In retrospect; I think our purchase of a dog specifically for herding our livestock was a mistake. I could have spent the money on better fencing (and maybe a gun or two) and called it a day. It would have been a lot easier.
My kids always have to have play-dates out of the house; because even though the dog lives outside and is housed in the barn; our 150 pound marshmallow really scares people.
Now, of course, we have very little money, and I am always struggling to feed the animals. The halacha to feed your animals first takes on a new meaning when I have to chose between buying food for us or food for them.
The livestock will, I’Y’H support us one day, but the dog is hard to justify at this point. But she is part of our family now and highly trained to herd. I rely on her for so many things it’s hard to give her up. We have considered it!!
Dogs are a serious time and money drain-well worth it if you live in a community that will tolerate it, but not even an option in any haredi environment. Don’t fool yourself; it will be a stone around your neck.
Better off getting a pet hen! You can keep them inside; and they lay eggs. Yes, there are hen diapers!! I don’t know the halacha, cause hens aren’t “caged”. She should have run of the house and the yard, then I think you’re good to go. Very trainable too!!