Television programs showcasing working dogs have led to an increasing number of people adopting breeds meant for more specialized tasks. However, many city dwellers are finding themselves overwhelmed by the challenges of managing these highly energetic and intelligent dogs in urban environments. The growing demand for assistance with managing these dogs has prompted services like Sheep Herding for City Dogs, founded by John Borg, to become more popular.
According to John, “We are now sadly being asked to take on a family pet working dog at least once a month as owners cannot manage their dog’s problem behaviours that have developed through boredom.” These working breeds, originally bred to herd or perform other tasks, are often expected to thrive in an environment where their instincts and energy go unfulfilled. As a result, they may develop problematic behaviours such as chasing lawnmowers, cars, children, or even rounding up other dogs at parks.
John’s approach centers on helping owners better communicate with their dogs, reducing behavioural issues, and creating a happier family dynamic. “Many working dogs like to chase the lawn mower, cars, or try to round up running children, chickens, and dogs at your local dog park. This is a working dog’s natural instinct, driven by boredom,” he explains. While regular exercise addresses physical needs, it doesn’t engage their mental needs, which working with livestock like sheep can satisfy.
Sheep herding, an activity traditionally associated with rural areas, has become a fun and effective outlet for city-dwelling working dogs to tap into their natural instincts. John highlights that sheep herding isn’t just an exercise routine but an opportunity for owners to bond with their dogs while meeting both their physical and mental needs.
“Learning from my own pack of dogs and their body language inspires and drives me to help others better connect with their dogs,” says John. He explains that many dog owners misinterpret their dogs’ behaviours because they try to communicate using human language and emotions, which are foreign to dogs. Instead, John teaches dog owners to understand and use body language, a dog’s primary form of communication, to foster a better understanding between them and their pets.
Through his program, John aims to help dog owners understand their dogs’ instinctive nature, which in turn helps reduce behavioural problems. He emphasizes that it’s often not the dog’s behaviour that needs fixing but rather the owner’s understanding and communication approach. The rise in popularity of working dog breeds, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has led many people to take on these dogs without fully understanding the commitment and responsibility they require.
By incorporating sheep herding into city life, John offers an enjoyable, practical solution for owners of working dogs, allowing them to connect with their pets while providing a productive and enriching outlet for the dogs’ natural instincts.