970’s and 1980’s in Nevada, California, Oregon and Idaho. It was then she was first exposed to Livestock Guardian Dogs used by Basque sheepherders who would pass through the ranches she worked on with their bands of sheep. Working for and living with the famous Nevada, California and Idaho based Marvel Ranches family cattle and sheep ranching dynasty, she spent some time with world-renowned horse trainer, Tom Dorrance. His teachings along with the Marvel’s Dorrance-based horse training methods deeply influenced her training and rearing methods with Livestock Guardian Dogs. She is a devotee of European dog authority and trainer Turid Rugaas, and has been the first American LGD breeder and trainer to actively promote the understanding of canine body language to further enhance human and LGD relationships. Negri practices and advocates co-existence with predators and promotes organizations such as Living With Wolves. Negri’s papers and articles on working Catahoula Leopard Dogs; the desolate and tough ranch life of big outfit buckaroos; and numerous articles on Livestock Guardian Dogs, have been in print internationally for 40 years in publications including Dog World Magazine, El Mundo del Perro (Spain), Western Horseman, Molosser Magazin (Germany), Sheep! Magazine, Western Ag Reporter, Acres USA, Dairy Goat Journal, Goat Rancher, Working Ranch Magazine, Countryside, Backyard Poultry, RANGE Magazine, Nevada Rancher, Farm Show, The Shepherd, Western Ag Reporter, Goat Journal Magazine, The Akbash Sentinel, and others. Several of her papers on LGDs were included in the 2016 French published book by renowned French LGD expert Mathieu Mauries, Le Montagne des Pyrenees. Since 2009 Negri’s ranch-based Livestock Guardian Dog ranch kennel has produced LGDs that are now working in over 80% of the country. She has has been profiled in articles in RANGE Magazine, Cowboy Ethics and The Nevada Rancher. Her ranch and dogs were featured in an multi award-nominated 2012 short film, Working on Common Ground: Livestock Guardian Dogs, produced by Conservation Media and People and Carnivores. To date it remains the most watched film on LGDs ever produced. Her dogs and training methods are featured in three Dogumentary TVspecials. Negri served as a consultant to the American Sheep Industry owned Working Dog Liability Insurance program (workingdogliabilityinsurancedotcom.wordpress.com) and was responsible for writing it’s Loss Prevention Manuals and assisted in creating and implementing the ground breaking program in 2015 and 2016. She has served as an expert witness on a high profile trial involving Livestock Guardian Dogs. Negri, 65, resides on her small Cinco Deseos Ranch in Northern Nevada outside of Winnemucca. She runs a handful of livestock along with a large pack of working Livestock Guardian Dogs. Her popular blog is at spanishmastiff.blogspot.com. Her second book, The Big Out There: A Buckaroo Life in Words and Art, is a compilation of vignettes and drawings based on her time spent as a working cowgirl on large cattle ranches in four states.

[@ChristopherMosley-dj3kt]

I absolutely love learning from Brenda! Her knowledge and ability to communicate it is absolutely phenomenal

[@mariajordan3650]

I have an Anatolian/Great Pyrenees X 15 months old. I don't have a farm but we live on the wild country side in the Yukon. So, basically coyotes, wolves and bears around all the time. I am trying to learn as much as I can find on the guard dogs behavior and training. I found this video very helpful.Thank you Brenda!

[@BrendaNegri]

@Maria Jordad hello, I am so glad you found this video. I have three other films, did you know about those too? And the You Tube group as well. Contact me if you ever need to see more, and don't forget my book. It can show you so much information and help there. God bless!

[@jcdova29]

I love Debra’s approach and raising guardian dogs. She knows her stuff and her dogs live successful lives.

[@deeptracks8742]

I love this. I wish more ranchers in Eastern Oregon would practice non lethal livestock protection.

[@405boy4]

It amazes me how livestock don't fear the dogs, but know by nature to fear coyotes, foxes, wolves, and other predators.. Cool..

[@manimal9871]

405 BOY true, evolutionary traits I bet

[@moavic5087]

405 BOY only dogs, animals and people they’re use to. Stray dogs will be attacked

[@yungone7867]

because they grow up as puppies with them

[@eric123426]

It’s called body language

[@ADOGGBOY]

You are a great women, I truly wish people would have to take a class by you. Thanks for your incredible works!!!

[@BrendaNegri]

@John Petzold you are such a kind and caring person. I can't thank you enough. I'm just blown away, thank you so much again.

[@BrendaNegri]

As we hunker down with Coronavirus, this IS a good time to go and buy a copy of The Way of The Pack. Amazon - $30 - more than 40 chapters, more than 300 pages. A book that has put on Facebook, magazines, Blogs, and local newspapers!

[@frankgirouz5495]

ok ,, that woman knows her shit! Props! Very interesting and well explain

[@BrendaNegri]

Frank Girouz LOL I know very little, the dogs show me something new every day. It's keeping your mind and eyes and ears open and being receptive to learning. That's half the battle right there. Thank you for your kind words.

[@MsMarnold]

Oh I just love this woman! You are just a wonderful person and I wish you health and happiness.

