How to Train a Herding Puppy

Not all puppies from a herding background will exhibit good herding characteristics. To maximize your chances of successfully training a herding puppy, when you select your puppy, be sure to choose one whose parents show a strong gathering instinct. Certain breeds of dogs have a propensity to herd. These include members of the group called Herding Breeds in the AKC registry and include such popular dogs as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Corgis, Old English Sheepdogs and Collies. Training a herding puppy allows the animal to channel natural herding instincts that have been bred into it for hundreds of years. A lack of training typically results in bad habits, such as chasing cars and aggressiveness towards smaller animals.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Herding puppy Leash Collar Dog treats Ducks

1. Choose a puppy that has good herding instincts. Decide what breed you want and select a puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see the puppy's parents at work herding. Make sure that the herding puppy shows a strong prey drive as he plays with his litter mates.

2. Once you have selected your puppy and brought him home, allow him to get used to you and his new surroundings. Begin socializing your herding puppy as soon as he has adapted to your home. Allow your herding puppy to interact with a variety of different animals and people in different situations to help him become more confident.

3. Teach your herding puppy basic obedience commands that are essential for herding success: "Come," "Down" and "Whoa." Praise your herding puppy and give him treats when he succeeds during training sessions.

4. Expose your herding puppy regularly to animals that are easy to herd, such as ducks, once he has mastered the basic obedience commands. Watch closely to see your herding puppy's reaction to these animals. If your herding puppy starts to chase and grab the animals, remove him from the animals immediately.

5. Introduce your herding puppy to more advanced herding commands. Using visible posts and treats, teach your herding puppy to advance upon a target clockwise and counterclockwise with the terms "Come by" and "Way to me." Train him to bark and walk on command by giving him the command at a time when he is about to bark or walk toward something of interest. Encourage him to stop barking on command by gently holding his mouth shut while giving the command "Enough" or "Quiet."

6. Wait until your puppy has mastered the commands and is comfortable with the sample stock before you expose him to the animals you wish him to herd. Be patient with him and he will reward you with years of responsible herding.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't burn out your puppy. Work in short training sessions. Be patient. Work at your herding puppy's pace. Give treats and pet your puppy during training sessions.
• Never let stock injure or intimidate your herding puppy.

Resources

• AKC overview of herding dog breeds
• American Herding Breed Association
• Tips for a head start with your herding puppy