Most LGDs handle breed differences well, they sometime have issues with species difference but can be trained to appreciate these differences. I know several folks who specialize in rehabbing these dogs when they come up for rescue. There is a big difference between a 3 month old pup and a 6 month old pup. If this dog was a house dog until he was 6 months, he certainly hasn't bonded with the animals. We consider the average window to be from 8 to 16 weeks give or take. This is why most LGD pups are born and raised with their dam out with the livestock. When they are sold they go from one group of livestock straight to another, usually with a pen out with the livestock and supervised time in the beginning to protect both. Ours get dumped out with the ewes or does who will discipline them while the pups are small enough for it to make an impression. We don't normally trust young dogs with babies because they can play them to death or cause serious injury.
I really didn't intend to hijack the thread when I asked if Dave had considered LGDs. They can be a very valuable asset to a farm.
