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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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… Read more…
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 has the dog been doing before now, when you were attending to the sheep? It’s… Read more…
Featured tutorial – Sometimes Nice is Not Enough
Building your dog’s self confidence Self confidence is essential in a working dog. Sheep are natural runners when they’re being hunted, but some situations, such as when held in a pen, or protecting their lambs, can make a sheep turn, challenge, and fight back. While sheep and dog welfare must always be a priority there… Read more…
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