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Every dog earns off-leash freedom at a different pace. My terrier took a year, Bella was too quick, and Emma thrived by watching her sister. Off-leash readiness depends on solid recall, consistent check-ins, and a dog’s ability to respond even on a long leash. For my dogs and training clients alike, it’s about building trust, clear communication, and a respectful relationship so dogs can enjoy freedom safely.

This summer at Green Paws has been full of change—new grazing land for the sheep, hoof health challenges, and preparing for our Vermont farm move. Bella and Emma are thriving in their training, Rylee is happily enjoying farm life, and a new Border Collie puppy joins soon. Green Paws Boarding and Training keeps growing, helping dogs and their people build stronger bonds through herding, boarding, and training in Vermont.

Border Collie sheepdog trials test working dogs and their handlers on herding precision and teamwork. Addi shares a beginner-friendly overview of what a trial looks like—from the Outrun to the Shed—and what makes these events so special for working dogs who live to gather sheep and get the job done right.

Bella opened every door—from training to sheep to business. But it’s Emma, the intense and driven pup, who’s teaching Addi the deeper layers of working partnership. This blog reflects on what it means to train, trust, and grow alongside two very different Border Collies—and a terrier with a soft spot for pets and peace.

Running a business like Green Paws means making tough decisions, embracing uncertainty, and showing up—even when it’s hard. Addi shares the raw reality of being an entrepreneur with ADHD, the value of therapy, and her dream of creating a space where kids reconnect with animals and nature. This is the heart behind the training, the farm, and the future.