Livestock Guardian Dogs

Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) numbers in rescue, shelters and sanctuaries are increasing. Euthanasia is often the end result, with the most common reason given, as aggression. With a better understanding of the characteristics and needs of these breeds, we can reduce this dire trend. As animal handlers, trainers, carers and clinicians we can learn to work safely and successfully with these breeds and offer better education for their owners or prospective owners.

  • What is an LGD and how are they different to other breeds?

  • Motivations, behaviors, and their consequences!

  • How to accommodate their needs in non-working contexts

  • Understanding LGD aggression!

Your Presenter

Erin Williams

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.

What is Included

  • Access to Recording

    You will be able to watch the webinar and Q&A session with Erin and have access to the recording for one year!

  • PDFs of the Presentation

    The presentation PDFs contain excellent outlines and summaries of everything you need to know about LGDs!

  • CEUs!

    1 CEUs for CCPDT; 2 for IAABC and KPA!