5/29/2022: Gampr at work

May 26th was Viktor’s first birthday, and pending genetic testing in another 8 months he’ll be viable for studding!

We have been working on his cross-species socializing daily, and some things have come more easily than others. Small, quick things trigger his prey drive and the poultry have been the biggest hurdle for him. All gamprs have a prey drive, but mentally-mature and trained gamprs have the discipline, willpower and respect to guard their keep regardless. In Armenia, the dogs are not left entirely alone with livestock until they’re 2 years old, which corresponds with mental maturity in the landrace.

Rabbits, on the other hand, have come extremely naturally to him. He still tries to engage the large buck (The Beast) to play, but he is very reserved and relaxed around all of the other rabbits.

The other day we moved on to the next step of his training; guarding some almost weaned baby bunnies. Viktor was a perfect boy and gently tended the group while I did yard chores, and I have no doubt that he will be a wonderful livestock guardian in adulthood, at least for the mammals!

-Kyle