As predators, dogs are the natural enemies of herd animals like llamas. Like many rules of thumb, however, this truism has some – endearing – exceptions.
Weighing over 300 pounds each, llamas can effectively protect their young from singleton predators, largely because the herd unnerves opponents by moving in a phalanx toward the threat. But that technique does not work effectively against pack hunters – including domestic dogs running wild. That reality came to light in northeastern Washington in 2011, when a pack of five domestic dogs killed about 100 farm animals, including one 350-pound llama.
Llama farmers who have pet dogs are wise to train both species to respect one another. This llama farmer introduces each new pup to the herd through a fence. The llamas typically cluster at the fence to investigate and sniff the little stranger. Every day, the new pup, on a leash, is walked around the pasture. The idea is to let the dog know that the llamas are part of the extended pack and neither prey nor intruders to be chased off. At the same time, the herd learns that the dog does not merit a threat response: the eerie trumpeting upon sighting strange dogs and other potential adversaries.
But one member of the herd, Sidewinder, has never needed such training with a new puppy. Sidewinder the llama is not lacking in awareness. He merely likes babies – of all species. While the other members of the herd shy away from the squeals of a human infant, Sidewinder is fascinated. He will gently sniff the child and not be put off by flailing hands and feet. More than a few times, Sidewinder’s softly exhaled puff of greeting has had a calming effect on a baby – who falls silent, staring in wonder at the huge, long-lashed brown eyes gazing back at him.
With each new puppy (natural enemy or not), Sidewinder would wait expectantly for the morning dog walk and exchange sniffs through the fence. One of the pups, Finn, appeared to return Sidewinder’s fond regard. As a result, he earned the right to socialize more closely with the herd and was trained never to run around the llamas – for both his own protection and theirs. Although Sidewinder’s fascination waned with most of the farm dogs after they reached adulthood, the bond with this one dog persisted. After exchanging sniffs of greeting with the adult Finn, Sidewinder would lower his large head, to invite grooming. The dog would gently nibble at Sidewinder’s neck wool and extract the odd bug, burr and other piece of vegetation.
This is not typical camelid-canine interaction and, with two other exemplars of both species, could have unfortunate repercussions. But not with those two buddies. They prove friends can be found in odd places and every rule has its exceptions.
Sources:
www.lamasorg.com
www.galaonline.org
www.llamalife.com