I agreed with all of that CF,

, except your last statement.
And to make life simple
buy a sheepdog
Most farmers and smallholders I know who have a collie dog say, "I haven't got enough work for him/her, really," - and a bored collie is not a good thing...
So it's not something I would recommend anyone to rush into if they've just a few sheep need gathering every now and again.
Better to make friends with one of those farmers / smallholders nearby who have a collie dog and say, "I haven't got enough work for him/her, really," - and give them a bit of extra work to do every now and again!

And anyone within 25 miles of
this farmer - who has two collie dogs and says, "I haven't got enough work for them, really," - she's
always willing to work her dogs, just shout!
