“What do you do in the offseason?” I am asked that question often.We start our goose control season in March or April and end in October with some late visits into November. So what do I do to occupy myself and keep those active Border Collies happy? To tell the truth, there is a lot to do in the office and we have a “homestead”/think “small farm,” which we do not “get to” enough during the warmer months. So, there is plenty to do. Add that I substitute teach in the local Elementary School in the “offseason”. I enjoy the change of pace. I don’t know if I would want to do goose control year round, in the warmer parts of the US, out side New York Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.
But what about the Border Collies? And don’t forget we have the one mix-breed dog named Nash. The dogs may not agree with me, but they could use a rest as well. We have six dogs, as not to overwork any of them during the goose control season, but a few months of slower activity is great for them. This is especially true for the older dogs. But this breed lives for work, so having some activity for them, think work, is preferred. Border Collies were developed as a breed and then breed by farmers over time from collie dogs, which had been helping with sheep and other farm animals and farm fowl since Roman Times. Not only do herding breeds seem smart, but they have this high energy for long hours of work on the farm.
Oh, you don’t have have a farm or work long hours on a farm? Yes, Border Collies and other herding breeds like the Kelpie can enjoy and find satisfaction in exercise and sports like agility, but to them, it’s the job well done, herding, that satisfies. There is actually a scientific explanation to go with that, but I will not go into it here. Most working Border Collie folk will say that their dogs will not make good pets. But I will add they are wonderful companions and great workmates. So, we work hard at our dogs quality of life so they can do their goose control work at the best most possible level. And that means, to me, they enjoy every day doing some work on the Homestead and enjoy the outdoors when not employed. We do chore work at home, train and compeat in sheep dog trails and demonstrate herding at festivals.
Did I mention that there was skill involved? Well, there is, and after over 25 years at this, I’m still taking lessons from time to time to stay sharp. So, the colder months, the downtime, is a great time to get extra training in, if the weather cooperates. The training starts, or your life with these dogs, starts and ends with your relationship. Without a good relationship, good work, the quiet, precise work of herding and the nonlethal job of herd-chasing/hazing wild geese can not be done well at all. So, “work on your relationship” with your dog.” Learn the skills and apply them. Go forward with love, but also with a healthy dose of reality and a tad at least of wisdom. The sheep, poultry, the wild geese, as well as the clients as well as everyone involved, will be the happier for it. And the dogs, Border Collies, need people who are at least as smart as they are.