HERDING is the activity the border collie was created to do. Many border collies, when introduced to sheep, immediately show that they know why they are there and are eager to get to work. A border collie will live to herd the same way a Lab lives to retrieve. Herding involves commanding the dog to use his powerful 'eye' and body language to move sheep from place to place while his handler directs him with whistles or voice commands. Watching a border collie work sheep is beautiful, and every border collie should be offered the chance to work.

Herding can be a nice way to spend an afternoon with your dog, or if you and he both show some skill you can enter competitions together. Whatever you end up doing with your dog in herding, you will surely come to appreciate your dog's natural talents more deeply and possibly understand your dog better to.

Even the urban dog can get involved in sheepherding, if his owner is willing to find a sheep dog trainer who offers lessons on stock. Contact your local stockdog association for information on sheepdog handlers in your area. But be warned! Many urban border collies owners have found themselves circling "Farm For Sale" ads in the paper and started reading up on keeping sheep ... herding is addictive!

When looking for a herding instructor:

• find someone who is a member of, and who is recommended by, your local stockdog association. Herding is becoming very popular these days and it's a lucrative business for people with a few sheep. Ask for recommendations.
• try to find someone who works specifically with border collies. There are lots of herding breeds, but none work the same way a border collie does
• run, don't walk, away from anyone who recommends using a shock collar or hitting your dog while training. A good trainer understands that sheepdogs are molded, not pounded.
• look for healthy sheep. If they are coughing, listless, limping - find another farm. A good sheepdog trainer will also take care with her stock.

AGILITY is a sport that makes your collie use his body and his mind - the perfect outlet for a smart, athletic dog. Most border collies love agility, and their owners love it too. Agility involves a sequence of jumps and obstacles (like tunnels, climbing apparatus etc) in a timed event that requires precision and speed, and in the advanced levels, a remarkable amount of team work. It's a great way to bond with your dog!

Most urban centers sport several agility schools and they will usually require a minimum level of obedience from your dog. Your dog should be no younger than a year old before you begin training, and she should be physically sound and able to climb and jump without serious strain or problem. You'll probably find that as time goes on you will become addicted to agility, especially when you start bringing home ribbons! But remember that first and foremost, agility is supposed to be fun. It's only a sport, and you and your dog both need to enjoy it.

When looking for an agility school:

• look for an instructor who competes at an advanced level with their own dog(s). Agility is a worldwide competitive sport with continual advances in methodology and training. Someone who cannot demonstrate success with their own dog cannot show you how to be successful
• if your instructor insists on a choke chain, Just Say No. Agility is supposed to be fun, and a quality instructor will show you how to motivate your dog in positive ways.
• Shop around and ask for recommendations. Because agility is space intensive, it can be difficult to find a good arena to hold classes. The equipment should be in good repair, the running surface should be able to absorb the impact of your dog landing on it and prices should be competitive.
• find someone who cares about your dog's well being. Repeat this mantra to yourself ten times: dog first, sport second. dog first sport second. dog first ...

[AAC link] [local agility schools] [see photos of rescue dogs doing agility!]

FLYBALL is a team relay sport where teams of dogs compete against other dogs in races to jump a series of hurdles, retrieve a tennis ball from a spring loaded box, and race back in the fastest time. Border collies, who love tennis balls and who love to run, are naturals at this sport, but any breed of dog can compete.

When looking for a flyball instructor:

• remember your mantra from agility. Flyball can be dangerous for dogs who hit the box hard, or who twist themselves drastically when turning. Make sure your instructor cares about the health of your dog
• look for a good team spirit. Flyball is just a sport - if your club has poor sportsmanship, find another club
• bring earplugs. Flyball is very loud because it's a stimulating sport and the dogs are really revved so they bark and bark and bark. Also make sure you have good control of your dog. Some border collies find flyball so over stimulating that they act in out in inappropriate and/or aggressive ways. If you find your dog gets too crazed from flyball, find another sport.

[Flyball Locator Board] [see photos of rescue dogs doing flyball!]