Peter, I spent most of last year training an LGD. You can find this in a little e-book I wrote and published on Amazon Kindle Bookstore called "The Saga of Valentina".
I needed an LGD for our 6 acres because I simply couldn't get out and about as I use to. I chose a Bulgarian Karakachan because they were an endangered breed, were noted for their serious attitude in guarding and were versatile in what they guarded. (We have large Nubian dairy goats and an assortment of fowl...chickens, guineas and geese.)
What you've asked has often been asked in the dog forums. I don't think it would be appropriate to give an url to those forums; however, here is a little excerpt that might be helpful to you. (The basic information needed is that an LGD is not like regular guard dogs. The LGD "thinks" for itself; and the owner MUST take...and keep...an alpha role with these dogs.)
Instead of treating them like their "controller". You need to treat them like a valued "partner" (when the partnership is split 60:40 with your getting the 60%). In other words you need to value their ability to think for themselves, even nurture it. I've learned my Karakachan (who is going thru her adolescents at this time) enjoys knowing what she can and cannot do; then does it her own way. This really needs to be respected, even appreciated.
Now as for the specifics in training such a dog, I can only share what has worked for me. I would recommend getting them about a month "after" they've been weaned, PROVIDED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WITH THEIR 'WORKING' PARENTS THAT EXTRA MONTH. If you cannot afford to get one that has had some training from its parents and choose to get one just weaned, it will still have all its inherited guardian propensities for its breed; however, YOU will be the one doing their initial training. You will need to let them explore their new home while knowing they are loved and SAFE. Catch them doing something (no matter how small) you find helpful around your place and Stress those positives with verbal praise and treats you know are healthy and enjoyed...at first. Then stress your appreciation with the same verbal praise while substituting treat with pets/hugs. (What you want to do is let your dog know, whenever it does something helpful to your homestead, that is what it is suppose to do and it is appreciated for doing it.)
Another poster made the comment, "Being the Alpha in your dogs relationship means ensuring what THEY think is important is being taken care of. And that's not always what we people think is important." I really like this, though it is very difficult to teach this to "humans".
Getting an LGD needs to be seriously considered; however, if you need a "partner" to protect your stock when you're not around, a quality LGD (one or more) cannot be beat!
