CCB’s Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD) programme remains one of our most effective tools for reducing livestock losses and promoting human-wildlife coexistence. This year, we celebrated a major milestone with the very first litter moved through our brand-new LGD quarantine facility at CCB’s new farm plot!
In February, 15 eager pups arrived at the demo farm’s quarantine area for their mandatory 21-day stay. During this time, they received 5-in-1 vaccinations to protect them against common diseases and were closely monitored for health and temperament. Once cleared, the puppies moved into the main kraal to begin their vital two-month bonding period with our sheep and goats, laying the groundwork for their future roles as working dogs.
The new quarantine facility is already improving how we train and prepare these vivacious canine protectors. It allows us to safely quarantine multiple litters at once, streamlining health checks and boosting biosecurity. As the demand for LGDs grows across the district, this infrastructure is a key part of helping us scale up safely and effectively.
One recent recipient was Johan Marnewick, a sheep and game farmer based just beyond the Ghanzi District’s southern boundary in the Kgalagadi District. Johan had suffered major losses – 24 sheep in a single day to two cheetahs that entered his kraal, and another 20 to African wild dogs in a similar fashion. Understandably, he reached out to CCB for help. As the owner of Nkisi Lodge in Kang, our paths inevitably crossed as our staff use Kang as a rest stop – and it is also a bridging convening location for the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi Districts. His in-kind support to CCB resulted in Nkisi offering discounted accommodation for staff during field trips; so, we were grateful to be in a position to offer our own in-kind support through a project he’s learned about through our engagements – as we believe in leaving no farmer behind.
The Farming for Conservation (FFC) team made the three-hour journey to Johan’s farm to assess his infrastructure, kraals, and paddock layout. With wide open spaces on the family land, it was clear why cheetahs moved through the area so easily. We explored several strategies to reduce conflict: reinforcing kraals with thornbushes, installing deterrent devices like “crazy cat eyes” (recently trialled in partnership with Texas A&M University), and – most importantly – introducing an LGD. Johan was visibly relieved by the guidance and excited to receive one of CCB’s renowned guarding dogs. On 10th June, the FFC team began the careful process of delivering the trained dogs to their new homes, including Johan’s. All the farmers were thrilled to welcome these new additions to their coexistence strategies; and demand keeps growing.
Thanks to the programme’s success, more farmers are reaching out and joining our waiting list. To help manage this interest and better assess applicants, we have introduced a new LGD application questionnaire. Available in both Setswana and English, the form includes key questions about farm setup, livestock type, caretaker presence, and experience with working dogs. This helps us identify which farms are best suited for LGDs, ensuring each placement has the highest chance of success. Farmers may request the questionnaire directly from CCB. While selected applicants will still receive in-person follow-up visits, this new step is already making the process more efficient, saving time, and helping the FFC team respond more quickly to those in need.
With 148 active LGDs currently overseeing herds across the region, we’re proud of the impact this programme continues to have. Each successful placement not only prevents predation, but also builds trust with farmers – one puppy at a time.
In February, 15 eager pups arrived at the demo farm’s quarantine area for their mandatory 21-day stay. During this time, they received 5-in-1 vaccinations to protect them against common diseases and were closely monitored for health and temperament. Once cleared, the puppies moved into the main kraal to begin their vital two-month bonding period with our sheep and goats, laying the groundwork for their future roles as working dogs.
The new quarantine facility is already improving how we train and prepare these vivacious canine protectors. It allows us to safely quarantine multiple litters at once, streamlining health checks and boosting biosecurity. As the demand for LGDs grows across the district, this infrastructure is a key part of helping us scale up safely and effectively.
One recent recipient was Johan Marnewick, a sheep and game farmer based just beyond the Ghanzi District’s southern boundary in the Kgalagadi District. Johan had suffered major losses – 24 sheep in a single day to two cheetahs that entered his kraal, and another 20 to African wild dogs in a similar fashion. Understandably, he reached out to CCB for help. As the owner of Nkisi Lodge in Kang, our paths inevitably crossed as our staff use Kang as a rest stop – and it is also a bridging convening location for the Kgalagadi and Ghanzi Districts. His in-kind support to CCB resulted in Nkisi offering discounted accommodation for staff during field trips; so, we were grateful to be in a position to offer our own in-kind support through a project he’s learned about through our engagements – as we believe in leaving no farmer behind.
The Farming for Conservation (FFC) team made the three-hour journey to Johan’s farm to assess his infrastructure, kraals, and paddock layout. With wide open spaces on the family land, it was clear why cheetahs moved through the area so easily. We explored several strategies to reduce conflict: reinforcing kraals with thornbushes, installing deterrent devices like “crazy cat eyes” (recently trialled in partnership with Texas A&M University), and – most importantly – introducing an LGD. Johan was visibly relieved by the guidance and excited to receive one of CCB’s renowned guarding dogs. On 10th June, the FFC team began the careful process of delivering the trained dogs to their new homes, including Johan’s. All the farmers were thrilled to welcome these new additions to their coexistence strategies; and demand keeps growing.
Thanks to the programme’s success, more farmers are reaching out and joining our waiting list. To help manage this interest and better assess applicants, we have introduced a new LGD application questionnaire. Available in both Setswana and English, the form includes key questions about farm setup, livestock type, caretaker presence, and experience with working dogs. This helps us identify which farms are best suited for LGDs, ensuring each placement has the highest chance of success. Farmers may request the questionnaire directly from CCB. While selected applicants will still receive in-person follow-up visits, this new step is already making the process more efficient, saving time, and helping the FFC team respond more quickly to those in need.
With 148 active LGDs currently overseeing herds across the region, we’re proud of the impact this programme continues to have. Each successful placement not only prevents predation, but also builds trust with farmers – one puppy at a time.
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