[@marymorningstar4508]

This dear lady is spot on about LGD's. I know , because I have the personal experience of seeing the wrong handling by ranchers. If you know how to use these dogs right, you will not have predator kills. And most of all socialize your LGD's or you will just wind up with a half wild very large dog that may have to be destroyed in the end. Because these dogs have been bred for thousands of years to guard livestock, all the socializing in the world will never take it out of them. Run the right amount and the right kind of LGD for your operation and don't forget to socialize, and you will not have trouble with wolves, coyotes or bears, cougars or any critter who wants to have your livestock for dinner. Be smart and do your homework and buy good dogs who were bred to work. Good luck

[@BrendaNegri]

Thanks Mary - yes being smart - that counts!

[@rogeliovelasquez2530]

I'm a rancher in mexico and its amazing how dogs will protect the flock of sheep have give dogs all mutts they stay out with the goats and sheep if I bring them home in the first opportunity they go back with the flock dogs are amazing in general.

[@genesiskravitz8621]

Rogelio Velasquez love them

[@Freehumorlight]

WHAT DOGS DO YOU USE

[@rcfreaks6281]

Excellent videos. This channel is a dream come true for dog lovers.

[@BrendaNegri]

The Way of The Pack: Understanding and Living With Livestock Guardian Dogs is becoming famous.. Here are the latest book reviews! The Way of The Pack has become a classic. Thank you Brenda for showing me a more kinder way with Livestock Guardian Dogs. - Candy and Roy This book is full of practical advice for learning about LGDs, and how to give them the opportunity to live to their fullest potential. The best part may be the great stories Brenda uses to illustrate how to put her advice into practice. Relying on years of living with these dogs, her knowledge and experience is deep and her love and admiration for the breeds is evident. - Ms. Judd This is an excellent book. It is written in a short snappy way that reads like an instruction manual on the proper handling of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs). Brenda Negri explains the reasons for everything in an easy to understand way. She brings 40 years of experience with livestock, predators, and study of LGDs both here and abroad and shares it with the reader. - Sigmund Robbins Written with heart, soul, and passion. This is a great book if you are looking at LGD's or already have them. Give it a try and you won't regret it! - Nathan Negri Brilliant talk, thanks a million Brenda. - Jacqueline Judge I have read many of the articles she wrote in magazines. I was fortunate enough to belong to a forum that she posted on and her words of wisdom were treasured. To have her life's work in a book, is a book to read from cover to cover and read again and again. She teaches how toread a dog's body language and how to present yourself to the dog. She promotes a hands on approach to these dogs and being involved in their daily lives. This book is on my nightstand, I read it at night. I just completed it and will start over in order to absorb all I can. I heartily recommend this book to anyone with Livestock Guard Dogs. - Amazon Customer It doesn't matter if your pack consists of 1 LGD or 10 this book is an invaluable resource. Bravo for dispelling the "Hands Off" myth that has been perpetuated in the USA since the 1970s. So glad to find an author of LGDs that 'gets it'. Get the book, you won't be disappointed at all! - Missouri Homesteader This book is the kind of depth, thoughtfulness and brilliance that does not come along very often. Especially with LGD books, I have not seen anything like Negri’s book before. More LGD owners need to read this book and see what they can realize, too. I’ve bought three other copies for other friends, to help them. - CL Johns You are a great women, I truly wish people would have to take a class by you. Thanks for your incredible works!!! - John Petzold I love this. I wish more ranchers in Eastern Oregon would practice non-lethal livestock protection. - Deep Tracks I bought one copy. It turned into many more. Fantastic, great, wonderful. - H. K. This book has taken a new breath, contemplated and yes - even a much safer way to use and own LGDs. That includes using and being “okay” with all the predators, and no, that does not mean shooting them all for kill-joy, either! Read this book, see how much there is to learn on LGDs, and it will show such a new, kinder way. - John C. Ziller Stunning, deeply thoughtful and brilliant; this book can’t be read enough. - Kathy Kentucky Her book grabbed me. The You Tubes she put out have become classic, even millions of hits. My LGDs became even better dogs after reading this book (and the films) and I wish more people would see what is capable for them, too. Hands up, first class, five stars. - Y. W. A. This is not a book you can flip through, grab a couple key points then put on your bookshelf and forget. This is a book you keep next to your bed and read through over and over again. Whether you run livestock or have a livestock guardian dog as a family companion, this book has valuable information. In fact, if you plan to interact with dogs in any form, this book is a good read. - Let’s Talk Dogs…Logically! Blog The owner may have an error or two in her book, however, many people also know of what happened to her after the book came out on Amazon (her health, hospital and illness.) Regardless, what she has done in more than six years on her book has been read over and over. To me, that makes more sense. The wonderful pages of photos, resources, films, book ideas and more, make this book beyond the average dog LGD book. - Betty Taylor

[@canisamator7937]

A true pioneer! Thank you for loving dogs!

[@BrendaNegri]

Thank you so much @Canis Amator and happy Easter to you!

[@augustreil]

Brenda is one smart woman. Thank God there are people like her.

[@BrendaNegri]

@august thank you for your kind word and I hope you a great Easter Sunday. God bless you.

