Why Letting Your Working Breed Herd Other Dogs at the Park Is a Bad Idea

Many herding breeds — Border Collies, Kelpies, Australian Shepherds, Cattle Dogs and similar — seem naturally drawn to “herd” other dogs at the park. It can look like harmless fun, or even impressive instinct at work. But allowing this behaviour can cause stress, frustration, and conflict — for both your dog and others.

🧬 Herding Is an Instinct, Not a Social Skill

Herding isn’t a “play style” — it’s a predatory sequence modified through selective breeding. While these dogs don’t complete the hunt, the early stages (stalking, chasing, controlling movement) are still highly reinforcing. When dogs use this behaviour on others, it’s not true social play — it’s work.

Over time, your dog may become fixated on movement and struggle to relax around active dogs. This can increase reactivity, frustration barking, and poor recall when other dogs are around.

⚠️ Why It’s Problematic

• It stresses other dogs. Most dogs don’t enjoy being herded, nipped, or stalked. It can lead to defensive reactions or fights.
• It reinforces over-arousal. Herding other dogs builds adrenaline, not calm satisfaction — leaving your dog overstimulated and unable to switch off.
• It damages recall and focus. The more your dog practises ignoring you to chase and control others, the stronger that habit becomes.
• It’s mentally draining. Constant vigilance and high arousal levels can make your dog more anxious or reactive outside of playtime.

🧩 Healthier Outlets for Herding Breeds

You can still honour your dog’s incredible working mind — just in ways that are safe and mentally fulfilling:

• Use rolling puzzle toys or moving interactive feeders that encourage them to “work” for rewards.
• Teach nosework or scent detection games — perfect for focusing their energy and instincts.
• Practise impulse control exercises like “watch me,” “leave it,” or calm recalls around distractions.
• Offer treat toys like KONGs or LickiMats to unwind after stimulating activities.

💡 True Enrichment Is About Balance

Your herding breed doesn’t need to herd other dogs to be happy — they need structure, outlets for problem-solving, and chances to use their brain in productive ways. With the right enrichment, you can channel their instincts into focus, calmness, and connection rather than chaos.