It’s very difficult and I can say it is not possible for Sheep to make a difference between dogs and wolves. But for sure they are very skillful to differentiate between pet dogs, working dogs, and predators (say wolves) who are trying to kill for food.
Sheep cannot make a difference between dogs and wolves. But for sure they are very skillful to differentiate between pet dogs, working dogs, and predators (say wolves) who are trying to kill for food. Sheep can easily predict the intentions, strengths weaknesses, and skill level. If they were not able to make that decision it’s very difficult for the sheep to survive.
Sheep keepers have different breeds of dogs to look after them. Usually, they will have at least 3 dogs to help sheep keepers maintain or handle sheep and to help with daily chores.
Each dog bread has its strength and weakness, Usually, keepers prefer to use coolie, Great Pyrenees, Maremma, and other guardian breeds to handle the sheep.
Dog bark when sheep were left behind and help the sheep to handle being in a gang. if sheep wouldn’t care then dogs crawl on their bellies, if wolf was nearby and dogs even jump up and pursue to help sheep on circumstances.
If the sheep are really afraid, because of dog then they will get scared and run in all directions.
If sheep trust the dog, it will help them to take better pastures or show them a way home.
Wolves usually hunt in at least two or more numbers. Sheep can easily find out their skills and sheep also know the end result is most likely death.
With many dogs, one can handle or manage almost 2000 sheep.
Wolves eat meat to live, when they find sheep they will kill not only one sheep which they can eat. They kill more than and eat only one and roam somewhere and come back after some time to the same place to eat leftovers. This will make the job of wolves easier so they will do this.
If predators like humans or anything they find when they come back. They will leave the leftovers meat and will go for searching new sheep’s gang.
Even wolves don’t want to fight if dogs are there, If dogs get a lucky bite then they can break the wolf leg bone. This kind of injury is bad for wolves making them very difficult for hunting.
The primary job of the dogs is to let the humans know there is a wolf or predator and then the human comes to kill them.
Why do sheep outsmart the dogs in field trials?
Sheep are very clear and they can easily manipulate dogs. Not all dogs were able to compete and handle all sheep. Sheep also know that they are not there to kill and eat them. They just put pressure on sheep by using “eyes” to stare at them and make them move.
It’s just the mindset that if a stranger stares at sheep and they are strong and walking towards them, they feel scared and just move.
Final Thoughts:
Sheep and dogs usually go together and make them balance otherwise it’s difficult for sheep to stay alive.