[@BrendaNegri]

Have you bought my book? Honestly, this is the best $35.00 ever spent on anyone to learn and know more about these dogs. You can simply buy a copy on Amazon.com - and guess what? Dogumentary TV is also highly mentioned on at the end of the book, too, because he did so much work. The Way of The Pack: Understanding and Living With LGDs is the book's Table of Contents. More than 40 chapters, over 350 pages! Prologue: What Is “The Way of The Pack?” On Being the Good Shepherd P is for Predator Self-Assessment & Discernment for LGD Owners Finding a Good LGD Mentor Finding a Good LGD Breeder Before the Dog, the Fencing Understanding and Using Canine Body Language with LGDs Guidance in Choosing LGD Breeds The Advantages of Running Littermate LGDs The “Brindle Factor” Feeding Your LGDs Food Aggression and Food Protection 13. LGD Puppy Training: The First Few Days 85 14. LGD Puppy Discipline: Using The “Mr. Miyagi Grunt” 93 15. Starting LGD Pups with Livestock 95 16. Starting LGD Pups in Lambing & Kidding Barns 101 17. Mentor LGDs 107 18. The Numbers Game: Running Enough LGDs 111 19. Adding a New LGD to a Pack 121 20. The Pack that Plays Together, Stays Together 131 21. The Use of Bells on Stock and Dogs 133 22. Livestock Guardian Dogs & Barking 143 23. Responsible Use of Protective Collars 149 24. LGDs Guarding Poultry 157 25. LGDs in Bear & Lion Country 171 26. LGDs Guarding Cattle 181 27. LGDs in Wolf Country 187 28. Respecting Boundaries: Roaming & Escape Issues 203 29. LGDs & Livestock: Some Situations & Scenarios 209 30. Dog on Duty! Approaching a Working LGD 215 31. Introducing LGDs to Guests & Visitors 223 32. Using Herding & Guardian Dogs Together 231 33. Portal Protection: What it Looks Like, What it Means 237 34. Causes of Conflicts Between LGDs 241 35. Dog Fights: During & After 253 36. LGD Health Care: Being Prepared for Emergencies 261 37. Extreme & Inclement Weather Solutions For Your LGD 267 38. Building and Using Livestock Guardian Dog Feeding Stations 275 39. Protecting Your LGD from Foxtails 279 40. Fire & Disaster Prepping for LGDs & Livestock 287 41. Old Man of the Mountain: Supporting the Aging LGD 295 42. The Future of LGD Use: Assets or Liabilities? 305 Epilogue: Where the Eye Goes Not 313 Recommended Reading & Resources 317 Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds 327 Sample Puppy Application for Breeders 329 Acknowledgments 337 About the Author 343

[@karenmarks642]

Wow what a great lady! Respectful woman and an educator to help bring about harmony between livestock producers and wildlife. Also bringing care to animals that are out working hard to protect livestock.

[@BrendaNegri]

@Karen Marks bless you for kind words, God bless you too and how you are a fine woman who can respect and be hind in your words. Unlike other people (ahem!) on You Tube who sometimes put bad, ugly words. Take care and best to you always!

[@ryansmith1926]

Dogs and humans have worked side by side since the beginning our oldest friends

[@OlWolf1011]

I commend you! I've been a life-long dog person, and because I've had goats in the past and presently have sheep - I've been looking for info on LGDs... your video is the BEST I've seen! I agree - it's not just throwing a pup with the stock and leaving them uneducated. I believe a canine is supposed to be a PARTNER with the human, a helper that takes cues - and together they manage the safety of the flock. A dog raised unexposed to other humans, and never learns to understand them can be a dangerous thing - especially a large one. I think people need a better education on how to be Pack leaders and to live in partnership with the canines that help them. They're not tools - objects - that don't think or reason. Educate from infancy, and a dog will do what their human needs. Good thoughts all around! Blessings on you and yours! ❤️

[@BrendaNegri]

OlWolf1011 thank you for your kind words and practical insight.

[@BrendaNegri]

People are getting over the film, The Way of The Pack book on Amazon. Smart ones are buying it, reading it, and learning not just talk and talk about stuff. ;)

[@jimheckert5383]

Great video!!! This Lady knows what she is talking about. Thanks 🇺🇸

[@miked.7722]

This is the BEST dogumentary TV I have ever seen.

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

Thank you @mike d. for your work. I appreciate that so much.

[@cimarronpasshomestead5998]

I agree bcz our LGD Great Pyr is a versatile house and outside yard. Iris guards our chickens like they were my kids. Ive always trusted her and her me so I believe that is the connection. She instinctively knows what I need her to do and she looks to me for direction as well. Great video!! Thank you! For your experience and education on LGDs. What a heritage to be proud of! Love it! They are majestic!!!

[@BrendaNegri]

Glad you enjoyed this @Cimarron Pass Homestead! Always something to think about and learn! God bless you.

[@jbach1738]

Thank you so much for speaking out about this. We only have two Kangals right now. Our farm is small and well fenced, so our two girls are plenty. However, I ended up getting them because they had not been raised correctly, and we put in a lot of work to get them to be the good working family members that they now are. Having LGDs is a great idea, but it absolutely only works if they are properly raised and trained. I really appreciate you speaking out about the correct way to raise these dogs. Thank you.

[@BrendaNegri]

I wish more people would buy my book, The Way of The Pack on Amazon. They would learn so much more! Thanks for your response!

