Training
Goose dogs and their handlers require training and then constant maintenance of their training skills. Since each dog must be individually trained, there are many companies and individuals in the business, not all doing it the same way. It is possible to just get a dog and turn it loose on the geese, but that is a bad plan.
Some dogs are trained to varying degrees and then sold outright to land owners. The support of training the new owner in handling the dog varies, too. There is certainly the potential for a situation abusive to the Canada geese, ineffective at goose control, and even fatal to the dog. The same dog that will safely perform herding tasks when properly trained and handled can become a predator if left to simply chase birds. This is not a situation anyone wants to see happen.
The public supports this method of managing the problem of Canada geese overpopulating properties. A goose dog working the place can even bring beneficial publicity for a business. Meanwhile, the dog thinks it’s great fun!
The geese may not enjoy worrying that a serious predator is after them, but the dog never actually touches them, and they are free to leave. Moving away from a crowded, chemically-treated lawn area is best for their health, too.
Happy Working Dogs
Working Canada geese is a great job for a Border Collie and a Golden Retriever, and a useful way to keep a good dog out of trouble from boredom. Typically the dogs are first trained and proven in sheepdog trials, which they love. Dogs learn their commands by voice and by whistle for noisy environments such as airports.
Border Collies work without barking, which is considerate for neighbors in the urban areas. When necessary, the dog pursues geese into the water. The dog is a consummate actor, convincing the livestock--Canada geese in this case--that the dog’s presence poses the risk of a fox, coyote, or wolf predator.
A goose dog must cope with necessary transport to the job site, such as riding a golf cart. The dog can’t behave in ways dangerous to the public, or be distracted from work to go be overly sociable with onlookers. Of course the work has to be done off-leash, and the dog must stay in the bounds of the property. As in any job, the unexpected will happen, too, and dog and handler must be ready for it.
With a huge and growing population of Canada geese, there will surely be plenty of work for goose dogs and their handlers in the foreseeable future. If you love dog training and workaholic Border Collies and Goldens, this might be the job for you, part-time or full-time. When you head out to work, you can tell people you and your dog are going off on a wild goose chase!
Bye Bye Birdie Goose Control
Goose Control Ontario
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BYE BYE BIRDIE offers a course that is mandatory for those
that buy a working dog from us.
It is also offered for other Goose Control Company's to send their staff to for training and they can stay in the Bed and Breakfast while taking it.
We feed and recommend
