Malou Grönwall
Malou lives on beautiful Gotland with animals such as sheep, cats, dogs and her family. She has her own breeding of Border Collies and trains in both obedience and herding with her four-legged friends. On her social media you can follow a daily farm life, family life and dog training.
Tell us a little about yourself
Malou is my name and I live with my husband and children on the fantastic island of Gotland. Here at home we have Border collies, lambs, cats and soon also horses (I hope :) )
What dog sport do you perform in?
The focus is mainly to train and use our Border collies in the practical work with the lambs. But when there is time we also compete in herding and spend some time on obedience training and competition. There have been some agility starts too but mostly just because it's so much fun!
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
The day always starts with an animal check and feeding, then it's a walk with the dogs before the children are dropped off at school / kindergarten. At lunchtime, I often try to get the day's training session with the dogs to then be able to spend time with the children and go for a walk in the evening. Some parts of the year there is more practical work for the dogs than others, and I can say that the practical work is what I am really passionate about. There's no greater feeling than getting to do work with your four-legged friend.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DOGS?
I think the greatest achievement is when the dog can be used in practical work - and of course when the dog becomes an Approved Vallhund... It is a nice receipt for the training and a title that is worn with pride.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR SPORT?
In herding, it is the cooperation between dog, handler and lamb. It's such a cool feeling when all three communicate with each other and it flows like a beautiful melody.
In obedience, it's clearly getting the balance right between the whole and the details.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH OBEDIENCE AND/OR HERDING?
Never give up. See challenges/adversity as a learning experience and dare to ask for help. And don't forget to have fun!
WHAT ARE YOUR VISIONS AND DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE?
There are many dreams for the future - but right now we are focusing on developing the farm and gradually expanding our lamb herd.
How do you prepare for competition?
If I'm going to compete, I want to feel prepared. I want to have done my homework and feel that we have trained for this. Then anything can happen at a competition, but the feeling is always better if I feel we have had proper training.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS FROM UHIP?
Regular Pro Jacket & the Merino Pilé :)