[@ab935]

Thanks for posting. Breaks my heart to hear about those pyrs being gunned down

[@alibentz8692]

AB ranchers in Idaho are leaving them behind too, but they’re too scared and unsocialized they are often shot and left to rot.

[@meredithr9824]

Hope the folks that left them in the first place at least got sued.

[@mandyholmberg5106]

From watching this video and listening to what your saying I am behind you all the way when it comes to socializing livestock guarding dogs

[@angelamyers510]

Much respect for this woman and her knowledge

[@matts_.4494]

To help, to guard, to protect. We have humans who are similarly tasked who could learn a lot from these wonderful dogs.

[@genesiskravitz8621]

I can’t even believe I’ve come across a channel dedicated to dog stories and documentaries. I’m sooooo subscribing! What a time to be alive!

[@BrendaNegri]

Bless your heart and words. Thanks for sharing and watching on these films.

[@friendlyfeathers7641]

Thank you Ms. Negri, indeed bless you, for sharing your enlightened views on how LGDs should be integrated with a livestock operation,, and for your work as their advocate. On our dairy goat farm we have loving relationships with our LGDs, and to us these wonderful creatures are probably the best thing about farming.

[@BrendaNegri]

@Friendly Feathers what a kind and wonderful comment from you. Thank you. I hope you will buy my book The Way of The Pack: Understanding and Living With Livestock Guardian Dogs and be able to read the 350 plus pages and more than 40 chapters that can give you so much information and help and ideas. God bless you.

[@AGM-ts5bb]

We have an AS as a pet. They are amazing. They are definitely to be included in the fsmily unit. Very smart and loving.

[@miranouaihed3860]

What’s an AS😍?

[@skyeiron5872]

The hands off method is the perfect way to ruin what would have been a decent LGD. Its as stupid as the view of older farmers these days who leave their working dogs outside because "they won't work if you treat them like a pet". Personally, I have found that working dogs who are allowed in the house and are treated like a member of the family work twice as hard as those left outside and who only have contact and attention when they work.

[@BrendaNegri]

Truly being trusted and kindly with these dogs makes it or breaks it. Too many LGD new-bey types not paying attention enough with the dogs. Too many LGD people turning LGDs into a cash money quick farm feed. People who really don't have the time, the kindness, the patience, the breath. I have spoken on this in my hear how many times? Who needs to listen to the step, who needs to breath? "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -- Lao Tzu

[@zomiozander6378]

How could I keep multiple dogs in the house though? As pups it's easy but all they want now is to go outside and find any threats. If they are all inside they want to "protect" the children from the other dog and only once a child was in the middle of the fight, so we take turns with letting them in. Now they want to get out of the pasture, and have destroyed any weak link in our fencing, forcing the use of multiple reinforcements, and repairs.

[@skyeiron5872]

@@zomiozander6378 It's one thing to ban a dog from the house entirely and have little contact with them and quite another to allow them into the house as they please within reason and treat them like a valued member of the family. Although, your dog's shouldn't see each other as threats to their charges. There may be some underlying issues there that you should look into. Obviously, if they want to be outside, especially at night, then it is best to let them out so that they can do their jobs. They also shouldn't want to leave their charges unless it is in order to protect them. Is there any chance that the reason they are destroying your fences is because there is a threat on the other side?

[@AleadaA]

People are similar, their used to be a thing that bosses in business should behave in an almost sociopaths manner to get the workers to do their job. Later psychologists who specialize in this filed found that the fair boss who treated their employees with respect got better more dedicated workers. I am surprised it took a study by experts - just seems like logic to me!

[@RuiCaratao100]

These show lines have no place among Shepards in Spain or Portugal, working lines that really do the job never went to US..... These hudge mastiff breed by that women are miles away from doing what they were selected to do for hundreds of years.

[@joycegray5157]

My husband and I have two great pyreenes for our farm to protect our goats in Tennessee and we have fell in love with them!! They amaze me everyday with their love towards us and their protection of our animals. I respect your statement regarding it's good to socialize them because we worried about that having ours as puppies and we couldnt resist spending lots of time with them. Once we got our first herd of goats and put them in with them at 5 months and 7 months, they were naturals at becoming their protectors and herding them when I needed them to. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and confirming we are doing the right thing! We plan to let them have a litter of puppies when they are at least 2.5 years old and I can't wait to experience that with them!

[@hilariecalijo4643]

I hv a pyrador, she is the best dog ever. She always goes out in the morning to,patrol the perimeter of my house and at night to patrol the perimeter of my house. I don’t have livestock, or a giant backyard, but she makes sure I’m safe and protected. She is treated like a queen and has the run of my house. She’s my baby. I love how kind she is to all her dogs.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ ALL these documentaries are great but this one is AWESOME.

[@suecastillo4056]

If Arabian horses were in tents with family and children? For centuries? These dogs DO need that sense of belonging and responsibility to guard that space that they inhabit… they know what they are comfortable with., and it’s what shapes their integrity… I can’t imagine a better temperament shaper. I’ve bred dogs for years and this makes perfect sense…♥️🕉

[@katykab00m]

Beautiful dogs! We have a couch GP and yes, she will still protect her flock by any means! 😁

[@fluffyusa]

Nice video. I own a LGD that came out of southern Romania and now lives in Bavaria for the past 3.5yrs now. It's some type of a mix Akbash/ASD or indigenous CAS. It's white with biscuit in color, weighs 110 lbs, 74" cm tall, curly tail, well socialized with the family, protector of my family/property.

