Bill Costanzo, Texas A&M Agrilife Livestock Guardian Dog Program Specialist, discusses the role of livestock guardian dogs, traditionally used to protect sheep and goats, and their expanding use in protecting poultry, cattle, and exotic animals in the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of bonding these dogs with livestock from a young age, specifically between five to fourteen weeks, to ensure they are well-prepared to guard against wildlife predators. The program has been at the forefront of this effort, working on developing best management practices for producers to correctly bond their dogs. Without a strong bond, these dogs may wander and become vulnerable to predators. However, the Texas A&M AgriLife project aims to ensure that dogs emerging from their program are well-prepared and set up for success.
