2023 Lambing Time and Dog Attacks on the Farm
For many that follow my social media and blog you’ll have read about the horrific dog attacks in 2022 on my sheep that resulted in one of the ewes being killed leaving an orphan lamb without a mother. As the lamb was only a few days old and the last of the lambs to be born, it wasn’t easy to foster to a new mum.
Normally we’d cover the lamb in afterbirth of a ewe giving birth in hope she’ll adopt it as her own. This wasn’t possible, but despite all the difficulties, she survived, although a lot smaller than the rest now.
As a dog trainer for many years I find it annoying when people have no concept of dangers their dogs can cause by chasing and worrying sheep. People think because they don’t see a ewe die it’s ok. But even after the chase a ewes heart can just give in with exhaustion.
With the 2023 lambing season on its way for many farmers, please be considerate and keep your dogs on a lead around livestock. Not only is it stressful for the ewes in lamb, it’s very costly for the farmers that loose sheep to dog attacks. We spend a lot of time and cost looking after our sheep.
If you think your dog will chase livestock then seek training help. Please visit my dog training page dog training page to see how I can help with recall and controlling your dog in the countryside.
Posted: January 2, 2023