The Sheepdog – Selection and Preparation
This tutorial deals with topics that we’re often asked about: what breed of herding dog should I choose? How to choose a suitable sheepdog puppy? What can I do with my puppy before I start training for cattle and sheep.
Sheepdog – Selection and Preparation first appeared on our First Steps in Border Collie Sheepdog Training DVD (no longer available). Anyone who watched First Steps will see some big changes to this revamped video. We’ve incorporated new ideas and better footage, keeping what we think are the best bits but bringing in much of what we’ve learned since First Steps. With dogs in general, and sheepdogs in particular, you never stop learning.
Which breed? Collie or Kelpie? Or something else?
Over the years we’ve owned and/or training Kelpies, Huntaway crosses, even the odd Beardie, but we’ve always come back to collies as our dog of choice. But it’s a matter of taste and situation. There is no wrong or right dog breed.
What is the easiest herding dog to train?
It’s almost impossible to say. Every dog is an individual, and among breeds (and even litters – see Bronwen & Scylla) you’ll meet with huge differences in temperament and ability. In our experience, Kelpies are delightful, characterful dogs who enjoy working busily and at speed. (See our Kelpie Collie comparison).The Beardies we’ve worked with have appeared slower to learn, and work with less precision, but were excellent family dog/part-time workers for a small holder.
That we always return to Border collies is because we find them quick to learn; invaluable if you have a waiting list of great homes for part-trained dogs.
What will you learn from Sheepdog Selection & Preparation?
It’s packed with essential information to help you to choose, understand, and look after your dog. It includes housing, choice of breed, choice of dog or puppy – and what to avoid. There’s a wealth of information on how to prepare your pup or young dog for herding sheep, cattle and other livestock.
Many handlers find the early months stressful; anxious to raise the dog in a way that will spark and preserve the all-important working instinct, but balancing that with the entirely natural desire to have a well behaved playmate and companion. We show you how.
We hope we’ve answered the concerns of the subscribers (and non-subscribers) who prompted this tutorial!
CLEAR, AFFORDABLE SHEEP AND CATTLE DOG TRAINING INSTRUCTION
Over 70 clearly explained, easy to follow sheep and cattle dog training videos for first time sheepdog trainers, farmers, and shepherds. Just £12 per month or £120 per year (choice of currencies for payment). Watch the preview here!
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