Sheepdog Training 13 - Don't blame the dog

99% of the time, if things go wrong it’s YOUR fault!

Of all the sheepdog training videos and DVDs I’ve watched, this is the single most important statement I’ve gleaned.

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 for increasing the odds. (I should add here that I approve of most of the methods used in that video, but not Martin’s method of teaching the dog to lie down).

Quite frankly, if your dog’s not doing what you want, it’s because you’re asking him to do things he’s not ready to do or he doesn’t understand what you want of him.

So if you feel your anger building up, give the dog some really easy tasks and make sure your voice is normal or possibly even a little softer and friendlier than usual.

If these easy tasks go wrong, don’t shout and bawl at the dog, go home and mow the lawn, it’ll be more constructive. If things go well however, you can gradually build back up to the level of work you expected before you started getting cross!

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Training – 1 Introduction Training – 2 Basic training requirements Training – 3 Why sheepdogs work Training – 4 Definition of a sheepdog Training – 5 A dog is for life… Training – 6 Bond with your dog Training – 7 Firm fair & consistent Training – 8 Never punish a dog for coming back Training – 9 Welcome your dog back Training – 10 ‘Reading’ your dog’s mind Training – 11 Careful thought, to cure problems Training – 12 Control your temper Training – 13 Don’t blame the dog Training – 14 What does a sheepdog do? Training – 15 Started sheepdog or puppy? Training – 16 ISDS registered or farm dog? Training – 17 Choosing a part-trained dog Training – 18 Chasing cars & other things Training – 19 Suitable housing for dogs Training – 20 Correct food for your dog Training – 21 Spend time with your dog Training – 22 Traditional sheepdog commands Training – 23 What happens when you start? Training – 24 A dog’s first encounter with sheep Training – 25 The supermarket trolley! Training – 26 The ‘Magic Cord’ Training – 27 Teaching a dog to stop Training – 28 Gripping or biting sheep Training – 29 Dogs with ‘too much eye’ Training – 30 Teaching the dog to drive sheep Training – 31 Sheepdog trials Training – 32 What happens at sheepdog trials?

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Sheepdog Training 13 – Don’t blame the dog

99% of the time, if things go wrong it’s YOUR fault!

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