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A grandpa in a green knit cap scatters seed for mallards at a misty pond while a merle Border Collie sits beside him. 6 / 22

A Herding Dog, a Pond Full of Ducks, and One Handful of Seed

AI imageborder collieduckspond

Morning mist hangs low over the pond, and the light filtering through the trees is pale and golden. Earl crouches at the muddy bank in a green knit cap and his well-worn vest, fishing rods and a canvas pack leaning against a tree behind him. He is not fishing yet. First he tosses a handful of seed toward a paddling of mallards, the grains scattering and plinking into the shallows. Ducks with glossy green heads crowd in close. Right beside him sits Skye, front paws planted, chest puffed out, watching the birds with fierce concentration but not moving a single muscle. Her stillness is impressive for a dog born to herd.

Border Collies have a strong instinct to gather and control moving animals, and birds on water can be very tempting. Teaching impulse control, like a solid sit-stay and a leave-it cue, is one of the most useful things an owner of a herding breed can do. Practice in calm settings first and build up gradually to distractions like ducks, squirrels, or other dogs, rewarding generously each time your dog chooses to stay put. When feeding ducks, choose foods like cracked corn, oats, or birdseed in small amounts rather than bread, and check local park rules first. Keep dogs from drinking still pond water, which can carry harmful algae or bacteria.

Skye's patience will surely be rewarded once the ducks have had their fill. Then it is on to the real reason for this trip, a quiet morning of casting lines, with the best fishing buddy a man could ask for.

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