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Herding Substitutes For Herding Dogs

Dream Land Works

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
367
I was wondering, what do some of you herding dog owners do as "work" for your herding dogs. In other words, what do you do in place of herding to keep your herding dog physically/mentally exercised?
 

mzink*

Smash Ace
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
984
Location
MI
Just give them something mentally and physically challenging to channel their drive into. You could take up a competitive k-9 sport (agility, flyball, frisbee etc.) or just play a lot of ball or frisbee with them in the back yard, or teach them to search out their favorite toys. All dogs, not just herding dogs, crave to have a job. Its what we created them for, to work for us, its how they feel purpose. Doing what their instinct tells them, what we've designed their brains and bodies to do. Simple play can be an alteration that still satisfies those instinctual drives. Also take them for lots of walks, new sights and smells and just the mental stimulation of walking is good for them, it is their nature to walk and explore. Essentially just keep their minds and bodies challenged. Any new little game or training or exercise can be a "job" for them, and they thrive on things like that.
 
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