Rehoming an LGD

Sometimes things don't work out. Here is how to ensure your dog lands safely, not in a kill shelter.

Key Takeaways

  • Rehoming Is Common: LGDs are among the most frequently rehomed dog types due to unrealistic owner expectations about barking, roaming, and independence.
  • Adult Bonds Transfer: Well-raised adult LGDs can successfully bond with new livestock, though the transition period is typically 2–4 weeks of supervised reintroduction.
  • Breeder Responsibility: Reputable breeders include return-to-breeder clauses in contracts specifically because rehoming is a foreseeable outcome in LGD ownership.
Note: Working dog data is continuously evolving. The information below reflects our most current genetic and field research, but individual breed tendencies may vary.

Step 1: Contact Your Breeder

This is mandatory. Responsible breeders (and their contracts) require you to notify them. Most will take the dog back immediately.

Even if the breeder cannot take the dog back physically, they often have a waiting list of approved homes and can facilitate a direct rehoming.

Does the Dog Have a Bite History?

If your LGD has bitten a human aggressively (not rough play, but aggression), you cannot rehome them safely. Liability follows the dog. Consulting professional behavioral euthanasia is a heartbreaking but sometimes necessary conversation for known man-biters.

If the dog kills livestock: They may still be a great pet or property guardian, but they cannot be placed in a livestock home. Be 100% honest.

Screening Potential Homes

Do not list "Free to Good Home" on Craigslist. This attracts dog fighters and hoarders. Ask a rehoming fee (donate it to rescue if you wish) to deter bad actors.

The Application Review

  • Fencing Photos: Demand photos. "We have a big farm" is not fencing.
  • Vet Reference: Call their vet. "Do they keep dogs on heartworm prevention? Are they spayed/neutered?"
  • Livestock Count: Match the dog to the job. Don't send a high-energy puppy to guard 3 chickens in a backyard.

Breed Specific Rescues

If the breeder cannot help, contact breed-specific rescues. General shelters are dangerous places for LGDs.

National Rescues

  • National Great Pyrenees Rescue: Extensive network of fosters.
  • Big Fluffy Dog Rescue: Specializes in giant mixed breeds.
  • Anatolian Shepherd Rescue League: For Turkish breeds.
Shelter Reality: In a noisy shelter, LGDs often shut down or become defensive (barking/lunging) to protect their kennel run. They are frequently mislabeled as "aggressive" and euthanized efficiently. Avoid county shelters at all costs.

Green, J. S., & Woodruff, R. A. (1988). Breed comparisons and characteristics of use of livestock guarding dogs. Journal of Range Management.

Rigg, R. (2001). Livestock guarding dogs: their current use world wide. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group.

Coppinger, R., et al. (1988). A decade of use of livestock guarding dogs. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference.

About the Author
Written by Jesika VanFossen — LGD breed consultant with 28 years of hands-on livestock guardian dog experience, 30+ years of animal husbandry, and founder of , the longest-running registered Turkish Boz Shepherd breeding program in the United States. Trained by Turkish dog experts, Jesika directs a network of breed-specific research platforms including Guardians.dog, Database.dog, and TurkishBoz.com, and maintains an active network of procurement specialists, along with veterinary, behavioral, and breed professionals for expert referral.
Educational Only: This information is general guidance based on current research and typical breed characteristics. Individual dogs and situations vary significantly. Always consult qualified professionals for specific advice.
Last updated: January 2026