Potential Benefits and Problems With Using Dogs An Oregon sheep producer nearly eliminated coyote predation in her pasture flock of 50 ewes by adding a single guarding dog. In 6 years of using the dog, she lost only one lamb to coyotes. In contrast, coyotes and bobcats killed several sheep on neighboring farms each year. However, guarding dogs require an investment with no guarantee of a positive result. The dogs can become ill, be injured, or die prematurely.
Some dogs roam away from the flock.
Producers who use dogs should post signs to alert passers-by and escort visitors when near sheep. The use of a guarding dog does not prevent the use of other predation-control methods. However, the other techniques must be compatible. The use of toxicants is not recommended where guarding dogs are working. Traps and snares can kill dogs if they are caught and not released in a reasonable period of time.