When people picture livestock guardian dogs, they usually imagine the end result: a majestic, stoic white dog lying in a pasture, calmly watching over goats, chickens, or even toddlers like a fluffy, benevolent protector. What they don’t imagine is that same majestic dog, three months earlier, covered in mud, chewing on a goat's ear, and proudly barking at a wheelbarrow for no reason.
Welcome to the puppy phase.
Here at Andersen Acres, we raise Great Pyrenees and Pyrenees-Anatolian crosses. These dogs grow into phenomenal guardians—but not overnight. There’s this myth floating around that LGDs are “born knowing their job,” and while there’s some truth to that (they’re bred for the instincts), instinct doesn’t equal training. Or manners. Or maturity. It certainly doesn’t mean they’re born knowing not to chase ducks just because it looks fun.
Fluffy Chaos With Giant Paws
The puppy phase is… a lot. These pups are sweet and cuddly, sure, but they’re also enormous babies with the energy of a border collie and the decision-making skills of a toddler. They chew everything. They dig craters in the yard. They knock over feed buckets, play tag with barn cats, and sleep in the middle of high-traffic areas like they own the place. (And let’s be honest—they kind of do.)
Sometimes they follow the goats like little shadows. Other times, they chase the goats like it’s a game. And every so often, they completely ignore their livestock charges in favor of guarding something truly vital—like a garden hose or a stick.
When Does It Get Better?
Most LGDs start to turn the corner around 12 to 18 months. Some earlier. Some later. They mellow out, they tune in, and they start to understand the rhythms of the farm. You’ll catch them making smart decisions without prompting. You’ll see them settle near the flock without being told. You’ll find yourself sleeping a little easier at night knowing they’re out there doing their job.
But before that… it’s a rollercoaster.
How We Handle the Puppy Phase
At Andersen Acres, we raise our LGDs on-site with daily exposure to all the animals: goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, barn cats, quail, even the mini horses. The key is supervised exposure. We don’t expect puppies to be perfect, but we do guide them, redirect them, and set boundaries early.
Some things that help:
- Crate training or using a barn stall during the night or unsupervised moments
- Positive reinforcement when they do well (praise goes a long way!)
- Interrupting unwanted behaviors like rough play or livestock chasing
- Pairing pups with older dogs (if you’ve got them) so they can learn by example
And above all else—patience. Lots and lots of patience.
Why It’s Worth It
Once these pups grow up, they become calm, confident, and incredibly loyal. They know their animals. They bond with them. They respond to threats before you even know one exists. A mature LGD doesn’t just protect your livestock—they become a cornerstone of your farm.
Yes, the puppy phase is wild. Yes, there will be chaos and mud and at least one moment where you ask yourself what you were thinking. But it’s also adorable, rewarding, and full of those little “ah-ha” moments where it all starts to click.
If you’re in the middle of it right now—hang in there. Your muddy, mischievous pup will grow into the guardian you need. And one day, you’ll look out over the pasture, see them resting quietly among the herd, and realize… it was all worth it.
