Geese are also hazardous at airports, where geese occupy runways and may collide with aircraft in the air or on the ground. There is an urgent need to deal with these problems in ways which encourage the geese to move elsewhere without harming them. Their instinct is to herd, not hurt. Once taught to focus this inborn herding drive on Canada geese rather than sheep, these highly intelligent and trainable dogs police problem geese with an enthusiasm and diligence which quickly persuades the stubbornest geese that future peace can only be obtained by finding another place to live. A high quality goose-control dog is the most humane and effective way of dealing with Canada goose management issues.
Many sites report public relations benefits as well.
Parks, airfields, and golf courses which employ Border Collies for Canada Goose management justly earn reputations for being conscientious and environmentally concerned. Local newspapers and industry newsletters are eager to write feature articles on this novel method of dealing with problem geese. Thus a specially trained Border Collie goose control dog is an opportunity for positive public relations. Training Border Collies as goose control dogs is an art. Prospects are chosen for a combination of herding instinct, trainability, and ability to adapt to demands never imagined by their forebears on the Scottish Highlands.