This page will be in a constant state of construction and is by no means meant to be a complete research or an end all on any of the following subjects, but as a starting place for your own research.
Nutrition and Joints
There seems to be, especially in the Turkish dog world, a desire to produce the BIGGEST dog possible. Turkey is riddled with dogs having horrific joint issues. Our belief is that a large percentage of these problems is dependent on how a pup is raised vs genetics.
It is extremely unhealthy for dogs to be grown to quickly, overfed/overweight, and over exercised. Just as dangerous is unbalanced and improper nutrition.
Things like over vaccination and chemical overdosing (ie excess dewormers, flea treatments etc) also may contribute the ever increasing percentage of dog health issues.
UC Davis paper on Large Breed Puppy Feeding:
http://www.lgd.org/library/Optimal%20feeding%20of%20large%20breed%20puppies.pdf
Institute of Canine Biology on Hip Dysplasia:
http://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/the-10-most-important-things-to-know-about-canine-hip-dysplasia
While research is showing that protein is the not the factor of feed imbalance that causes growth issues in giant breeds. I do feel that due to the selection of genetics, a high level of protein can cause issues individually in some of our Turkish dogs, such as restlessness, hot spots and other allergic type reactions. I have no science based information to back my thoughts on this, but feel it a noteworthy observation. Historically the nomadic shepherd dogs were fed an extremely low protein diet. I personally feed more meat than grains and am not advocating either all grain or a grain free diets, or recommending any deviations from the accepted normal feed conversions, but simply informing on the history behind our Turkish dogs that could be helpful in understanding their health and genetics. Here is an article explaining the traditional feed used for native Turkish LGDs called "Yal".
http://anatoliandog.org/isik-007.htm
It is extremely unhealthy for dogs to be grown to quickly, overfed/overweight, and over exercised. Just as dangerous is unbalanced and improper nutrition.
Things like over vaccination and chemical overdosing (ie excess dewormers, flea treatments etc) also may contribute the ever increasing percentage of dog health issues.
UC Davis paper on Large Breed Puppy Feeding:
http://www.lgd.org/library/Optimal%20feeding%20of%20large%20breed%20puppies.pdf
Institute of Canine Biology on Hip Dysplasia:
http://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/the-10-most-important-things-to-know-about-canine-hip-dysplasia
While research is showing that protein is the not the factor of feed imbalance that causes growth issues in giant breeds. I do feel that due to the selection of genetics, a high level of protein can cause issues individually in some of our Turkish dogs, such as restlessness, hot spots and other allergic type reactions. I have no science based information to back my thoughts on this, but feel it a noteworthy observation. Historically the nomadic shepherd dogs were fed an extremely low protein diet. I personally feed more meat than grains and am not advocating either all grain or a grain free diets, or recommending any deviations from the accepted normal feed conversions, but simply informing on the history behind our Turkish dogs that could be helpful in understanding their health and genetics. Here is an article explaining the traditional feed used for native Turkish LGDs called "Yal".
http://anatoliandog.org/isik-007.htm
Training and Socializing
While a good portion of a Livestock Guardian's attributes are instinctual, there is still a measure of training and socializing that needs to take place. I strongly feel they should still be treated like any other dog. The more things they are taught the easier day to day activities will be, additionally so will emergency situations be simplified. I do not feel a LGD should be left with stock and never touched. An improperly socialized LGD could be a potential hazard as well as possibly to insecure to confidently preform needed duties.
Karen Pryor on Socializing Dogs positively:
http://www.clickertraining.com/dont-socialize-the-dog
The Civilized Pyr. A story of how you can not "ruin" an LGD if it truly has the instinct to work:
http://www.lgd.org/civilizedpyr2.htm
Karen Pryor on Socializing Dogs positively:
http://www.clickertraining.com/dont-socialize-the-dog
The Civilized Pyr. A story of how you can not "ruin" an LGD if it truly has the instinct to work:
http://www.lgd.org/civilizedpyr2.htm