How to Train Dog Herding

If you want to work with your dog for fun or to have help on a farm or ranch, teaching your dog how to herd may be just the sport for you. Certain breeds have been bred to herd sheep or cattle over the centuries and will take to the sport quickly. But there are some dogs you might not expect that can also excel at herding. Here is a little information about how to train dog herding.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Herding sheep and cattle has been the mainstay of many cultures for centuries. It is still used by many farms and ranches as a working aid. But it has also developed into a competitive sport. You can train your dog herding and enjoy the relationship that will develop from working closely with your canine friend. Taking lessons and practicing will keep your dog in good physical and mental condition and will introduce you to other interesting herding dog people. And once a dog 'turns on' to sheep, you will see a joy in your canine friend that will warm your heart. It's like seeing your dog "come home".

2. Herding requires basic good training. You will want to get a good, reliable "down" on your dog as well as learning the terminology and using any training aids your instructor might suggest. Herding makes a dog think. You, too, will have to learn how both dogs and sheep think to read what actions are about to take place and send your dog where he or she needs to be in order to drive, gather or pen the stock.

3. Search on the internet or in your local newspapers and magazines to find locations where you can find lessons. This is NOT a sport you can easily teach yourself at home!

4. A good trainer will take your dog through a 'herding instinct test' to see if your dog has an natural instinct to herd. Sometimes a dog will need to be tested multiple times before he or she suddenly 'turns on'. Some take to sheep immediately, and others never do. If you are interested in teaching your dog herding but don't think your dog is the right breed, try testing anyway. You might be surprised.

5. There is a common joke with those involved in sheep herding about what an expensive sport it is since first come the lessons, then the first few sheep, then the house in the country with acreage for the whole flock. But many people are happy to travel short distances to find lessons and flocks to work with their dogs. It can, however, become addictive!

6. You can herd sheep with your dog for fun, or, if you have a good dog and are into competitions, you can trial your dog for points and titles. If you have need to control cattle, there are places that train cattle herding as well. Cattle herding is more dangerous for the dog, so I don't recommend it for fun the way I would sheepdog herding. There are stock dog trials for competing with herding cattle.

7. For more information on how to train dog herding and some useful organizations involved with the sport, please check the Resources below for links.

Resources

• List of stock dog organizations in North America
• Dog herding overview
• Information on dog herding
• Herding info and links

[sonni57]

on 3/9/2009 Sounds interesting I don't know much about dog herding.

[Fuller1972]

on 2/20/2009 I never realized this is a pastime for people, thanks**5**