Our new two-part tutorial looks at the issue of calling your dog away from sheep, or other livestock. We show you how you can catch an uncatchable dog, and guide you through avoiding the situation arising at all.
Catching the uncatchable dog
However easy calling your dog away when it’s not near sheep, a keen young dog will often feel conflicted about coming back to you while, as the dog sees it, there’s still exciting work to be done. Part One looks at “Using a Refuge Pen“.
If, during an early lesson, your dog stops listening to you, and is simply charging around the ring and scattering sheep, it’s unlikely you’ll easily regain calm control of the situation. Simply attempting to catch an uncatchable dog by diving onto it could frighten it, or one or both of you might be hurt in the process. It’s for times like these that we’ve found the refuge pen is invaluable. We don’t always need it for a young dog, and we don’t need it for long. Neither will you – but it will help you retake control when you’ve tried everything else.
Calling the dog away
A reliable recall is invaluable, and a reliable recall around livestock is essential; make returning to you second nature. Part Two shows how early lessons with your dog or puppy can avoid ever needing the refuge pen.
In Part Two we see why the dog might be reluctant to come back to you, how you might inadvertently reinforce this behaviour, and what you can do to make the recall something for your dog to enjoy. Your posture, your position in relation to the sheep, and timing your commands all have a part to play.
The single most important thing to remember
And what is the single most important thing we recommend when calling your dog away from sheep? You’ll find out in “Calling the Dog Away“, Part Two!
WE CAN HELP YOU TRAIN YOUR DOG TO WORK SHEEP, CATTLE OR OTHER LIVESTOCK
If you’re interested in training a dog to work sheep, cattle, or other livestock, we can help you – whether you’re a complete beginner, or just wanting to improve.
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