Livestock worrying when dogs attack or harass farm animals is a serious issue that causes distress for farmers, financial losses, and even the deaths of thousands of animals each year. But according to Jamie Penrith, founder of Take the Lead dog training in Devon, this problem is entirely preventable.
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With over 25 years of experience, including a decade working with police dogs, Penrith is on a mission to educate dog owners to keep preventing dog attacks on livestock on how to keep their pets away from livestock.
The Root Cause: Dogs as Opportunistic Predators
“Dogs are opportunistic predators,” Penrith explains. “They will climb fences or run off to chase livestock, especially if they haven’t been trained otherwise.” He emphasizes that while keeping dogs on leads is crucial, it isn’t enough on its own.
“If a dog is trained not to go near sheep or livestock, even if they escape or run off, the likelihood of an attack decreases significantly,” he says. “It’s very easy to prevent dogs from attacking livestock in the first place or to stop it from happening again.”
The Role of Electronic Collars in Livestock Avoidance
Penrith’s training method involves the use of electronic training collars, often referred to as “shock collars.” While these devices are controversial, Penrith believes they are misunderstood.
“Many people think of electronic collars as torture devices, but they’re not,” he says. “They work similarly to a TENS machine, often used during labor. The collars deliver a mild electric current through two contact points that touch the dog’s skin. This doesn’t harm the dog—it just startles them.”
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How It Works:
- The dog wears a collar equipped with a battery and contact points.
- If the dog approaches livestock, the owner activates the collar, delivering a mild shock.
- The dog associates the unpleasant sensation with the livestock rather than the collar or owner.
Penrith explains, “Once the dog has been startled for approaching sheep, they believe the sheep are responsible and won’t want to go near them again. The results are often immediate and can last a lifetime.”
Training for a Lifetime of Safety
Penrith stresses that training dogs to avoid livestock doesn’t take long and can yield lifelong results. However, he clarifies that the use of electronic collars is an addition, not an alternative, to responsible dog ownership.
“Keeping dogs on leads when required is still important,” he says. “But if we could establish livestock avoidance training courses and encourage dog owners to attend, it would tackle the problem of livestock worrying at its root.”
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Addressing Misconceptions About Electronic Collars
Electronic collars often face criticism, but Penrith argues that much of the opposition stems from misinformation.
“I think a lot of people don’t know it’s possible to train dogs this way,” he says. “When you demonstrate how quickly and effectively it works, you start to wonder why it hasn’t been done more widely.”
He compares the use of electronic collars to traditional training tools. “It’s a safe and efficient method when used correctly,” he explains. “The goal is always to protect livestock and prevent unnecessary suffering for both animals and farmers.”
The Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership
While training is vital, Penrith emphasizes that responsibility starts with the dog owner. “Dog owners must keep their pets on leads and be vigilant, especially in areas with livestock,” he says.
As part of his advocacy, Penrith founded the Association of Responsible Dog Owners (ARDO). The organization seeks to give dog owners a voice in the livestock worrying debate.
“Farmers and police often share their perspectives, but we rarely hear from dog owners,” Penrith says. “By understanding their side of the story, we can better address the issue and prevent attacks in the future.”
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A Community Effort to Reduce Livestock Worrying
Penrith believes that collaboration between farmers, dog owners, and trainers is key to solving the problem of livestock worrying. Through ARDO, he hopes to build a community of responsible dog owners who prioritize safety and education.
ARDO’s Initiatives:
- Story Sharing: Over the next few days, ARDO members will share their experiences to highlight the importance of livestock avoidance training.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the impact of livestock worrying and how to prevent it.
- Training Support: Encouraging dog owners to participate in livestock avoidance training courses.
The Bigger Picture: Saving Lives and Livelihoods
Livestock worrying has devastating consequences for farmers, who may face significant financial losses and emotional distress. For dogs, the stakes are just as high—farmers are legally allowed to shoot dogs caught attacking livestock. Here’s what usually happens:
By addressing the issue through training and education, Penrith believes we can save countless lives. “If we take proactive steps, we can protect livestock, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure dogs live safely and happily,” he says.
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A Call to Action for Dog Owners
Penrith’s message is clear: Preventing livestock worrying starts with education and responsible dog ownership. Whether through proper training, the use of tools like electronic collars, or simply keeping dogs on leads, every effort counts.
As Penrith puts it, “It’s up to us as dog owners to ensure our pets are safe, well-trained, and respectful of the animals around them.”
Conclusion: Building a Safer Future for Dogs and Livestock
Livestock worrying is a serious issue, but Jamie Penrith’s approach offers a practical and effective solution. By combining training, responsibility, and community collaboration, dog owners can play a critical role in preventing dog attacks on livestock and fostering harmony between pets and farm animals.
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Through initiatives like ARDO and livestock avoidance training, Penrith is paving the way for a future where dogs, livestock, and their respective owners coexist safely and respectfully. It’s a goal that benefits everyone involved—and one that starts with a commitment to responsible dog ownership.
