[sweetwater]

Herding breeds tend to consider themselves co-workers of their owners, but they hope the owner will take the lead. They crave jobs. Barking is a way of releasing energy when they are kept as yard ornaments and not given the opportunity to use their wonderful brains. In general herding breeds don't make good watch dogs (as opposed to alarm dogs) because they are protective of their owner over any property. Actually most dogs desire interesting tasks and opportunities to practice their talents, and won't bark their fool heads off if given the exercise they need. Herding breeds are my group of choice, but I can't provide for their exercise needs now so I don't have one now. I miss my German shepherds' incomparable intelligence and companionship.