The Romanian Miortic Shepherd Dog is huge, to say the least. Males measure up to thirty inches tall and females measure at about twenty-eight inches tall. The thickness of the hair also makes this dog breed look even bigger and fuller. This loving and loyal mountain dog is extremely disciplined, and was used and is still used as a protector of herd and livestock. The bonding to family or the master is indescribable, and this dog will gallantly protect the family and the livestock the family owns. This breed of dog also makes an excellent companion within the home, if provided with activities and exercise to enrich the dog’s herding and guarding instinct.
When a dog is challenged to find an object, it makes the dog content. When they feel like they are working for you or for something, it stimulates their mind and body. In the game called Find It, they are challenged to find a specific object, such as a ball, several different times. It also teaches the dog to respond to commands. This fun activity can be done in any type of weather and is easily played either inside or out. Because your Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog has guarding and herding instincts, they should pick up this task pretty quickly.
The herding dog has a behavioral characteristic of looking and finding animals and moving them to a specific area. A variation of the timeless game of fetch is known as flyball. Of course, we all know a ball is not an animal, but a mere object that is moving as an animal would. When the dog chases the object and then brings it back, it is a version of herding behavior. In flyball, a tennis ball is inserted in a hole within the flyball ramp. The dog runs down a lane, grabs the ball after activating the spring loaded release, and brings it back. flyball is a competitive sport as well!
Herding dogs are great at agility, and take to training very well. If you find you have an active and intelligent herding dog, which you most likely will, you may want to try agility training. You can set up a course or go to a professional agility trainer. Many people opt for the latter because everything is already set up and ready to roll! A professional trainer can teach you how to teach your herding dog, and with the course on hand, you may choose this option. Once your dog gets really good at doing this, you can even enter your dog in agility competitions.
This activity is perfect for a rainy day inside. Take twelve tennis balls and put them each in a muffin pan hole. Allow your dog to sniff and investigate the muffin pan filled with the balls. Then hide a treat under one of the tennis balls and see if your dog can sniff out the treat!
Find five large balls and see if your dog can "herd" them up! Play with him by lightly kicking them and telling him "get the balls!"
If you have seen professional competitions, you may be motivated to begin training your herding dog at home in agility or flyball. Chances are you may not need to train your dog for long because of the strong instinct that is already within your dog! Give it a try and see, and remember to go step by step and before you know it, your Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog will be your champion!