What is "herding"?:
Herding instinct is the ability to group livestock and either bring them to the owner/handler (fetch) or push the livestock as a group from behind (drive) toward a specific point, like a barn or down a road. The only way to know if a dog has innate herding ability is to expose it to some sort of livestock that group as flocks or herds, such as cattle, sheep, goats or ducks. Sheep are usually best, as their grouping instinct is strong (although it does vary with breed) and they are not as large as cattle that they can be as intimidating or dangerous and not as small as ducks, which an overzealous dog can easily injure. This initial exposure should always be conducted in a controlled environment with a knowledgeable instructor present in an area small enough that the handler can maintain contact with the dog. That's where herding lessons or clinics come into play. Properly developed, a dog's herding instinct combined with training will enable it to take directions and apply just the right amount of pressure to move livestock at a controlled rate.
What do my dog and I need to know to participate?:
Before attending class, all dogs should have a reliable 'recall' (come) with distractions and preferably a 'down'. They should be good around other dogs, as there are usually several dogs present on lesson nights. Dogs may be introduced to livestock on or off leash, but must be responsive to their owners' voices, because most of the work will be done away from the owner. Observing trials or dogs doing farm or ranch work are great ways to get an overall feel for the final objective of teaching your dog to herd, although just watching more advanced dogs at class will also help.
What happens at a herding lesson?:
Brittney teaches owners one-on-one how to teach their dogs to work livestock. She will occasionally step in to demonstrate a concept, but primarily you, as the owner, will be the one directing your dog. Owners take turns receiving instruction and usually receive a second one-on-one per lesson. Both you and your dog must be in good physical condition. Herding is a demanding sport, requiring both dog and owner to cover a lot of ground and move quickly, especially in the beginning stages. There are inherent risks involved - sheep don't always part around you when they're running your way. With consistent training, you and your dog will progress and one day be able to perform chores around the farm and exhibit at herding (or stockdog) trials.
Herding instinct is the ability to group livestock and either bring them to the owner/handler (fetch) or push the livestock as a group from behind (drive) toward a specific point, like a barn or down a road. The only way to know if a dog has innate herding ability is to expose it to some sort of livestock that group as flocks or herds, such as cattle, sheep, goats or ducks. Sheep are usually best, as their grouping instinct is strong (although it does vary with breed) and they are not as large as cattle that they can be as intimidating or dangerous and not as small as ducks, which an overzealous dog can easily injure. This initial exposure should always be conducted in a controlled environment with a knowledgeable instructor present in an area small enough that the handler can maintain contact with the dog. That's where herding lessons or clinics come into play. Properly developed, a dog's herding instinct combined with training will enable it to take directions and apply just the right amount of pressure to move livestock at a controlled rate.
What do my dog and I need to know to participate?:
Before attending class, all dogs should have a reliable 'recall' (come) with distractions and preferably a 'down'. They should be good around other dogs, as there are usually several dogs present on lesson nights. Dogs may be introduced to livestock on or off leash, but must be responsive to their owners' voices, because most of the work will be done away from the owner. Observing trials or dogs doing farm or ranch work are great ways to get an overall feel for the final objective of teaching your dog to herd, although just watching more advanced dogs at class will also help.
What happens at a herding lesson?:
Brittney teaches owners one-on-one how to teach their dogs to work livestock. She will occasionally step in to demonstrate a concept, but primarily you, as the owner, will be the one directing your dog. Owners take turns receiving instruction and usually receive a second one-on-one per lesson. Both you and your dog must be in good physical condition. Herding is a demanding sport, requiring both dog and owner to cover a lot of ground and move quickly, especially in the beginning stages. There are inherent risks involved - sheep don't always part around you when they're running your way. With consistent training, you and your dog will progress and one day be able to perform chores around the farm and exhibit at herding (or stockdog) trials.
