Part 5 of our Training Comparison between litter mates
What difference does it make to work with dogged or undogged sheep?
In part five of our series comparing the training of litter mates Bronwen and Scylla, we see the girls facing the challenge of new, and “undogged” sheep. Some of the results are predictable and true to form.
Scylla has an almighty charge and scatters the sheep in all directions, causing four to exit the ring, but once under control she sometimes impressed. Scylla was particularly good at keeping the sheep off the hurdles, but her session ended as soon as a sheep collapsed from stress.
Bronwen’s performance was erratic – largely because she was distracted by the inquisitive cattle in the next field.
Learning from actual training sessions
Our training tutorials give you lots of information about starting your young dog, making progress, and coping with the inevitable setbacks. Your learning will be helped by watching real training sessions in real time. You’ll see things going well, things going wrong, and how to make the best of both.
Not only are the Bronwen and Scylla comparison tutorials a fascinating look at two very different dogs, they’re also quite good fun!
Some terms used in this video:
- FLOCKING INSTINCT
A powerful defensive instinct of sheep used as protection against predators. At the first sign of danger, they run together and form a tight bunch. Given the opportunity they will shelter in a corner or near bushes or undergrowth for additional protection. - TAIL
If a dog works with its tail in the air, it’s a sign that the dog is nervous or excited. The tail will be lower as the dog’s confidence increases. - DOGGED SHEEP
Sheep that are not used to dogs are often terrified of them. The more erratic the dog’s work, the more frightened and panicky the sheep. When sheep get used to being worked with dogs, they become steadier. These are known as “dogged” sheep. In extreme cases, sheep can become so indifferent to dogs, they become difficult to move. - BALANCE
The position the dog needs to be in, to hold the sheep to the handler. Often, the “point of balance” will be somewhere on the opposite side of the sheep. - GRIP
The dog biting at the sheep is known as “gripping”. - FLANKING
The dog going round the sheep is known as “flanking”. - ONE SIDED
Just like humans, most dogs are left or right-handed particularly when they begin training. Until this is overcome it can affect the dog’s work. Dogs don’t perform well when working in the direction they don’t like.
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