Controlling and managing Canadian geese populations is a task, and one company appears to have it figured out.
Jennifer Schwarck, a manager for the Geese Chasers LLC who focuses on Lorain and surrounding counties, said she enjoys her work.
On the job, Schwarck and her Border Collie conduct herding work on the geese to keep them off properties.
Schwarck loves working with wildlife.
On her journeys with the four-legged co-worker, Schwarck has run across many species of wildlife, including deer, birds and others, she said.
Schwarck has transported many an animal to wildlife sanctuaries when she’s found them injured, she said.
She works for the company that is based in New Jersey.
The company vehicle transports Schwarck wherever she’s needed, with a handy large trunk area to bring her dog with her.
She, like many others at the company, use Border Collies to chase geese off of property, whether it be privately or publicly owned.
Herding the geese to other areas is a proven method to manage the populations that can reak havoc on areas such as swimming areas, yards, golf greens and wherever the geese try to claim as their own, according to the company’s website.
People have attempted management of the flocks using scarecrows, flags, mylar tape, balloons and other creative methods. However, using the dogs has proven effective because the geese deem the area unsafe due to the presence of the animals.
The chosen breed, Border Collie, is by definition a herding dog. They were first recorded as herding animals used for sheep in Scotland and England starting in the 1700s.
“They have an inbred ability to stalk and herd. When confronting geese, Border Collies will crouch, stalk and present a menacing ‘wolf-like’ gaze. The Canada Goose will be convinced there is a predator approaching and that the property is unsafe,” the Geese Chasers’ website stated.
Staff visit the targeted site daily at random times during the first several weeks.
Each visit reinforces the message of danger to the Canada Goose population and, as a result, will relocate to other areas.
“Amazingly, the Border Collie will never come into contact with Canada Goose; bringing no harm to them, to children or to anyone present. In fact, Border Collies are among the smartest, friendliest dogs you can find. Unless you’re a Canada Goose,” the website added.
The dogs’ day begins with structured exercise and focused training alongside their handler training for calm, responsive and effective work and partnership.
“On site, their natural herding instinct takes over. With controlled movement and quiet confidence, they humanely encourage Canada Goose to relocate — no harm, no chaos, just disciplined instinct at work. For clients, it’s a safe and environmentally responsible solution.
Afterward, it’s time for rest and care. As valued members of the team, these working dogs receive proper conditioning and attentive support. For them, this isn’t just chasing geese — it’s doing exactly what they were born to do,” the website also stated.
The company provides services not only to residential and commercial property, but also municipal properties such as public parks, said Schwarck.
Other areas Geese Chasers serve include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
For more information, visit www.GeeseChasers.com or https://geesechasers.com.