A Day In The Life Of A Goose-Chasing Border Collie
Welcome to the exciting world of goose-chasing Border Collies, where each day is full of adventure! These remarkable dogs are known for being intelligent, obedient, energetic, and dedicated herding skills. Join us as we take you through a day in the life of our goose-chasing collies to educate you on what we do and how we do it!
Roll Call!
Before we get into the dirty work, let’s meet the goose crew! Here at Go Geese Go, we have several herding border collies, Smoke, Allie, Leia, and two bonus retired members, Palin and Sid. This type of dog was bred for herding livestock, which is why goose removal makes for such a rewarding job!
Morning Goose Patrol

Our dogs wake up early in the morning at the break of dawn. They are naturally early risers because they know they have jobs to attend to most days. As the sun rises, they begin to embark on their herding journeys throughout the central Ohio area.
One of the primary responsibilities of a goose-herding border collie is boundary control. These dogs are tasked with patrolling the bounds of a property to prevent geese from encroaching on the land. By establishing a clear boundary and enforcing it through herding techniques, Border Collies help maintain a safe and secure environment for both humans and animals alike.
Goose Control Duty Calls
On a typical job, we usually only take one working dog, but sometimes two, depending on the job. Eyes peeled and nose sniffing to the wind, our trained border collie takes to the property’s border. Our dogs are so tuned in that the slightest of movements, whether it be the sound of footsteps, a rustling of leaves, or the quack of a goose, it will be heard by these profound pups.
The Pursuit Begins
Once the first evidence of geese is discovered, the border collie freezes in preparation. In some instances, the dog will act swiftly, moving on instinct. Other times, it will sink down low, watching from afar, waiting for the perfect moment to make their move. With its natural intuition and agile abilities, the border collie makes chasing geese off your property a breeze.
The Artful Skills of Herding

Once the initial patrols are complete, they begin the herding part of the morning. This type of herding originates back to the 1700s in the British Isles, where border collies were used to herd sheep. This type of practice has been bred into the border collie spirit so that it comes naturally. But don’t mistake a collie’s ease at herding for easy because it takes an astonishing amount of control and precision to do this type of work well.
The Dance of Herding
Our goal at Go Geese Go is to remove the goose problem without ever touching the birds. Those who may be unfamiliar with our tactics may think we release our dogs to attack the birds, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Our trained border dogs are harmless to the safety of the geese on your property, abiding by any wildlife parameters or protections in place.
With swift movements and commands, our border collie orchestrates the intricate dance of herding, guiding the flock of geese with skillfulness and grace. Their instinct to control livestock movements shines through as they navigate the terrain with focus. A border collie’s ability to remain calm while they chase and herd the geese is unmatched which is why this is the preferred method of geese removal in our area.
The Power of a Dogs Presence
Our dog’s physical presence commands respect from the geese. Their commanding presence is so strong the geese have no time to think or challenge their demands. With an air of authority and confidence, our Border Collie asserts their dominance over the flock, instilling a sense of order amidst the chaos of the wild geese. Despite how accustomed many geese are to humans, the mere threat of a dangerous predator like a dog can kick things into high gear for a goose and their squad. Operating under survival instinct, these birds want nothing to do with animals such as dogs.
Terrain Visibility
What makes goose-chasing Border Collies great at controlling geese populations is their ability to adapt easily to many types of terrain. Whether navigating rugged farmland, corporate grounds, or the open grasslands of a public park, these dogs are capable of traversing diverse landscapes with simplicity. Their agility and sure-footedness make them well-suited for the challenges of outdoor work with the persistent goose.
Midday Break
Midday Respite: The Pause for Reflection
As the sun reaches its highest point and the midday heat blankets the city, our goose-chasing Border Collie takes a moment to pause and reflect, basking in the tranquility of the surroundings. To keep their stamina throughout the day, it’s essential for them to rest and recoup for the afternoon goose activities.
Reflection and Rejuvenation
Amidst the natural elements of the central Ohio area, our Border Collie finds solace in the simplicity of the present, relishing in the bond shared with their human partner. Whether a gentle pat on the head or a loving embrace, the connection between dog and human is a source of comfort and strength in life and while on the goose patrol.
The Joy of Play
Amidst the stillness of rest, there is also room for fun and play. With an abundance of energy and infectious enthusiasm, our border collie relishes the simple pleasures of chasing after a toy or taking a dip in the calm waters of a nearby pond. In these moments of pure bliss, the world’s cares melt away, leaving only the unbridled spirit of adventure.
Afternoon Pursuits: The Quest for Geese Continues

As the afternoon sun begins, it sets on the horizon, and our goose-chasing collie resumes its watchfulness, ready to confront any challenges that may lie ahead while addressing your pesky geese problem.
Persistence and Determination
With each passing hour, our border collie’s determination only grows stronger. They are fueled by an unwavering desire to protect the territory and uphold their duties as the guardians of the land. They persistently press on with the remainder of their day’s duties, unbothered by any obstacles that may come across their path during the day.
The Thrill of the Chase
As the afternoon continues, our border collie finds itself again in pursuit of the ever-elusive goose. With reflexes as quick as lightning and razor-sharp focus, they chase the geese. Goose chasing serves as a wonder, high-intensity workout for the dogs but also gives them the mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and engaged, both promoting cognitive well-being.
Why It Works
The mere presence of these dogs can often be enough to deter geese from settling in an area. Their natural instincts and vigilant demeanor signal to geese that the area is unsafe for nesting or feeding, helping minimize conflicts between wildlife and humans. Other geese may be more stubborn to deter from a property, but once they understand our dogs’ reoccurring presence on the property, geese know they are no longer safe and move along, finding a new home somewhere else.
Another critical factor in the success of a border collie goose-chasing career is the relationship they form with their companions. Goose-herding dogs form strong bonds with their human handlers, relying on clear communication and mutual trust to carry out their duties effectively. Handlers play a vital role in guiding and directing the actions of their canine partners, providing encouragement throughout the herding process. With this type of foundational support and guidance in the initial training process, as well as throughout the lifespan of their career, the efficacy of goose removal abilities will be maintained.
The Reward of Rest
As the day draws to a close and the sun starts to set, our goose-chasing dogs finally return home, weary but with a sense of fulfillment from their day filled with goose-chasing fun and excitement!
The Comfort of Home
With a sigh of relief, our dogs settle into the warmth and security of their home, relishing in the comfort of familiar surroundings and the loving embrace of their family. It is here, in the quiet moments of dusk, that they find solace and peace after a day spent tracking and herding the never-ending job of goose control.
The Promise of Tomorrow
As the stars begin to shine overhead and the world fades into darkness, our goose dog drifts off to sleep, dreaming of the adventures that await them in the days to come. The promise of more excitement as a working dog is always eminent, as there is always a perpetual stream of geese to control.
