EMR Started and Second Chance Dogs

Started Guardians
Second Chances Dogs

Started Guardians

A solid foundation for your ranch or farm.

At Emerald Mtn Ranch, we offer Started Guardians, dogs that have already begun their journey as dedicated livestock and homestead protectors.
While these dogs are well on their way, they are still in the “learning” phase. A started dog is a partnership: we provide the foundation, and you provide the continued training to polish their skills for your specific operation.

What to Expect with a Started Dog

The Transition Period: It is vital to understand that an older dog arrives with a developed personality. It can take 6 months to 1 year for an LGD to fully decompress, bond with your specific family, and claim your stock as their own. Success cannot be rushed.
Containment & Fencing: You must have appropriate, secure fencing to contain a Livestock Guardian Dog. While most of our dogs have been trained to electric fences, this is a supplement, not a replacement for, solid physical boundaries.
The “Barking” Factor: A guardian’s first line of defense is their voice. They bark to warn off predators long before a conflict happens. If you have close neighbors, we do not recommend getting an LGD.
Experience Required: We only place started dogs with homes that have LGD experience and are 100% committed to making the transaction successful.

Why Choose a Started Guardian?

Proven Foundations: These dogs were often produced or raised right here at Emerald Mtn Ranch. While they may not have aligned with our specific breeding program goals, they remain high-quality workers.
Lifetime Support: For any dog produced by us, we stand behind them for life and are always here to support you.
Available DOgs

Our Second Chance Program

Special home for unique guardians

The dogs in our Second Chances program aren’t always what you’d expect. While we don’t have a history of dogs being returned to Emerald Mtn Ranch, we occasionally have dogs available that were acquired but didn’t fit the specific needs of our breeding program, or they may be retired guardians ready for their next chapter.
Because these dogs often come with specific histories or unique personalities, they are typically available at no cost to the right, approved home.

What to Expect with a Second Chance Dog

Unique “Idiosyncrasies”: These dogs may have known quirks or specific issues that need to be considered before adoption. They aren’t “blank slates” they are individuals who need an environment where their specific needs are understood.
The Compassionate Choice: Bringing an adult dog into your life is a rewarding, compassionate choice, but it requires a high level of dedication. It can take a significant amount of time, 6 months to 1 year, for them to fully settle in, decompress, and bond with a new family and stock.
A Mature Companion: The reward for your patience is a mature, devoted companion who is ready to give their all to the right operation.

Requirements for Adoption

To ensure these dogs (and your ranch) remain safe and successful, we have firm requirements for our Second Chance placements:

LGD Experience is Mandatory: We will only place these dogs in homes with proven experience handling Livestock Guardian Dogs. You must be 100% committed to the long-term success of the transition.
Containment: Appropriate, secure fencing is non-negotiable. While most of our dogs are trained to electric fences, a solid physical perimeter is required.
Noise Considerations: Barking is a guardian’s first line of defense. If you have close neighbors, we do not recommend these dogs.

Contact us for further information about our started / second chance dogs

Email Us

info@emeraldmtnranch.com

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Available Dogs:

Started Guardian

Yellow (Leona) ” 2025 Princess Litter

On Hold until Summer of 2026

Leona is a 13-month-old Turkish Boz Shepherd, daughter of Princess and granddaughter of MINK. Weighing in at 115 lbs, she’s a sweet-natured young guardian with a calm, people-friendly temperament and a natural instinct for protecting her herd.
She’s reliable with stock and has been gaining exposure around birds, though she’ll need continued guidance and supervision in that area. Leona has completed her Embark genetic health testing. She will be placed on a spay contract as a dedicated working guardian.
With the right home and consistent leadership, she’s well on her way to becoming a loyal, dependable protector. This promising young guardian is ready to find her forever family — and her forever job.