PERSONAL LIFE—Being in a relationship with a herding dog is like having any high-maintenance, super-ambitious partner. You will find yourself as ridiculously impressed with her commitment and generosity of spirit with you as you are exhausted by her intensity about the partnership. Getting along has a lot to do with embracing her for who she is—recognizing that she may not be capable of just going with the flow or hanging out at times. Rather than letting yourself get exasperated, you can adopt a perspective of valuing all that she has to offer. This kind of dog needs constant attention and may cramp your independent style at times. There’s no doubt that she’s demanding of your time and energy. But she will give back to you what you give to her in spades. She may be exceptionally needy, but she is also made to respond to your every need.

It can feel a little ironic. A dog that is able to read your every thought and emotion so intuitively should not need you to define every aspect of life for her. But she does. She was not intended to make her own decisions or to self-entertain. The attributes that made her the responsive full-time working dog on a farm, closely attending to her shepherd, have put her at a great disadvantage in other regards. She is hyper-dependent on you, not just for your company and physical attention, but for her very sense of security about the world around her.

The once ideal companion of mankind finds herself in a frustrating predicament. Very few of us have lifestyles that allow us to take our dogs with us most of the time, and yet this is exactly what she needs to be in her true element. To be working alongside you—that is her place. It can honestly be a bit heart-wrenching to realize how utterly confused she is that she is unable to do so day after day.

If you can create some regular healthy outlets for her overachieving behavioral needs, and if you can tolerate a dog so creepily well-tuned to you that she reflects your every mood and manner, you will discover possibilities in a relationship with a herding dog unlike any you have ever experienced. Every bit of energy you put into the partnership, you will reap ten times over. You will be exhausted, and satisfied, by this kind of relationship. And so will your herding companion.

KEY CONCEPT: Sudden Environmental Contrasts

All animals learn about their world by finding patterns in the events around them. This enables them to recognize larger patterns of “normal” in their environments as well as situational patterns. By knowing the patterns—the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences of a place or context—one can more quickly distinguish the uncharacteristic events that pose unique threats and opportunities.