Activities for herding breeds

[pzoo9]

This is my first post, so bear with me. :D

I have a mixed Sheltie/Aussie/Heeler (not really sure) which I adopted from the shelter. We have had her 6 months and gotten her through a variety of health issues. She had a tough life, but seems to have come out of it well. She is obeys basic obedience commands and a is fast learner. She enjoys obedience. However, she is not really interested in playing.

There aren't any agility classes available in the area. I have explored this extensively and there is no interest in my circle of local friends with dogs. The nearest AMBOR group is 4 hours away and the local kennel club is more for purebred Labrador Retrievers and hunting.

Any creative suggestions for one on one games? She doesn't care for fetch and tug of war is not a good idea for her. We have a second dog. I try to spend time with each separately. This is where a game would come in handy after obedience practice.

[Black GSD]

Is she motivated by food? Have you thought about tracking? Not exactly a game, but some dogs really like it. It would just give her something else to do.

[Carolk9s]

If she is physically sound, you could 'dabble' in agility right in your own backyard. If this is something you are interested in of course. Start her jumping education by just placing poles on the ground and having walk over them. One good book on agility is: Agility, The Fun Sport For All Dogs by Jane Simmons-Moake.
Do the two dogs get along?
Perhaps you could teach her a silly trick like take a bow or play dead just for fun.
Perhaps she will eventually learn that playing is not only allowed here but encouraged!
Perhaps she just wants a cuddle and to be told how pretty she is and what a good girl she is.

[pzoo9]

Those are both good ideas.

As far as tracking, she does like to look for food on the beach. (Most of which is not good for her.) When my other dog is playing fetch, she is exploring. Food is one of her favorite things. Between her jumping ability and food, it is amazing she is not a counter surfer.

I agree that she probably needs more consistant positive attention. In the last 5 months she has been treated for heartworm and recently spayed. Not the healthiest in the pound. That is a lot for a little dog to handle. So patience and kindness may very well be the answer. We are still learning about each other.

Thanks so much for your help.

[DogPaddle]

Tir - our rescue dog, needed to learn to play, now he loves it. He learned by watching the other dog retrieve/play. In the beginning he would only play with one person and no dogs in the room as if he was not sure it was ok. It may just take time and encouragement.
Kavik - our Border Collie, prefers to play games that have goals or are like jobs like retrieving the kong. To increase his drive to play we did this:
Put him in a downstay.
Tell him wait.
Excitedly ask him "Are you ready, do you want it, are you a good dog!" etc
Toss the toy and give release commond at same time and praise if he bolts for it.
If your dog is motivated by food try using a small kong with a small treat stuffed inside.