Sheepdog Training 16 - ISDS registered or farm dog

“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 championships in the world . . . BUT as a beginner, you’ll have a better chance of getting good results if you buy good stock.

You may save a few pounds if you buy a pup from a farmer down the road but you could be buying trouble. In an ideal world, you’ll take the time to watch dogs at trials, talk to the handlers of those that appeal to you, ask about their breeding, how they responded to early training and observe their temperament.

Anyone who tells beginners that a dog must be breed registered to be any use as a sheepdog, should be ashamed of themselves

Buying an ISDS registered dog does not mean you have a natural winner, it merely means the pup is from proven working sheepdogs.

In reality, you’ll probably go to look at the nearest litter the first weekend you decide you’ll buy a dog – and almost certainly come back with one, in which case, temperament in the bitch is paramount. But if you’re serious about training a herding dog, it’s a good idea restrict yourself to registered stock unless you know for a fact that both parents are excellent workers.

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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 16 – ISDS registered or farm dog

“Pedigree” or farm dog – which is best?

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