How to Introduce a Dog to Goats

Whether you want to keep goats as meat or dairy providers or you plan to keep them as pets, a well-behaved dog can work as an effective guardian against predators. Certain dog breeds are more suited for this job, because they have traits developed for the purpose of guarding livestock, and therefore have natural protective instincts. Suitable breeds include the Anatolian shepherd dog, Estrela mountain dog, Great Pyrenees, Komondor and Spanish mastiff. If possible, begin to expose your dog to livestock from a young age.

Things You'll Need

  • Fence
  • Leash
  • Muzzle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the dog to the goats through a fence. Pay attention to your dog's body language. Reward positive behavior, such as sniffing the air with the ears back and the head and tail held low, and lying on the ground. Aggressive or predatory behavior includes holding the body very still while staring at the goats with large pupils, growling or barking. Correct this behavior by saying "no" in a firm voice and touching the dog quickly on the shoulder with your fingertips to break its focus.

    • 2

      Keep the dog on a leash and enter the goat's pen only after the dog has shown the desired attitude toward the goats through the fence. Allow the goats to roam freely in the pen to give them the option of approaching the dog. Walk into the pen before the dog to show that you are the pack leader and are inviting the dog inside, rather than allowing the dog to pull you inside. Tell your dog to relax in the company of the goats by getting it to lie down and roll over on its side. Listen for a sigh, which shows that the dog is relaxing. Repeat the exercise for 10 minutes every day and wait for the goats to become more trusting of the dog, which they will show by approaching the dog when they feel comfortable.

    • 3

      Allow the dog to be around the goats off leash if after several weeks its behavior has indicated that it will not try to attack the goats. Put a muzzle on the dog to ensure that none of the goats will be hurt. Supervise the dog at all times and correct any unwanted behavior. Do not allow the dog to chase the goats at any time. Remove the muzzle when you feel that you can trust your dog with the goats.