[@BrendaNegri]

Michael John that is truly what these dogs are meant for, to be helpmates and teammates of their owners. Congratulations.

[@fluffyusa]

Thanx Brenda!

[@marcinblee100]

Amazing woman keep up doing great job for that dogs👍👍👍👍

[@suecastillo4056]

This woman is wise beyond her years🌟♥️☮️🕉 I love her!!

[@karenbartlett1307]

Great video. My understanding of the old country way of raising LGD's was that the dogs also guarded the children of the villages, which tells me that the dogs were handled and played with as puppies by the children. These are hero dogs!

[@eaglecamphomesteadswfl9006]

Spot on, LSGD were raised living with the flock and the Shepherd at in the mountains and pastures. Always in pairs

[@peterolsson3662]

Much appreciated. They are very intelligent and social dogs and should be handled as such.

[@markquadrozzi3384]

one of the best episodes yet.

[@BrendaNegri]

Thank you so much it was a pleasure to work with Zeke.

[@fortheloveofcowsfarm]

Brenda's book, The Way of The Pack has been the foundation on how I've raised my LGDs.

[@johncarolina]

Very informative video and incredibly knowledgeable breeder. I have owned Great Pyrs and now Kangals for 10 years and read and watch information on LGDs all the time and I still learned a few things I didn't know about these dogs from watching this.

[@01REDEYEDDEVIL]

Killer interview, and well shot. How many dogs did she have in total?, and how many types does she own.....looks like pyranese, spanish mastiff, and kangels....did i miss any? Either way, great info and outlook by her.

[@BrendaNegri]

Thank you - at the time this was filmed I had ten dogs. Spanish Mastiffs, Pyrenean Mastiffs, Great Pyrenees and two Anatolian x Maremma cross brothers. Don't have Kangals anymore but used own them as well. Thanks again.

[@BrendaNegri]

@@johnb4183 Hello, I do not own a Caucasian Shepard dog myself. There are people who have liked it's work and stamina. The breed I have been told can be different and needs serious owners. I know of a few years ago, there was a large problem in the state where I have lived for so many years, Nevada. There was a man who took upon Caucasian dogs and started putting them up in a place on Nevada. This was a man who had a lot of dog breeding and also training. The number of dogs became huge. I remember hearing they were well over 100 dogs over a point. Huge dogs. In fact at one point there were other breeds put up, some even Kangal. They were bringing them as lost dogs, dogs that were not being used correctly, didn't have the time, or owners who could not keep them or raise them, or understand them, and just began to get lazy or not smart about these dogs and dumped them easily, etc. and had people in some cases "dumping" the breed out there quickly over anyone who got rid of the dogs. And then the county began to argue with the man over having too many dogs. I do remember it was put into the county over a large argument, and I think the law was being involved. I have not heard now, in the past year or just under it, what happened to the man and the huge number of dogs they kept in caged kennels. I have not looked up news on it for a long time, as getting done with my new book on Amazon. If I find a link again someplace John B I will mention it to you as well. Thank you for your response, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@aronnemcsik]

@@BrendaNegri I would like to ask if you ever worked with Kuvasz or Komondor? both are hungarian LGD but having different gurading styles. Kuvasz is more on perimeter patrol while the Komondor is more close to the livestock.

[@arlingtonguy54]

I have two Maremmas with my small flock of sheep ducks and chickens. The younger smaller female is the first out and barks to warn off predators. The huge male stays with the livestock and only barks when the threat is serious. They are an amazing team and are loving gentle giants.

[@k.doolittle2473]

Great vid. I like Brenda's organic and sensible training methods.

[@miked.7722]

SUPER Fantastic advice for socialization! congrats you are SOOO right I am a big fan of what you promote as far as being in the house. The old ways you talk about are just wrong If I were there I'd give you a huge huge and a great big medal.

[@manimal9871]

I don’t know why but I just love LGD breeds, such amazing dogs.

[@eledhwenmare2403]

Thank you Brenda.

[@BrendaNegri]

God bless you and your life, too. Thank you.

[@rumsin300]

Brenda - very nice and educational video!! In modern ranching & farming often times the predators are killed including the wolves that are barely recovering in the northern states. People need to be educated. Old school livestock guarding and protection of ranch by using dogs is a worldwide heritage. Thanks for your hard work on your ranch and time that you put in raising and training these beautiful dogs to their job properly.

[@BrendaNegri]

The Way of The Pack book (on Amazon.com) will be coming in towards the end of this month on a special newspaper review. I'll post up on it when it's done!

[@blackmetal--naogforalltid1279]

Agreed on properly socialising the dogs - as you say, they'll end up attacking their owner - and not only that, they'll also attack anyone else who turns up. It's vital for them to be able to be discerning about other people who come on to their territory. I've heard of people using the fila brasileiro as a livestock guardian, but their personality must be a drawback.

[@alibentz8692]

Thank you for not treating them like that! They need socializing!!

[@Mpearl8084]

Every time I take my Pyrenees out in public with me, people always ask if he works. I always feel guilty when I say no, but he’s a good guard dog for the house. As a small female that lives alone, his job is to stay home and protect me 🤷🏻‍♀️ he does a good job.

