Why Working Breed Dogs Benefit from Our Training – Even as Pets!

shimmydowns
Aug 11
2 min read

At Shimmy Downs Kelpies, we often meet people who say:

“My dog is a Kelpie/Border Collie/Other Working Breed… but they’re just a pet. Will they actually benefit from working dog training?”

Our answer? Absolutely!

Whether your working dog lives on a busy farm or in a suburban backyard, their instincts are the same. Working-bred dogs are wired for a job—and if we don’t give them one, they’ll often invent their own (which might look like digging, chewing, or herding the kids!).

Kerrie and pet kelpie, Tilly enjoying some Working Dog Training

Why Training Benefits City-Based Working Dogs

1. Mental Stimulation is Just as Important as Exercise

Running around the yard or going for a walk is great, but it doesn’t fully satisfy a working dog’s brain.

Training taps into their natural problem-solving and herding instincts.
Short, focused sessions can be as tiring as a big walk!

Think of it as a puzzle for their mind rather than just exercise for their body.

2. Training Strengthens Your Bond

Working dogs love to work with their person. Even if you don’t have sheep in your backyard, training helps you:

Build trust and communication.
Teach your dog to listen and respond even in distracting environments.
Work as a team—just like a farmer and their dog in the paddock.

3. It Prevents Boredom and Destructive Behaviour

A mentally fulfilled dog is a happy, calm dog.

Less chewing, barking, and backyard “renovations.”
More contentment at home because their natural instincts are being met.

4. It’s Fun for Both of You

City working dogs light up when they realise they’re doing what they were born to do.

Our Intro to Working Dog Classes let them safely interact with sheep and learn the basics.
Even if they’re “just a pet,” they’ll go home happy, tired, and fulfilled.

Your Pet Working Dog Deserves a Job

Whether your Kelpie, Border Collie, or other working breed is a farm hand or a much-loved city companion, giving them training that speaks to their instincts is the key to a happy life.

We recently received this wonderful comment and photo from Shendel on a post on our Facebook page.

"For anyone sitting on the fence, on if this is something you and your working breed can do together, sit no longer! Daisy is a town dog and I’m no farmer but we love the time we spend together at Shimmy Downs. We’ve been weekly visitors for 2.5 years and just love the time we spend with James and his sheep, in fact, if we say “James” in our house Daisy is at the front door ready to go.

Disclaimer: I have not been asked to write a review, I’m just sharing my experience."