Working with Border Collies to do anything practical, like herding sheep, takes a “quiet hand.” Oh, there is time for play, but when at work, on the farm or with goose control, it is best to “remain calm and herd on.” It is sometimes easier said than done, but the nature of nature requires it. You in fact are entering a more natural realm when working with a dog and with sheep or geese. Lots of body movement and yelling and heightened emotions are distracting if not distressing to animals. There is play, and there is work. But be careful because one informs the other.
When I am at my best at handling my Border Collies and one mix breed for farm for or goose control work, it is when I am awake and sensitive to what the dogs are doing and how they are reacting. Of course, you need to be aware and understanding of the farm animals or geese as well. It takes time to learn what to look for and discipline to be concentrating at a quiet but intense level all the time you are working. Your dogs will know when you drop off, are agitated and or unsure. Conversely, they will know when you are spot on. When I am confident and focused, I feel my dogs are too. And this clear and focused and quiet attitude translates to better work and is better for the sheep and geese.
The whole point of shepherding is to have healthy sheep. Wild goose control with Border Collies is about humane and effective work. This is an alternative to lethal measures and should be done with care through knowledge. Border Collies are an ideal breed of dog for this because they are breed to take care when herding sheep if not other farm animals and poultry. Knowledgable and practiced handling will guide the Border Collie or other good herding breeds through there work with care with minimal fuss. If they could the sheep would thank you for it, as would the geese. Actually, they do, by being healthy and staying safe. There is a lot that will harm farm animals and geese, like predators such as coyotes and fox to disease and harsh weather. It is our job to watch over and keep things as healthy and as safe as possible.
But what is the point of using the dogs for goose control? It basically is about “drawing lines in the sand. “With farm animals and poultry herding, you move, say, the sheep to the safety of a barn or to a new field for fresh grazing. With goose control, the hazing accomplished by herd-chasing creates a buffer zone between human space and the geese which have been considered intrusive. This is the case with other wildlife too. You can either fence for deer or haze, as is also the case with wildlife like bear and coyote that really should not be in our “space.” I do agree that these are wonderful animals, as are the birds and should definitely have a place in the world. But to allow geese to take over playing fields is like allowing bear near your home that may only end up doing damage if not threaten you or others, if not just create a big mess.