Herding can be an enjoyable pursuit for both the dog and the handler. The Bearded Collie Club of America has a Herding Instinct Test program. In addition, the AKC has developed its own program in which a dog can achieve various herding titles, including a herding championship. There are also other organizations, such as the Australian Shepherd Club of America, which sponsor herding events. A well-trained Beardie is a joy to live with.
Obedience can also be an enjoyable competitive activity.
Again, Beardies do have an independent spirit, and that spirit can make them a challenge to train. They are easily bored, so keeping the training interesting will be helpful. When done with patience and humor, the result can be especially rewarding. AKC awards a variety of titles in obedience. Therapy Numerous Beardies have passed training which allows them to make visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to interact with patients.