When the time came to step up, much loved pet collie Tay abandoned the sofa for the sheep farm, where his herding talent has made him indispensable to lambing season on the farm.

Owner and professional trainer Martina Miradoli tried Tay on various sports, including agility, scent detection (he was good at this) and introduced him to sheep. Despite her efforts to stimulate him, his drive remained low.

Then, Martina and her partner had the chance to take on the tenancy of a busy farm which meant that Tay had to step up.

Martina describes Tay's journey from the sofa to the sheep farm, where he has come into his own at last - just 15 lambs to go at the time of recording.

• Find Martina and Tay on Instagram at @martina_bordercollie_geek
• Check out Martina's wonderful and aptly named podcast, The Border Collie Geek Podcast.

Photo credit: Martina Maradoli

For more photos, visit https://shineradio.uk/dogswithjobs

Connected episodes:

• Diva at the English National Sheepdog Trials 2023
• Edie, Max and Joe, the sheep farm workers

Get in touch!

Do you work your dog? Kate would love to hear from you! Sporting dogs, caring dogs, service dogs - the more varied the better. Get in touch on team@shineradio.uk.

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025

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