You’ve probably seen herding dogs in movies and on farms. I certainly think they’re cool, but I’m not sure they would make good family dogs. Farm dogs are specifically bred to work as herding or guard dogs on farms and ranches. Herding dogs such as Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Welsh Corgis herd livestock.
“Border collies are smart, hard-working dogs that are bred to do work. They have a lot of energy, so they get frustrated when they don’t have an outlet,” says New Hampshire, who has been breeding border collies for 38 years. said David Kennard of Wellscroft Farm in Harrisville. According to Hobby Farms, guard dogs such as Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers are both considered farm dogs, bred to protect livestock.
How are farm dogs different from regular dogs?
Mr Kennard is warning people to be careful when keeping farm dogs. Dogs (by their nature) have work to do and may not make the best family pets. “They’re great pets for farmers because they have time to work and time to play,” Kennard said.
He suggests that if people want the high energy of a herding dog, they could adopt a crossbreed, such as a Lab-Collie mix. In mixed breeds, the herding instinct is diminished and the dog becomes less energetic and always tries to form a herd.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs raised to form packs may chase or stalk. When placed in more urban areas, border collies tend to herd around cars and trucks, leading to higher rates of motor vehicle deaths, Kennard said. It is important to do your research and choose a breed or mix.
“When 101 Dalmatians was popular, a lot of people adopted Dalmatians, but because people didn’t research the breed, they ended up in shelters,” she says. Marian Hatch of Northborough, Massachusetts, has owned Rottweilers for more than 20 years, along with other dogs. Mixed breed of farm dog. According to the National Fire Protection Association, working Dalmatians have been known to guard fire stations and command fire horses for centuries.
Decide on a breed based on your lifestyle, living situation, and how much exercise and attention you can reasonably provide. Most households do not use typical household pets as herding or guard dogs. Farm dogs may not be as lethargic or enjoy downtime as much as the domestic dogs you are used to.
“They love to work, and they were born to do it,” Hatch says. “They like to chase balls and it’s important for them to exercise. Children must get plenty of mental stimulation in the form of exercise and play.”
What does training feel like?
If you have a lot of space and time to give your farm dog (and perhaps even let him do some official work), your relationship may be more likely than a typical dog parent-child relationship. Please know that this will also be a partnership. “All dogs are attached to their owners, but with farm dog breeds, they’re more like a team with a job, a mission, a role: to herd or protect,” Kennard says. Training varies depending on the breed and the role the farm dog plays, so check with the breeder first.
Farm dogs have endless energy and need to challenge their brains. Here are four of his games you can play together that are also useful for general training.
- Trebor
Treibball is a relatively new game that mimics herds of animals, where large balls are placed in a triangular shape and the dog must push the balls into a goal. (According to the National Tri-Ball Enthusiasts Association, it was invented to teach just that!) - agile
Owners run with their dogs over saws, over bars, and through tunnels. Change courses often to keep your dog interested and challenged. - frisbee
This gives farm dogs a signal to stop their “work” of herding, allowing them to expend some of their endless energy. Throw a soft flying disc to avoid hurting the dog. - fetch
Use a tennis ball and have your dog pick up the ball. Never use sticks or stones to play fetch.
Laura Richards is a Boston-based freelance writer, mother of four boys, including identical twins, and three foster beagles, Scarlett, 7, and identical 15-year-olds Edith and Ollie. She is also a pet mother. She is a black cat twin. She has written for numerous parenting publications, and she is also president of On Point Communications.
