Getting the sheep into the training ring
Put your sheep in place before you start training New sheepdog handlers who’ve built themselves a training ring often ask themselves: “How can I put my sheep into the training ring if I don’t have a trained dog?” It’s a fair question! You can’t start to train until the sheep are inside the ring. Watch “Getting the […]
How to train your dog to have a good recall (FAQ)
QUESTION: How to train my dog to have a good recall? He won’t come back when I call him. ANSWER: To get a good recall on your dog isn’t difficult, but it sometimes takes patience, determination and leadership. Learn how to improve your dog’s recall. Information on this page is for training the dog to […]
How to get sheep away from fences and hedges (FAQ)
Find out how to get stubborn sheep away from fences and hedges QUESTION: How can I get my dog to move sheep away from fences? ANSWER: Trying to train a dog to work sheep which simply cluster tightly on a fence or hedge, is frustrating for the dog and for the handler. If running away […]
Featured Tutorial: Starting a Non-Starter
If your collie doesn’t want to work, is there anything you can do to spark its interest? The short answer is “Yes!” Understanding the possible reasons why the dog won’t work is the start to finding the cure. Most non-starters can become useful working dogs. It’s disappointing to find that your carefully selected border collie […]
Use a Reward to Get Training on Board
Dogs benefit from a reward for their efforts, and sheepdogs are no exception. Luckily for us herding dogs have a huge capacity for learning, but in order to teach our dogs the things that we want them to do, there must be some kind of reward for them. When we train our dog to work […]
Retirement. At what age should my dog retire (FAQ)
Retirement. At what age should my sheepdog retire? FAQ QUESTION: My working sheepdog it getting older and slower now. When should my sheepdog retire? ANSWER: There is no set age for a dog to retire, some keep on working to a very old age, and others retire quite early. You will be the best judge […]
How can I stop shouting at my dog? (FAQ)
How can I stop shouting at my dog FAQ QUESTION: My dog ignores my commands unless I yell at it. How can I stop shouting at my dog? ANSWER: It’s important to try to work your dog quietly whenever possible. Once it will obey commands given in your normal voice rather than shouting, you’ll be […]
Slow your dog down! (FAQ)
How to slow your dog down if it works too fast around stock FAQ QUESTION: My dog works too fast around stock. How can I slow it down? ANSWER: Dogs get excited by many things, not least being near to sheep or cattle. In its excitement the dog runs faster because speed makes it even […]
Speed your dog up! (FAQ)
Do you need to teach your sheepdog to work faster around stock? QUESTION: I know most people have the opposite problem, but how can I get my dog to go faster when it’s working? ANSWER: You’re right. Most trainers struggle to slow their dogs down, but if you have good control of the dog, and […]
Fear of sheep or cattle (FAQ)
QUESTION: I’m hoping to train my seven month old dog to work sheep and cattle but when I took him to sheep for the first time, he ran away! ANSWER: My first reaction to your comment was to ask myself what the dog has been doing while you were going to the sheep, before now? […]