Month July 2019

Month July 2019

The Border Collie

Uncategorized

Why Border Collies for goose control? Many people ask us that question and of course think their beloved pet dog can do the job. While their dog may be very eager and have special talents, they do not possess the needed talents and temperament best suited to be a good goose dog. The Border Collie is the best suited breed of dog for this job for several reasons. First, they are herding dogs and their main job is to collect/gather groups of livestock and move them calmly to their handler or around a course. Secondly, they possess breed specific behaviors including the “eye”, an intense gaze at their stock or flock. With that “eye” and their lowered stance (head lowered, tail tucked) the Border Collie approaches the flock in a menacing and intimidating stalking manner. Since they are herders, their instinct is to gather the geese, not grab them.

The Border Collie is a working and herding dog breed developed in the English-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep. It was specifically bred for intelligence and obedience. In fact they are widely considered to be the most intelligent dog breed. Due to their working background, Border Collies can be very demanding, energetic and playful. They require a fair amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation. That is why they do not always make the best house pets if owners do not provide for these needs.

Border Collies can take direction by voice, hand signals and by whistle at long distances when herding/working. Their vast amount of energy and herding instinct are still used to herd all kinds of animals from sheep, cattle, poultry, pigs and even ostriches. And, of course they are also used to remove unwanted wild birds, such as geese, from corporate office sites, schools, golf courses, neighborhoods, apartment complexes, just to name a few. The use of dogs for herding sheep etc. also makes good economic sense as each trained dog can perform the work of three humans.

The natural life span of the Border Collie is between 10 and 17 years with the average falling around 12 years.

After having now owned 11 Border Collies, I can honestly say they astonish me every day with their personalities and intelligence. Best Dog ever!!!

Sally Wyatt
Geese Police