Category: Sheepdog training articles

Just how do we go about reading our dog’s mind? Well, we can’t exactly do that but we can get close. This is one of the trickier parts of sheep dog training – you need to read the dog’s body language! If you study it, you’ll see that when the dog’s preparing to grip, his ears go back, his hackles up and his head goes… Read more.

Whatever problem you’re having with your dog, you should be able to cure it Think carefully about the problem – why the dog’s doing it and how you can change the training routine to correct it. Sometimes the dog will simply be using its own initiative to try to help you. For instance, if he knows the sheep prefer to head for one side of… Read more.

Can a sheepdog dog be sensitive to moods? The short answer’s YES! Dogs, and Border collies and other sheepdogs in particular, are sensitive to moods and tempers. If you’re training a sheepdog and you find yourself getting angry, there are two simple choices open to you: 1. Control Your Temper, or2. End the session We’re only human, and we all get cross from time to… Read more.

99% of the time, if things go wrong it’s YOUR fault! Of all the sheepdog training sessions, videos and DVDs I’ve watched, this is the single most important statement I’ve learned. It was said by Martin Penfold on the Rural Route video “Starting Border Collies on Cattle, Sheep or Ducks“ I think Martin actually said 90% of the time, so I hope he’ll forgive me… Read more.

What do sheepdogs actually DO? A good sheepdog should be a valuable assistant to the shepherd or sheep farmer. It will learn where the sheep (or other stock) are likely to be in each field, and it will gather them together calmly, and not leave any behind. A really good sheepdog will even recognise if one or more animals is in difficulty, and attempt to… Read more.

Should you buy a puppy or a started dog? Are you choosing between a started sheepdog or a puppy? It’s a very long road from buying a puppy to taking part in your first trial, or gathering your flock. The idea of training your own dog can be daunting if you’re a novice handler, but if you buy a puppy you can be sure it… Read more.

“Pedigree” or farm dog – which is best? Don’t believe for a moment that a dog must be ISDS (International Sheep Dog Society) registered to be any use as a sheepdog. This is complete nonsense and anyone who says it should be ashamed of themselves. There are fantastically good non-registered sheepdogs – some of which would be perfectly capable of winning the top sheepdog trials… Read more.

Choosing a partly-trained sheepdog or cattle dog Buying a partly trained dog can shortcut the long process of getting from puppy to working stage. What should you bear in mind when choosing a partly-trained sheepdog or cattle dog? The most difficult stage of training is getting initial control initially. If you buy a started dog, the hard work has already been done. Many people don’t… Read more.

Car chasing is a common cause of sheepdog and cattle dog deaths. It could be argued that car chasing is even more serious than sheep worrying, because it’s natural to try to avoid a dog which is chasing your car, so the chances of a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian are greatly increased. It’s important to do all you can to prevent the dog… Read more.