[@miranouaihed3860]

You don’t decide your dog’s job, their genetics do. You can only channel it.

[@p_aulwhite]

Great video and wise words from Brenda.

[@fredflintstone1547]

those old timers were thinking in their old fashioned ways which focused more on the dog bonding with its flock and defending the flock... and that's about it... I completely agree with you! By forming a relationship with the dog the dog's defensive nature will then be provided over you as you are a member of its flock and family. I would imagine that if the neighbors showed a breed like this affection, treats and kinship every day in passing that those neighbors would ingratiate themselves into the sphere of what these types of dogs consider to be theirs to defend. Strangers shall not pass. But these breeds of dogs are loyal to their people and the property of their people and they have been bred to discern friend from foe, neighbor from thief, what is threatening and what is not. There is an important distinction that I would like to emphasize. These breeds are bred to be guard dogs of property and ranging livestock against multiple intruders and require no human supervision to do so. They often work as a pack of three or more. They are extremely intelligent, discerning and confident. These breeds represent the most independent and autonomous of all dogs. These aren't your average dogs that yearn to be obedient to your every , command. These breeds have been labeled as 'stubborn' when it comes to training but I don't think that is accurate terminology. When training this dog I should learn and understand its nature and the reason for its creation and existence. I then cannot fairly label it as 'stubborn' when it fails to perform against its nature. I choose a breed and work with it according to my understanding of its nature and temperment. These breeds can and will physically defend unto death against intruders that pose a serious threat. Much of what they do has been bred into their nature over the centuries. These are not bred to be guard dogs of people (otherwise known as attack-dogs.) (The Doberman Pinscher is one such breed) These guard dog types a person or people, and property from intruders on sight, by command or by inferred provocation depending on what they were trained to do. These breeds have lesser powers of discernment and self-reliance. However these breeds are highly trainable and incredibly obedient and disciplined at following commands. These dogs will certainly defend the property of their master (and the dog's home) without having to be told to do so. However these breeds of dogs cannot function in the capacity and at the level of livestock guardian dog. Without the master telling these breeds what to do and when to do it they would be lost and confused as to how to proceed in the wilderness, alone, in order to protect a flock in the face of an attacking pack of wolves. I just felt it was important to distinguish the specific tasks that these two very different groups of dogs were bred to do.

[@christinelinne1833]

Terrific perspective! I agree with Brenda 100%. Editorial comment: ranchers were using LGD in the US before 1976. I've been around sheep and LGDs my whole life. Yes, I remember the "hands-off" perspective. But not everyone did that, though many did. The video is very well done! I would recommend it.

[@snugbug5067]

The dark coated dogs are huge !! If your average to tall, they are BIG. A wonderfully informative video.

[@BrendaNegri]

The big male, Furiano, is probably the tallest SM in the country, he stands 38" tall at the shoulder. He is not fat, very lean, huge bones, and very tall. Taller than most!

[@mahmoodshah7209]

Great stuff here, much respect for your work ❤️

[@BrendaNegri]

@Mahmood Shah thank you and God bless.

[@trakyboy5128]

We have lost so much over the centuries due to man's getting and I quote 'smarter'. There is definitely a need for a return, in so many areas of our life and our philosophy, to the old ways where things are in more balanced and have a better sense of harmony, not only for us but for all living beings on this planet. I support you in your views and would definitely look forward to reading your book. Animals are such an extension of us and they have been part of us for so long and then man came along and said this is what they should be and this is how they should look and stand and sit and it's become a train wreck a travesty. We were given Dominion and we have ruined it. And now it's time to get back ...some things that are best are the things that are the simplest we just need to get outside of ourselves.

[@dougj7295]

You are very wise and inspirational. Tahnk you.

[@soal3415]

She said it exactly as it should be. Thats how it works best for my dog. She loves to scare stuff off and protect. She acts like A bear...stomps her feet...moans like bear.. I love her beyond words. I have a hard time walking and she helps me alot. She helps me up and diwn stairs too. Very versatile dog! I eas told mine was a CAS but she looks like a Kangal. Yep..she loves being a perimeter dog!

[@slowfudgeballs9517]

This woman knows her stuff guys, listen to her. Can't believe anybody would send hate her way. Everything she's said was accurate and true in regards to Central Asian Shepherds.

[@enriquemartinez4790]

I love all types of dogs especially the herding dogs !

[@jcdova29]

Thanks for the video Debra!! Really enjoyed it and your dogs are amazing.

[@fi1bo]

Fantastic animals, you do an amazing job 🙏 bless

[@billfournier439]

Awesome video! Brenda answered a few questions I had and ironically it comes pretty close to training any dog.

[@laydenhollowhomestead]

I raize Great pyrenees They gard my ranch and sleep on the couch they are the best grading. You are so right Love you view

[@miked.7722]

the more I listen to you the more I love your attitude, common sense I could kiss you. 😄😘

[@FITZIEBLUE]

good for you...and looking forward to the book.

[@BrendaNegri]

Thank you @FITZIEBLUE and God bless you and a good year!

[@robertwoelk26]

We had the kuvaz marama x they were great with the sheep and when we got out of the sheep they worked very well with our herd of Arabian horses. We had 32 foals born on our farm and they were one big family.

