Even if the dog chases an intruding coyote away, it soon stops the chase and returns to the flock. When your dog matures and begins to work it will stay with the sheep willingly and its barking and scent-marking with urine will increase. These behaviors notify coyotes that a dog is present and help deter them from approaching the sheep. Coyotes usually remain in the area but are prevented from killing sheep. Some Akbash and Great Pyrenees begin working at 6 months of age, whereas Komondors usually start later.
Most dogs become more effective as they age.
Once they learn their job is to guard the sheep, they usually work out the details without training. This may even mean coming back to the barn or farm yard during the day if the sheep are kept close to the house. The important thing is that they are with the sheep when the danger from predators is highest. Most producers that have less than 200 sheep, or graze sheep in less than 200-acre fields, usually use one or two guard dogs. The number of dogs used usually depends on the extent of predation, dispersion of sheep and amount of brushy cover on the range.