How To Train An Australian Shepherd For A Small Family Farm

by Karen
(Hendersonville, NC)

Folly Girl

We have a 1 1/2 year old Aussie girl. (We also have 13 year olds Jack Russell and Beagle). Our Aussie has been a wonderful addition, although she's more playful than our older pups care for at times, and a bit overbearing claiming me as her human. That being said, she loves being outside with me and follows me around and enjoys every second of working in the yard, garden, etc.

Anyway, we're looking at the option of buying a small 4 acre farm. While we won't be buying sheep or cows etc for her to herd, how difficult would it be to train her to be comfortable with a few goats, chickens and ducks?
Any tips or advice are welcome.

Also, is she big enough to serve as a guardian dog to potential predators? She's only 38 lbs and kinda a chicken, but she does have an intimidating bark when she's worried.

Obviously, we'd start with just one type of animal at a time, but just wondering what the process would be and how do we train her to "help" on the farm without eating chickens or harassing others when we don't want them bothered. I'm wondering if she can put the chickens and ducks "in for the night". The property we're looking at has a large fenced chicken/duck area and then a portion of the barn set up with roosting area, etc. so they can be protected at night.

Thanks, we appreciate any advice.

Karen

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