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Thanks everyone for taking the time to give some wonderful suggestions. Livestock are not an option where we live. We do spend a great deal of time with these "girls." They like to play "Indy 500" around the pool and then jump in and swim laps. They then dry off by wrestling and bouncing on the trampoline. Goofy dogs. (Equally goofy owners, I must add :-D). Once we get some obedience training under our belts, we'll probably start some flyball/agility training as well.

We have 5 kids and there has been usually someone around to play with. They are probably bored now that the kids are back in school. Their job around our house is to keep an eye out for the cat, guard the family, and scare off our daughter's boyfriend. They also perform guard duty for the children to and from the mailbox and at the park. Tonight we are going to run them ragged at the "bark park."

Again, thanks for all of your help. Take care and God bless.

Once we get some obedience training under our belts, we'll probably start some flyball/agility training as well.

Excellent idea. Border Collies and Aussies both do very well at those activities. An hour of obedience with a good trainer and 20 other dogs will wear out most dogs, and agility will challenge them and make them want to sleep afterward. My trainer absolutely will NOT allow the dogs to visit or sniff each other. After an hours class keeping my LARGE Golden from inspecting the other dogs, we're both worn out. But the rule is for everyone's safety, and the dogs quickly learn it.

The most amazing thing is to see 20 dogs in a down stay in the same room -- no one moving and the owners across the room leaning against the wall, or talking to each other. We can do it! Even though my husband said the trainer was delusional when she said that that was shat he was going to learn.