Mission & Ethics

Our Mission

Guardians.dog exists to provide plain-language, research-informed education about livestock guardian dogs. We believe that better-informed owners produce better outcomes for dogs, livestock, and rural communities.

Our goals are:

• Accurate Information: Present factual, research-backed content without sensationalism or sales pressure
• Practical Guidance: Offer actionable advice that works in real-world farm and ranch settings
• Breed Preservation: Support the continuation of authentic working LGD lines and traditions
• Realistic Expectations: Help potential owners understand what LGD ownership actually involves

Our Ethics

Independence

Guardians.dog is an independent educational resource. We do not:

• Endorse specific breeders or kennels
• Accept payment for favorable coverage
• Allow advertisers to influence content

Transparency

We are transparent about:

• Publisher: Guardians.dog is published by Urmah LC, a working farm operation
• Affiliate Links: When we link to products, we may earn a commission (clearly disclosed)
• Limitations: We acknowledge when evidence is limited or when we're sharing opinion rather than fact

Animal Welfare

We prioritize the welfare of both LGDs and the livestock they protect:

• We promote responsible breeding practices with health testing
• We discourage placement of LGDs in unsuitable environments
• We support proper veterinary care and husbandry
• We acknowledge that not every situation is appropriate for an LGD

Honesty About Limitations

We are honest about what LGDs can and cannot do:

• LGDs are not magic solutions--they require significant investment in time and management
• No breed or individual dog is guaranteed to perform
• Professional veterinary and training help may be needed
• Results vary based on countless factors we cannot control

Our Promise

We promise to:

• Present information honestly, even when it's not what people want to hear
• Update content when new research becomes available
• Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly
• Prioritize the welfare of dogs and livestock over popularity
• Respect the traditional knowledge of working shepherds and farmers