Sheepdog question

Cran

I've a bit of a conundrum in regards my dog. He's a class dog, maybe lacks a little power but has a lovely tempermant and works well even when has a few weeks off. So whats the problem:rolleyes:

Well as I'm part time he's not out everyday working, and I think he's not as fit as he could be even though I do try and take him out every evening. The last few weeks as season gets busy here and the heat is picking up getting large bunches of ewes & lambs in has been a struggle and he gets very tired, understandably so. In reality I really need two dogs for the number of sheep, but just don't have time to train another and don't want to buy another young dog as think it would be unfair on two of them especially during quieter times.

What I was thinking was trying to pick up a older dog that is being retired off the hill or from a large busy farm. My father who's 80 used to always have a good dog, but doesn't have the energy anymore to handle a pup or young dog could use him as well or atleast have a companion during the day on the farm.

Anyone know where you might pick up such a dog or is this idea even realistic??

ganmo

em not sure if you'd find an old dog, but we found that when we got a new young dog the old one picked up her game a good bit.

J.O. Farmer

I don't know where you would get such a dog but it's not a bad idea. You will pick up a trained experienced older dog like you described probably round €500 maybe less.
If you know anyone who trains dogs or sells a few all the time they may have something that might suit you or know where you might get one.

working kelpie ireland

Ask a few of the trail men they will have what you need as really there dog's do be quite fresh and minded dogs so lots of light running in them but I would move up your budget to 800 they might be knocking on are still very good dogs working on all command