Watch our tutorial for a recommended sheep dog training programme.
There’s so much for a young sheepdog to learn, but does the order matter? Is there a correct sheepdog training program or training itinerary that will suit all dogs?
Every sheepdog, like every handler, is an individual so there are few hard and fast rules in sheepdog training. However, this tutorial shows you the basic plan that we adopt when we’re training a puppy or young (or even not so young) sheepdog. It will help you and your dog make progress and ensure that all the basics are covered in your training. The basics are very important!
This is a logical sheepdog training programme to take you through the skills your dog will need. But be open-minded about your training, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise in the course of a training or work session.
This tutorial includes:
- Bonding with your dog, and the first commands
- The sheepdog training programme
- How to instil confidence in your dog (see also the Training Short “The Dog’s Confidence“)
- Using the training ring
- Teaching the sheepdog to go around the sheep
- Stopping the dog (see also the Training Short “Stopping the Dog“)
- Teaching the dog to bring the sheep to you (also see the “Walking Backwards” tutorial)
- Starting work in the open field (also see the “Moving Out” tutorial)
- Increasing the working distance between dog and sheep (also see the “Give the Sheep Space” and “Close Work” tutorials)
- The Look Back command
- Teaching the outrun (covered in more detail in the “Outrun 1 & 2“)
- Varying the lessons, and taking off the pressure
- Driving – ready or not? (covered in detail in Driving 1, 2, & 3)
- Conflict and confusion for the sheepdog (see also “Shedding” & “Driving“
Sheepdog training videos
The Tutorials Library includes other sheepdog training videos that will be helpful in the early stages of teaching your first herding or sheep working dog, or even before you start. See our Terminology page. Take a look at “The Training Stick“, “Learn Your Commands” and “How Often, for How Long?”
Visit the Tutorials Library
English SUBTITLES are available on all our sheepdog training tutorials!
WE CAN HELP YOU TRAIN YOUR DOG TO WORK SHEEP, CATTLE OR OTHER LIVESTOCK
If you’re interested in training a dog to work sheep, cattle, or other livestock, we can help you – whether you’re a complete beginner, or just wanting to improve.
For French, Spanish or English SUBTITLES click “CC” on player.
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