Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of working dogs, specifically Collie dogs, and their roles in various tasks.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet or books about Collie dogs

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

• Research Collie Dogs: Use the internet or books to research the history, characteristics, and abilities of Collie dogs. Take notes on interesting facts you discover.
• Create a Collie Dog Collage: Gather pictures of Collie dogs from magazines or print them from the internet. Cut out the pictures and create a collage showcasing the different appearances of Collie dogs.
• Write a Short Story: Imagine you are a Collie dog and write a short story from the perspective of the dog. Describe a day in the life of a working Collie dog and the tasks they perform.
• Draw a Working Collie: Use your artistic skills to draw a picture of a Collie dog engaged in a specific working task, such as herding sheep or assisting in search and rescue operations.

Talking Points

• History of Collie Dogs: Collie dogs have a rich history and were originally bred in Scotland for herding livestock. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty.
• Working Abilities: Collie dogs excel in various working tasks, including herding, search and rescue, therapy work, and even competitive dog sports. Their natural instincts and trainability make them highly effective in these roles.
• Herding Skills: Collie dogs have a strong herding instinct and are excellent at controlling the movement of livestock. They use a combination of eye contact, body language, and barking to guide and direct the animals.
• Search and Rescue Work: Collie dogs have been trained to assist in search and rescue operations. Their keen sense of smell and ability to navigate difficult terrains make them valuable assets in locating missing persons.
• Therapy Dogs: Collie dogs also serve as therapy dogs, providing comfort and support to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. Their gentle nature and friendly demeanor make them ideal for this role.