The Cinco Deseos Ranch Difference

What puts my breeding program and the way my dogs are raised apart from some others?  Why does it consistently produce fool proof guardian dogs that are noted for being tough, smart, and way ahead of their peers who were not raised in this manner?

In Europe and in Turkey, shepherds run their dogs all together as they stay out with their bands of sheep or herds of goats and cattle.  There is constant interaction between the herdsman and his LGD’s.  In that regard I endeavor to raise and run my dogs in as much of the “Old Country” style as possible. I run my dogs in a PACK.  NO males are neutered.  There is a pack dynasty and it is never static.  This means:

• Run both intact sexes together
• Run all ages together
• Run siblings and litter mates together
• No dogs are kenneled - bitches only separated during whelping and heat cycles
• Dogs only separated when two dogs have issues with one another; they are kept apart from each other, but still run with the pack
• Dog fights - yes, occasionally.  But I am the Alpha.  I step in and stop the fight quickly.  The pack in-fighting prepares my dogs for coping with predators.  They are better prepared to fight a predator having had to fight within a pack
• Puppies grow up amidst adults and adolescents and learn pack hierarchy, pack discipline, pack rules; they learn play fighting; how to defend themselves; how to guard both ranch and livestock
• Running dogs in a pack entails me keeping Alpha Dog status at all times but the rewards are: healthier, happier dogs, pups that develop strong bodies, good muscle and bone mass and increased vigor and alertness - being in a pack means they must always be aware of surroundings
• Puppies learn the ropes of guarding goats from imitating their elders; older dogs keep pups in check when and if they begin to play too rough with goats
• MY PUPPIES AND DOGS ARE HANDLED AND SOCIALIZED CONSTANTLY - this means no chasing down a dog to catch him;  this means my pups are all sound in mind and body, and trustworthy around your children and family when you bring them home
• A socialized, loved pup returns your love in steadfast devotion to you by bonding to you and your property and stock, and protecting ALL that is ‘his/her’s’ - an LGD CAN bond to both humans and livestock and still guard successfully
• My LGD dogs and pups are exposed to children and visitors and learn that they are ‘okay’ and not to be perceived as a threat, as long as I am around and they are not harming me or the goats; this includes the trash pickup, UPS and FED EX delivery people
• Puppies are whelped inside my kennel house under supervision to ensure there are no birthing problems, then exposed to livestock gradually over a period of weeks
• All pups vaccinated against Parvo virus/distemper with 5 and 7 way shots and regularly dewormed on a 12-14 day basis
• All of my dogs are fed healthy 4 Star dog food “Diamond Naturals” brand, “Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice” and “Beef and Rice” adult kibble
• Dogs are supplemented with beef soup bones, raw beef and organ meat - always dewormed regularly, and shots on all adults kept current
• In compliance with upcoming new state laws, all of my kennel stock will be microchipped, including outgoing litters
• I will be having some of my larger breeds X-rayed and cleared for HD
• I do not do invasive application processes or contracts; I will be asking you questions over the phone and in E-mails to determine your suitability for these types of breeds and if you would be better off going to someone else, I have the integrity and courtesy to tell you
• My prices are fair - never inflated and I never price gouge, unlike some other US breeders of rare LGD breeds - see pricing page for more information on specific breeds, ages, etc.  I also offer discounts to LGD placement programs for ranchers
• I back my dogs 100%; health guarantee = replacement puppy; I keep in touch with my customers and am always available for you should you need help, have questions, just want to chat, etc.
• I rest my bitches between litters and breed very selectively and never 'puppy mill' out litters
• I can provide SEVERAL - not just one or two - excellent references in several states from satisfied customers and repeat customers.

My pack varies in size depending on if there are litters on the ground; it can run from 15-30 head at any time.  Some LGD people will tell you it’s “impossible” to run this many dogs of opposite sexes and ages together.  But it can be done.  I am doing it, with marvelous results: well adjusted, healthy pups that are already used to running with many dogs and who will assimilate faster into your own pack at home.   Some people claim a socialized LGD will 'not guard'.  Tell that to mine....who all fiercely guard my goats (and me and the ranch).  They CAN be socialized AND guard.  

I have had customers tell me that my pups seem to adapt faster and bond more strongly from having been raised in this manner.  I have had people say that my pups seem 'advanced' for their ages and settle into the guarding mode much quicker than other dogs they have owned.  I attribute this not only to the dogs I have but to the manner in which they are raised and run: PACK RAISED - for the best results in a working LGD.

Please feel welcome to make an appointment in advance to see my dogs, and see for yourself the difference being raised like this makes.

All breeds run together so my pups adapt faster to YOUR situation and your dogs you already own.

Quality time spent EVERY DAY with my LGD's in the stock.  

Encouragement, reinforcement, correction, if needed.

All my imported pups meet the livestock from the moment they arrive and are carefully taught the in's and out's of guarding by my older, established pack members.

Quiet, formidable guard dogs....content and protected livestock.  What everyone wants!