Letting the dogs work

Question
Dave,
Thank you for the good advice for Kenny, my manic sheltie. I plan to follow through with the collar and the neutering. I have another question for you.

I have tried to find a sheep farm or something like that where I can give my Shelties a chance to have fun and run around like mad herding things. We have a back yard where they can run a bit but I think they would really like it if they could run , run, run. I don't know of anyplace like that around here (D.C.). There was a farm in Virginia where people could take their Shelties to herd sheep but they moved to Georgia. Do you have any suggestions for finding that kind of outlet for them.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Linda!

That is so cool, the farm thing?  Never heard of it (wow there's a bad pun there-Sheltie humor.)  IF I were to look for a farm like that I would start with google.  Next I would check with Sheltie breeders in my area.

I would suggest you try to enroll your pups in Agility training.  That is likely more available than the farm for herding.

Closer to home there is a toy you can train them on called FLYBALL...http://www.flyballdogs.com/

It is a spring loaded ball device where the dog drops the ball into a cup, jumps on the board and it flings the ball across the yard.  The Sheltie  returns the ball to the cup and starts all over.   Great fun.

I have no idea of any other operations like that farm you mentioned.  However, I am licensed to do loans in VA and would be happy to help you buy a farm... (that's loan officer-sheltie owner humor).

Good luck in your search!

'sneezes
Dave