The Problem

Contrary to popular belief, Canada geese are smart and highly intuitive creatures. As an ingrained behavior they migrate/retreat to the same breeding sites each season resulting in strong family ties to highly established nesting sites. (Note: “local” Canada geese do not migrate, thus posing a more complicated, year-round issue. Border Collies can intimidate migrating and local geese just the same).

Canada geese have an extraordinary natural ability to seek out and navigate to potential feeding and roosting locations, however, when the destination becomes a playing field, golf course, front lawn, park or community center, a conflict between humans and geese ensues. “Man’s best friend” takes on a new meaning when you see how efficiently Border Collies are able to keep dozens to hundreds of geese from taking over an open field or pond.

The Solution

Repeated and consistent visits by the Border Collie and handler disrupt their ability to feed, sleep and breed, naturally encouraging the geese to seek other areas to occupy. For successful deterrence, chasing should take place at random times during the day, but typically at dawn and dusk when geese are most actively seeking out food and drink. It is important to surprise geese at various times, so they do not become habituated to a set schedule.

On the handler's command the Border Collie runs toward, flanks, and stalks the pesky geese, intimidating them as a natural predator would, but never getting close enough to harm them. There is no barking or physical contact needed; it’s the simple voice and whistle commands of a proficient handler coupled with the body language of the keen dog that persuades the geese to seek refuge in a place where they will not be routinely antagonized.

Deter and Prevent

Hazing by Border Collies is the primary modus operandi for prevention, but should always be used in conjunction with a “no feeding” policy. The more the geese are harassed in the same location with dogs, the more likely they are to avoid those properties. Other techniques such as use of scare devices and egg addling for population stabilization (during nesting season) can also be employed and sends a convincing message to the geese. The popluar method of coating eggs with corn oil will not be enough to keep geese away; it is important to introduce dogs as a pseudo-prepredator throughout the spring, summer, fall and sometimes winter.

All tactics we employ are humane and practical. There is compelling evidence that, when egg addling is used in conjunction with Border Collies, Canada geese will cease to visit, and cause costly damage to, valuable pieces of land where they are unwelcome.

Please schedule a site visit to learn more about how Green Acres Goose Control can help solve your problem with Canada geese!