Once you can go backwards, turn around and go “Back to Forwards”! The logical next step for the most important sheepdog training exercise.
Don’t be confused by the title of our latest sheepdog training tutorial! “Back to Forwards” is the follow up to “ Backwards is the Way Forwards” which really should be one of our most popular videos. Walking backwards with the sheep teaches the young dog so many important things.
The most important all-round training exercise
If you spend a little time teaching the dog to stay well back as you walk backwards with the sheep, the dog will learn the distance that you want it to work at. Not just behind the sheep either.
As the dog learns to stay well back, it should also learn to maintain the same distance when it flanks around the sheep.
If the handler insists on the dog staying back, it will dramatically improve the dog’s stop, too.
Other spin-offs from the walking backwards exercise are improved sheep control and steadier pace. Because walking backwards is, by its nature, a slow process (and if you do it, be aware you might fall over occasionally) the dog will learn to work more steadily.
Th dog is ready to advance once it’s bringing the sheep to the trainer at the pace that the trainer chooses. When the dog will bring the sheep to you, without diving in or losing control of the sheep, you can move on. The natural next stage of the dog’s training is for the trainer to turn around and walk forwards.
Different dogs – different reactions
Sometimes the dog will accept this and naturally maintain its steady pace. Other dogs see the handler turning their back as an opportunity to dive in and grip or split the sheep. If this latter is the case, the transition between backwards and forwards will require the diligent trainer to alternate quickly between backwards and forward, depending on the dog’s proximity and intent towards the sheep.
The point when the trainer can trust the dog to keep the sheep together, and not attack or split them up, marks a significant milepost in the sheepdog’s training.
“Back to Forwards” is highly recommended for all trainers who seek to improve their herding dog’s working pace, working distance, sheep control and stop.
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!
For French, Spanish or English SUBTITLES click “CC” on player.
For a very small monthly (or annual) subscription, watch many hours of expertly presented sheepdog training lessons. Not just theory – we show you what should happen, and what to do when things go wrong. Signup now. It’s easy to cancel payments at any time and you can continue to watch for the period you paid for.
Leave a Reply