Guard dogs require a lot of initial training and must be provided with shelter and food in the field. They may be excellent guard animals for a while and become less effective later. Occasionally guard dogs have been responsible for killing sheep. Donkeys Donkeys are used by Missouri livestock producers to guard sheep and goats. Hog producers have found that donkeys also give some protection to sows farrowing in the woods.
Most donkeys have a natural dislike for coyotes and dogs and bond well with livestock.
Select a gelding or jenny because the more aggressive jacks sometimes injure or kill sheep and goats. Do not place two donkeys in the same pasture or in adjoining pastures because they will bond with each other and not with the livestock. An effective guard donkey remains with the sheep or goats at all times. Advantages of donkeys are that they are not high priced and do not require as much training and care as guard dogs. As with the guard dogs, there are no guarantees that a donkey will be 100-percent effective.