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often at feeders used for LGDs, wildlife such as whitetail deer, or for livestock. Placing dog feeders where they are less likely to be targeted by varmints can sometimes solve the problem. Most varmints move only at night, so placing a feeder near sheep bedding sites or in a large open space away from trees where varmints seek cover will help reduce the problem. If this does not work, you may need to trap them near the LGD feeders. Special dog-proof leg traps should be used if necessary. LGDs, disease prevention, and non-target wildlife Although not used extensively in this way, there are opportunities for LGDs to prevent disease in livestock. One disease of particular interest is cattle tick fever, which can be transmitted to beef cattle by whitetail deer and nailgai antelope. Cattle ranchers in South Texas have used LGDs to limit interaction of livestock and wildlife to reduce potential disease transmission. In these situations, LGDs can pro- vide a nonlethal solution to minimize infected live- stock without depopulating wildlife. Conclusions Properly trained and well-managed livestock guardian dogs can be a very effective method for controlling predation. Sheep and goat ranchers beginning a LGD program should realize that it might take a couple of years for the program to become fully effective. Some dogs do not work Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu More Extension publications can be found at AgriLifeBookstore.org Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. New 8 out and will need to be replaced. Guardian dogs, like other livestock, must be assessed individually. By observing and selecting them carefully, their effectiveness should improve over time. Trained livestock guardian dogs are often regarded as the primary component of a small ruminant predator management plan. Photo provided by Hattie Barham