[@richardjones4080]

some of the finest working dogs are housedogs also

[@mendesdecarvalho385]

You can bet 😂👌

[@youalreadyknow6763]

Awesome introductory music! Love it

[@mojorisin7371]

So many wonderful livestock guardian dogs. The Kangal/Anatolian Shepherds is a great example, Great Pyrenees, Kuvaszs, Akbash and Maremma Sheepdogs are another great type of livestock dogs. I've also seen small farms with Collies, German Shepherds and Rottweilers and they work well also. Carpathian shepherds, Slovensky Cuvac's, Karakachan's and Mioritic Sheepdogs are extreme work dogs in their native land as are Caucasian Shepherds, Central Asian Shepherds and Bully Kuta's which are extremely large and in many settings are too extreme for work in most US homesteads. As the lady suggested, many LSGD are different in the way they watch over their livestock and properties. Precisely why people who actually need these dogs should be the one's that mostly own them. They are not for someone's self absorbed ego and just wants a bad ass big dog to parade around their yard and the neighborhood as an extension of what is lacking. I've unfortunately seen this in subdivisions with just 2 acre lots with cookie cutter houses in close proximity of eachother and some people own these dogs just for the aforementioned purpose. No livestock or even a high acreage property to protect and enjoy. They bark constantly especially at night and intimidate everyone's dogs. Which are mainly just labs, mutts and lap dogs. It's nice to hear and see people like this lady who actually know and have researched the breed and their intended purposes. For some the temptation to want something and can but shouldn't and don't is too much to bear and unfortunately a fantastic breed is exploited for unnecessary means instead of being free and happy doing what they were breed for. Some dogs couldn't care less about hugs and kisses every second. Toy breeds are best for that. All LSGD are working dogs and happiest when doing precisely that ✌🏽♥️

[@rm5238]

Great work Zeke!

[@vivettvivett]

Thank you so much for the information you gave. I have 5 LGD's (Cross of Anatolian/Akbash/Pyrenees/Maremma) that I've raised from birth on our ranch and soon will begin training with young sheep. Each one has shown a different breed characteristic and has taken on the look of each breed. All super loving and I have trained them to accept visitors, they bark until I say it's ok then they wander off playing or sleeping and eventually will come around to be pet by my guest. My greatest challenge will be introducing them to sheep. They are use to chickens & horses already. They are going on 10 months old now and I hope to let them stay/live with the sheep after they get use to them on our land. It should be interesting, I plan on having the sheep in a small pen close to the house until they accept them, then putting one with the sheep as I monitor it's behavior. I've taught them commands that I repeat and I find they are sensitive to voice tones and in all truth, of all the dogs I've had in the past, they are the least amount of work to train. I spend alot of time with them, so consistancy and remaining alpha has allowed for peace within the pack. I don't allow them to fight and break it up immediatly if it starts. There are three males that are still sorting out. Interesting is the observation of how they never fight the females even if they attempt dominance. One is their mother and the other a sister. It must be a unspoken pack rule. They also take turns with the omega role, which is similar to the hunt, but never injuring each other. They were also raised with our small jack russel cross and a house cat, so they are gentle with the little dog and leave the cat alone. If you have any advice on the introducting of sheep, please share. Thank you.

[@BrendaNegri]

Yvette Tipton, I am curious as to why you have waited ten months to expose your dogs to sheep. Or did you not have any sheep when they were puppies?

[@vivettvivett]

Hi Brenda, I have had to really think through the process of raising sheep. I'm raising a pack. Not always easy, but I've observed each one showing a different trait and requires different handling, some more independant, others more needy, some guard at the top of a hill and some sleep when there mothers barking her head off. I know the dogs will require training with the sheep as they have with the chickens and horses. They were to young to be left out as we have coyotes and bobcats, alot of wild life surrounding us and no barn, so they could not just be thrown in with a herd to bond, which I don't believe is the right way anyway, they do need socializing and training. They are old enough now and large enough to defend themselves and able to stay outside at night, except for one. He was deprived oxygen when he was born and I wasn't sure he was going to make it, but thank God we were able to revive him back to life. He's what I call, "special", so he will be our pet and not a working dog, he barks randomly at anything and behaves different then the rest. I've just got the three males neutered and we are hoping to get sheep soon, two to start for training then slowly introduce more. I think instinct by breed is kicking in, they guard and surround us when we are outside, so the introduction of sheep will give them a 24/7 job, not a part time job. See how it goes.

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

I like her and her thoughts about LSGD's. I have a great pyrenees as a pet at home and she takes good care of us. Thanks for the video.

[@BrendaNegri]

Very kind of you Uriel1816 thank you for words and thoughts.

[@totochavez396]

Just found your channel today loving it so far

[@BrendaNegri]

Merry Christmas to you Denver Streets and bless you for a happy, safe Christmas.

[@Silver386]

First time I saw video about LGD dogs was opposite to that video and I just knew it was wrong to raise dogs like that. Dogs are not killing machines, but they are our guardians and close ones. Very good video and I hope more people watch it! Take care of your dogs and treat them good ;)

[@Slamgears]

You should make one on best family oriented guard dogs

[@adnansayyed548]

Lostsoulsofv8s - every dog is family oriented

[@privateprivate4315]

adnan sayyed I get his point though I would also like to see that

[@creamyrocks1850]

Not all dogs are family dogs. Some working dogs can't handle the mundane and predicable lifestyle that comes with some families

[@privateprivate4315]

Id also like to see it.

