Working & Sport Dogs
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Working dogs in the city
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Working dogs in the city
I’ve got a Kelpie named Ellie, she’s newly 1 year old. Ellie is regularly exercised (morning and night) which will consist of either an hour-long walk or run. Ellie is constantly doing basic obediences sessions with me (heel, down, stand, sit, stay) plus kong toys to help with mental exercise. Ellie also visits a sheep herding farm every 4-6 weeks.
Since owning a working dog I’ve had conversations where people think that because I live in the city I am an irresponsible dog owner because working dogs need to be purely on the farm or working for what they were bred to do.
What is everyone’s thought on having a working dog (Kelpie) live in the inner city suburbs?
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4 Replies
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I have 2 x Kelpie X Border Collies and live in Brisbane Australia.
Our dogs get more exercise than workings dogs do on farms.
I think it is cruel to have working dogs in the city if you dont have time to exercise them and keep them stimulated. -
Absolute nonsense, I live in a city in a flat (most of my city is made of flats/apartments tbh) and have always had working type dogs, GSD’S & collie x spaniel, I now have 2 Belgian mal x malamutes. I’ve never had issue with my dogs, they have been well socialised and obedient, their drive was high which meant lots of playing and walking, I would often go outside of the city to national parks taking my dogs with me camping, hiking or even horse riding.
in my opinion as long as your dogs needs are taken care of (which you’re doing), then it doesn’t matter where you live. the problem is more people not bothering to address the dogs drive by either finding work for them to do or giving them the attention they need, (i.e. leaving a high drive dog in house all day whilst at work). Sounds to me like you doing right by your dog, you could always see if there is agility centre/club nearby too, something a bit more regular, like weekly and would be fun too. 😀
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I completely agree with Melissa! If people do the research BEFORE bringing a dog into their life, they will be better aware of what the dog needs to be a healthy, happy member of the family. If you live in the city, but you provide the exercise and stimulation for that specific breed, you are being a responsible pet owner. It’s the people who get dog because he’s a cute puppy (or because the dog they saw in a movie was amazing, etc.) and DON’T understand the drive of that dog, who are setting themselves and the poor dog up for failure. People need to stop being so quick to judge 🤨…ask questions before assuming Jessi doesn’t put her dog’s best interest first. 😉
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I would strongly recommend against it for most people. It’s doable though. Working dogs can have a great life in the city with the right owner.
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