Frequently Asked Questions

No, We disperse the resident Canada Geese from the property by conditioning the birds to realize the property is not a safe place to live, feed at, or raise goslings.

We only use working Border Collies because it is the only dog breed among other herding dogs that use a wolf-like glance called the “eye”. This intense stare influences the flock into flight or movement. The geese perceive this stalking manner as predatory behavior and threatening. Actually, the geese are never touched and are perfectly safe. In fact, all other dogs are perceived as a nuisance or just not predatory.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 states “The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Complete Wildlife Control LLC is a private company in Iowa permitted by Iowa DNR, Iowa dept of Agriculture, and US Fish and Wildlife to go beyond just harassing geese, we are able to actually limit the reproducing capabilities of Canada geese. Once geese start nesting, they become very territorial and aggressive. We can prevent this aggression and limit the size of a resident flock of geese. Wildlife Control will have the necessary state and federal permits to make sure wildlife is kept in check.

If the geese population is heavily engrained, we may initially perform two or three canine patrols a day to disrupt their feeding pattern. Our handler will give our dog directional commands to move the geese off the property.  You may see the dog doing a stalking movement toward the geese which resembles that of a natural predator to the geese.  If the geese run into a pond on your property the dog is trained to enter the water and move them on.   The geese are never touched as we use Border Collies that are herding dogs.  As geese realize their feeding site has predators they leave to find safer grounds.

We customize your property to your needs.  It really depends on the size, location, number of geese, and how long the geese have made this place their home.  You should see improvements very quickly.  Once we meet with you and see your property we will customize a plan to fit your needs.

The most effective strategy to reduce the Canada goose population on your property is to apply predator pressure through daily trained goose-herding dogs. Using dogs to harass geese from an area is the most successful method. Herding dogs convince geese they are not safe from predators. Ongoing canine harassment instills fear in geese and convinces them to find safer places to feed and nest.

In the beginning, the geese may just fly away and return as soon as they think the area is safe. This is why it is necessary to continue randomly scheduled daily dog service visits until the geese learn that the area is not safe. Canada geese will become annoyed by the threat of being moved off by border collies and most likely choose another place to spend their time. Other Canada Geese may drop in but are easily moved because they don’t have a long-term connection to this property and will look for a safe location to feed and raise their young.