alistairSH 2 days ago

Goats can be territorial, but I'm not aware of them having any particular inclination to guard chickens or livestock.

Livestock guard dogs work better, but then you're dealing with a large dog that isn't a pet and isn't socialized like a house dog.

  • BobaFloutist 2 days ago

    Can't your livestock guard dog also be a pet that's socialized like a house dog? Are the two mutually exclusive?

    • alistairSH 2 days ago

      Based solely on what I've read and experience with them when I'm on a bicycle...

      Not really, because you want to dog to be bonded to the livestock, not the humans. The dog lives outside amongst the other farm animals. They tend to be more territorial and protective than pet dogs. All that said, I've seen them used more with sheep than poultry.

    • stickfigure 2 days ago

      If your dog is hanging out with you, it's not guarding the henhouse.