Goose Management at Aldeen
Ben is a Border Collie that was trained by Windchazers, a goose hazard management company located in Virginia. He arrived at Aldeen Golf Club on May 9, 2022, and instantly went to work! He was in our ponds within one hour of arriving!
Faye McManus is Ben’s handler, and Ben lives with Faye and her family. He has adjusted well to living with Faye and her other pets at home.
You will see Faye and Ben out on the course working the ponds and turf together. You may also see Faye using remote control boats, cars, lasers, and other additional methods to make the geese feel uncomfortable on our property. We are diligently working to break the cycle of geese to provide a more enjoyable experience for you on our course!
SOME FACTS ABOUT BEN
Border Collies are herding dogs who love to be constantly active and mentally stimulated
Ben was first trained to work sheep before transitioning to geese
He is trained in both whistle and verbal commands
He has been trained to work off leash
Ben’s Job Description: to psychologically condition the Canada geese to view Aldeen Golf Club as uninviting and inconvenient or as an inappropriate habitat. The goal is to discourage the geese from grazing, loafing on land or water, sleeping overnight or nesting activity in the spring.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We know you love Ben and just want to pet him, but please don’t pet him while he is working. When Ben isn’t working, please ask Faye if you can pet him and she will direct you.
When you meet Ben for the first time, stand up straight and put your hand down for him to smell you. Once he feels comfortable, Faye will give you the ok to start giving him some love!
Please don’t feed Ben. Faye will be closely monitoring his diet and treat consumption. (Don’t worry – Faye will be giving him treats!)
Please don’t bring any toys for Ben. He has toys at home when isn’t working but no playing on the job for this pup!
When you see Ben out on the course running around just sit back and observe his great work! He will be laser focused on the geese, and he will not respond to anyone but Faye.
We appreciate your patience, because creating this uninviting atmosphere for the geese at Aldeen will be a multi-year process.
We are extremely grateful to those who donated funds to make this Goose Management Team possible! We would also like to thank the sponsors below for providing Ben’s wellness and vet visits.
If you are interested in participating in our goose dog volunteer program, please contact Faye at fayemcmanus@rockfordparkdistrict.org
