
As a farmer in South Africa, having a well-trained protection dog can be a game changer. Not only do these dogs provide security and peace of mind, but they can also be trained to perform a variety of tasks on the farm. In an article at the beginning of the year, I looked at which breed of dog would be best as a guard dog. Now I will discuss the benefits of having a well-trained dog, not only for personal protection, but also for utilisation on the farm.
One of the most popular breeds for protection work is the Belgian Malinois. These dogs are highly intelligent, easily trainable, and fiercely loyal to their owners. They are also known for their courage and protective nature, making them an ideal choice for farmers looking for a reliable personal protection dog.
In addition to their protective duties, Belgian Malinois dogs can also be trained to perform other tasks on the farm. For example, they can be trained to herd livestock, track down lost animals, and even detect pests or diseases in crops. This versatility makes them a valuable asset to any farm.
Although the Belgian Malinois is an ideal candidate as a farmer’s best friend, they do require an extraordinary amount of energy and effort. They are extreme dogs and need to be working and burning energy all day, every day. These dogs are a great option if you can have the dog with you all day on the farm, but if it ends up being a dog that gets left in the yard most of the time, it will go mad and cause you countless headaches.
According to a report by South Africa Online, livestock farmers in the country suffer losses of around R2 billion each year due to predators such as black-backed jackal, caracal, leopard, cheetah, brown hyena, and even crows and stray dogs. Having a well-trained protection dog can help mitigate these losses and provide farmers with much-needed peace of mind.
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.

Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.

From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.

Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.

Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.

The origin of the Bonsmara
The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.

The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.

Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.

Growing onion sets
Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.