Looking at Government information and information by other organizations, you find that controlling geese with Border Collies is listed as the best method. Why Border Collies than different breeds of dogs? Border Collies are one of the few breeds of dogs left in this country with their “work” instincts not deluded. Therefore Border Collies can work safely and attentively with their handlers in the field.Many other breeds were once bred for “work” but are now bred to be more companion oriented and so may not have the drive and ability to work or work well. Border Collies utilize their herding instincts to harass or as I call it, herd-chase geese off properties for wild goose control.There are other herding breeds available in America, but their numbers are less available. The Border Collie also is breed to have a strong herding instinct which equates to the stalk in a wild canid. A Border Collie uses what is called a strong “eye”. The “eye” gets sheep or geese to “feel” they should move in the direction the Border Collie dictates. Other breeds of farm, otherwise called stock dogs, or other breeds altogether may have a bite instinct, which may come out when push comes to shove, let’s say, in the field while working geese.And the federal law states when harassing geese that they are not to be harmed. There are some other working breeds of nonstock dogs that are used for goose control, but by far the Border Collie is most commonly used.
It takes time for any new handler to learn how to work with Border Collies successfully. The relationship between handler and dog is very important.And if a Border Collie is young or not trained it will take months to get a dog that can work safely and with skill. The Border Collies’ instincts can go haywire if not directed or miss directed by the handler. I think it is best to train regularly with a knowledgeable and experienced working Border Collie handler, trainer if someone wants to acquire the adequate skill.
I did not do so with my first Border Collie.And for a few months and the poor dog and I paid for my lack of knowledge with many headaches. I was young and foolish. Soon enough I wised up and reached out for real help and not on the internet. I joined the working Border Collie Organization here in the North East, NEBCA. I took on mentors and watched and competed in sheepdog trials. Being involved in the working Border Collie world allows me time to learn from others while doing.I think it essential for Border Collies to have experience if not some time working with livestock. Training and working with livestock creates Border Collies which are intuned with their working heritage, instincts. You then have happy and relaxed Border Collies who can think and communicate with their handlers.
When we actively herd-chase geese we do it like we are herding sheep or our poultry.Set up your dog on one side of you or the other. Send your dog on an outrun. Lift, approach, the geese and the Border Collie can do the rest with some guidance to get the geese to fly or move off. There is a lot more to it than that of course. Taking away the safety geese feel in a properties pond or lake is key to goose control. It’s up to the human to do the homework. The Border Collie will do well no matter in a relationship with a knowledgeable, thoughtful and caring human.