23 Jun 2025

Renowned dog specialist, Mr Maxwell Ramontshonyana, of Max K9 Service, has called on farmers to prioritise security of their livestock as a vital step toward improving profitability and sustainability on their farms.

Speaking at the KoMorakeng Lifestyle Camp near Hang over the weekend, Mr Ramontshonyana said many farmers suffered significant losses from predators and stock theft, which could be prevented through proper investment in farm security.

“Farmers lose a lot every year, and the pattern repeats itself because they do not prioritise security,” he said.

He said most of the losses were avoidable if the right measures were put in place. Mr Ramontshonyana encouraged the use of specially trained dogs as an effective solution to many of the security challenges on farms.

He explained that breeds such as Dog Argentino, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, Coonhound, Bloodhound possessed natural protective instincts such as a strong fight and prey drive, which made them highly effective at safeguarding livestock.

“There are different types of dogs suited to various challenges faced on farms. Some breeds are great at protecting livestock from predators, while others can be integrated to live peacefully among the animals," he said.

For that, he noted that it was essential for farmers to understand their specific farm needs and choose the right breed accordingly.

Mr Ramontshonyana does not only sell trained dogs but also helps integrate them into farm environments. He is among the few professionals in the country importing high-performance breeds such as the Anatolian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Dogo Argentin, dogs known for their strong guarding and working capabilities.

“Each breed serves a unique purpose, the key is matching the right dog to the right farm setting, and then ensuring it is properly trained to live and work with livestock," he said.

Despite the proven effectiveness of these dogs, Mr Ramontshonyana observed that many farmers were reluctant to invest in high-quality breeds, often compromising the safety of their herds in the process.

With increasing threats to livestock from both natural predators and criminal activity, Ramontshonyana’s message was clear that safeguarding herds is not optional but essential for any farmer hoping to run a profitable operation. ENDS