Supporting farmers with guard dogs

Topic: Livestock protection | Species: Wolf | Natura 2000 site: HUBN20001, HUAN20001, HUDI20008

Overview

Ábrahám tries to enable a relatively conflict-free coexistence between humans and large carnivores in the rural regions of Northern Hungary by providing farmers with Kuvasz dogs. As a trained wildlife conservationist, dog breeder and hunter he easily finds his way to assist the work of various stakeholder groups. Experienced as a game warden and livestock keeper, he reaches directly to the the local farmers offering them a practical solution by sharing Kuvasz puppies free of charge for a greater good. Ábrahám nowadays carries out his pioneering work in cooperation with the Bükk National Park Directorate and the Hungarian Kuvasz Breed Care Association.

Description of the conflict

Livestock predation by wolf

Approach and tools used

Livestock guarding dogs defend the herd against attacks by wolves. They feel like part of the herd and obey the herd owner. The dogs live permanently outside and defend "their" herd against all intruders from the outside. Well-trained livestock protection dogs are no danger to walkers and hikers, but these should lead their dogs on a leash. To make this work, well trained herd protection dogs are required, which are adapted to the type of grazing livestock. This requires regular checks made by experienced people so that the dogs do not start to behave incorrectly.

Conclusion

Kuvasz prooved is an ideal lifestock guarding dog, when protecting livestock as a group. Farmers who already work with Kuvasz have had very positive experience as they report decreased number of incidents. Several other kennels in Hungary followed the example of Ábrahám and are willing to share Kuvasz puppies to mitigate and prevent human-wildlife conflict.

HWC best practice database