How to Train Sheep Dogs
Sheepdogs are used to herd sheep in the direction that the sheep owners want the sheep to go. These sheepdogs are trained gradually and sometimes have to be retrained. However, when properly trained, sheepdogs can be a valuable addition to a farm and can make work much easier. Some sheepdogs can also be trained to herd sheep competitively.
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Instructions
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Teach the sheepdog the most basic commands such as sit, stand and heel. These dogs must be able to carry out these commands if they are ever going to be able to be guided to herd sheep.
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Learn all of the commands that sheepdogs are given in order to perform different herding techniques. Common commands include “comebye,” “away,” “stand” and “in here.” However, different commands can be used if you want, as long as they are consistent.
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Tie the sheepdog to a long stick. Whenever you give your sheepdog a specific command, guide the sheepdog in the direction that the sheepdog is supposed to go at your command.
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Start teaching the sheepdog whistle commands that correspond with different actions, since whistles are easier to use when communicating the sheepdog over a long distance.
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Practice sheep herding with younger sheep. Younger sheep are more easily intimidated by the sheepdog than older sheep, which allows the sheepdog to build confidence.
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Guide sheep that do not obey the sheepdog in order to get the sheep used to obeying the sheepdog.
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Order the sheepdog to guide the sheep further and further as the sheepdog becomes more effective at herding.
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Tips & Warnings
Sheepdogs have the ability to glare at sheep and make them stand where he wants them to stand.
Even well trained sheepdogs will sometimes stop listening to commands. When this happens, the sheepdog should be retrained with the long stick, which usually reminds the sheepdog to follow commands.
Do not physically abuse the sheepdog.
Some sheep are not intimidated by sheepdogs and will attempt to bite the sheepdogs when they get close. Other sheep will crowd together and refuse to move when the sheepdog comes by. There are also some sheep that are too frightened of the sheepdogs and scatter, making them difficult to herd.
Some sheepdogs are effective when working with cooperative sheep but can become scared when working with uncooperative or dangerous sheep. These sheepdogs can still be used, but should be kept only with the cooperative sheep.
References
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