[@alibentz8692]

We have a Pyrenees border collie mix. She saved my nephew from being mauled by a pit bull at the park.

[@CatonaWall175]

Very interesting video.Thanks for the upload and a Merry Christmas.

[@BrendaNegri]

And a Merry Christmas to you too!

[@robiny.4395]

I like this woman.

[@longnamenocansayy]

there's so much we don't know about dogs. if you have experience with dogs, you might agree when i say they know more about us then we know about them. what are they thinking? what are they feeling? do they know they'll only live for 8 years? what do they want out of life? what do they expect out of life? we don't know these things. but is it really too much to give your companion a small amount of gratitude for doing what you expect? he gives you 100% every day, all day. is it too much to acknowledge? and what is it? gratitude. what is it? a warm smile, a warm meaningful touch, a place in your heart. the dog may not know the kings english, but he does know if there's a place in your heart for him.

[@BrendaNegri]

@longnamenocansayy that is why so many people read my book. It helps people more and more. God bless!

[@ricoconti3141]

Love the music in the beginning!

[@suecastillo4056]

With few exceptions? They are among the most honorable of canines❣️☮️🕉🌟

[@junglistgrrl]

I enjoyed this talk

[@dreswan1]

She has excellent knowledge .

[@qattah]

I like the philosophy in this video. I never felt comfortable with humans and dogs not bonding and only having one dog at time for predator deflection. Great info.

[@maxmancera9994]

Do vids on greyhounds please. Keep up the great vids 👍

[@curtherman2708]

This is my 2nd time watching a dog video with Brenda Negri.I really like what she has to say.I have a 1yr old Anatolian shepherd and she does run out of the yard.I have 5wks until I can have the builder make my 5ft fence on my 3acres,I would like to get a pup from her big guy Spanish

[@Flashpoint2]

Another great video!

[@mikeroberts4641]

You know your stuff and your philosophy on socializing and having the dogs being part of the family us 100% correct. I used to hear the same thing from idiot hunters that kept their hunting dogs in kennels because if they were in the house they would lose their hunting instincts. Binding with you makes the dog do his job better. Great job educating dog owners

[@dkgamer2237]

Best guard dog breed 👌👍 nice dog take care

[@mariajordan3650]

Please, Brenda give me an your advice on something. My first comment I posted underneath this video several months ago. I haven't gotten your book yet, but I intend to do that. In a meanwhile, my Jamir, Anatolian/Great Pyrenees,18 months old, we had to move to a new place. It happened two weeks ago. So, out of a true wilderness/lake place and house to a small cabin on someone's farm. The owner has some goats and two horses and one dog. It seemed that this place will be better suitable for my dog as until his 5.5 months he has lived on a huge farm with many goats and other animals and 8 other dogs. However there are minuses too. First the farm is directly on Hwy, and my dog feels annoyed with the cars and if allowed he would try to chase them. One year ago at this time he was smart enough always to withdraw, stop to move and out wait a passing car. But sometime in Dec, he started to run after some trucks from our neighbors and is still in him. I trained him however, when on the leash to stop, sit and hold back by a passing vehicle. it is a different story off the leash. The gate to highway is closed only from 8pm till 8am next day, and open during the day. Behind our cabin there is a small fenced yard for him, so I can keep him there or walk him on leash around. However, the yard as well the whole farm is fenced with wires only 4 F high ( Jamir already has been checking how to make it over when a coyote was on the other side of fence. The main problem is that the fence is finished with two layers of barbed wires, which can be fatal to my dog. I knew it before the landlord has made them and tried to talk to them about another option. All this however, will not be a main problem if I am around and can watch him, if at the other times he would be inside the cabin. However, there is my main stress and frustration source as my dog refused to enter the house from the very first day on. My old house was a cabin also, but a little larger and with big windows...and carpets on the floor. This one is extremely small and has hard floors. My dog can be stubborn, but here I think he is afraid of something. And once prejudiced he is not easy to change his mind. I tried to find some advices for this problem, but you, Brenda knowing these particular breeds can have the best answer for me. In addition, my dog sees the goats as for now only trough the fences separating us here from their pasture. He is also not good with the two horses, they annoy him while passing by. even though he was used to ll those animals one year ago. Would you know how make him enter the house? We transferred him last week in his kennel used in my car, and there was hours of stress and whining that I never saw in him before. He is not a whining one! And if you would tell me a tip how to train him not to go to the Hwy? thanks in advance.

[@BrendaNegri]

@Maria Jordan first of all, yes, BUY MY BOOK.....you have several days if not over a week, to sink what is in there but so much which can help you, learn so much, and give you thought and ideas. All these breeds have good and times they need to get help, if you know what I mean. Yes, bad fencing can be a bad choice. There is a whole chapter on this. Again - BUY my book and READ it. No dogs should be kept in a LGD arena without enough strong fencing. Everyone needs to understand that the dog cannot just be run around pell-mell all over going here and there with no kindness, no sense with the owner. Please think on this. Breath. Step back. Give this dog a second chance.