Next programme for Mia

Having a border collie, or any other dog, requires you to get involved and find times to expend your dog’s energy. Between new tricks and long walks in the forest, you also need to find times to socialise so that your dog is able to handle encounters. So here’s the programme I’d like to be able to put in place for Mia so that she’s in great shape and the bond I have with her is even closer.

An exceptional programme for an exceptional bitch!

I’d like to be able to organise a whole range of activities for Mia. Between dressage lessons, agility, treasure hunts in the forest and of course walks outside the usual areas so that she can discover other smells and see another world.

Here’s a list of things I’d like to be able to do with Mia and an estimate of the costs involved.

Dressage lessons

These are the courses that would cost me the least. In fact, being part of the SVPA (société vaudoise de protection des animaux), the courses would be cheaper if I took them through their structure.

There’s also the travel involved, which isn’t cheap. As I don’t have a car, I have to rely on public transport as well as walking time depending on where the facility is located, which greatly limits my movements.

Estimated price

SVPA member price course	15 .-
Value of public transport journeys	5.60 x 2*
Total	26.20

Agility courses

It’s not easy to find a good dog club, especially one that’s not overpriced. In fact, the ones I’ve found in my region are overpriced! I don’t mind that renting a yard can be a bit expensive, but from there to asking for nearly 100 francs per lesson, you shouldn’t push it.

For the time being, this solution is out of reach both in terms of money and distance, as these are generally located outside towns and far from public transport. In other words, almost impossible without a car.

Estimated price

Course price	50.-
Value of public transport journeys	11.20
Total	61.20

Man trailing

This is undoubtedly the cheapest activity in the range that I’d like to be able to offer Mia. All you need is a playmate who is hiding, and the dog will find the person or object that has been hidden. Either in the forest or in a more secure place to start with.

Depending on whether it’s done in a dog club, it can be almost free, transport included. All you need to do is take someone you trust with you, go to the desired location, and then prepare the ground.

Estimated price

	In a club	Outside the club
Activity price	40.-	Free
Public transport travel expenses	11.-	11.-
Total	51.-	11.-

Conclusion

Whatever the activity, you have to reckon with a small public transport budget, even if it’s close to where I live, given that I live in the city centre. There’s no need to tire Mia out before the exercise she’ll be asked to do, knowing that once she’s there she’ll have a moment to play before embarking on her chosen activity.

But of course it will always be possible to find funds, by cutting unnecessary expenditure (buying video games, for example) and above all by budgeting for activities with great rigour.

If you’d like to help Mia take part in these fun activities, you can make a donation, use the codes made available or simply follow us on the social medias. This will motivate me to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Mia spends her energy in a fun way!