Maremma penguin protectors must be trained properly

Mezzo is an Italian sheepdog puppy.

But don't be deceived by his fluffy face, this adorable Maremma will soon weigh about 40 kilograms and become the fierce, fox-fighting guardian of a now-famous island colony of little penguins.

If he passes his two-year training program Mezzo may be the next real-life Oddball, star of the family-friendly 2015 movie.

Mezzo and companion dog Isola's training regime will be challenging, not so much for the dogs but for the trainers.

Their Italian names loosely translate to Middle and Island, the rugged island the coast of Warrnambool in south-west Victoria where they will spend most of their adult lives protecting penguins from foxes.

Read more...http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-18/how-to-train-maremma-dogs-to-be-penguin-protectors/9455776

Maremma Sheepdog - Wikipedia http://tipsandsteps.com/shortlink/wa