Livestock Guardian Dogs - What You Need to Know for Your Aggression Cases

Erin Williams, CPDT MDI, specialises in Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) in both 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 business “Livestock Guardian Dogs Australia”, a first for Australia, to provide robust education for 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 Professional Member of PPG Australia. Her Maremma became an ambassador for the breed, after successfully transforming 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.