Livestock guardian dogs protect flocks from predators, enabling coexistence between livestock producers and large carnivores like wolves and bears. Their welfare is inseparable from the coexistence outcomes they enable.
Livestock guardian dogs provide an example where animal welfare and conservation coexistence goals align directly. When guardian dogs are well cared for, they effectively prevent livestock losses and reduce pressure for lethal predator control. When they are neglected or poorly managed, their welfare suffers and they fail in their protective role. Investing in guardian dog programs with adequate welfare support serves dogs, livestock, predators, and coexistence simultaneously.