Don’t think that sheep are irrational, they’re not! Take a look at suitable sheep for training sheepdogs.
Sheep are not deep thinkers, but they’re experts at protecting themselves from a dog. They do this either by running away, or by standing and facing. Their size (and stamping feet!) can be intimidating to an inexperienced or shy dog. Choosing suitable sheep for training sheepdogs is crucial for effective training sessions.
Furthermore, there are many types and personalities of sheep to be found within each breed. Heavy sheep, flighty sheep, aggressive sheep and dogged sheep for example.
We have a whole video about sheep, their behaviour, selection and suitability for training sheepdog in the tutorial library. Sheep – Essential Facts for Trainers looks at how to find suitable sheep, where to keep them, and why sheep can be controlled by a dog. We also cover what types of sheep are easier to work with. Additionally, find out what types should be avoided (if possible) for training sheepdogs.
Suitable sheep?
Of course, we can’t all choose our perfect sheep. Many of us simply have to work with what we’re given. Watch Woolly Jumpers for some ideas about coping with sheep who’ve discovered that escape is the best policy when dealing with training sheepdogs. The video also shows ways of ensuring your sheep don’t jump out of the training area.
You don’t want your dog to cause distress to the sheep, for reasons of both welfare and productivity. Therefore, it must learn to control and move the stock with respect. Watch Give the Sheep Space to see the difference it makes when a dog keeps its distance. The sheep will be much calmer, and subsequently far easier to manage than excited or frightened animals will be.
Suitably calmer sheep…
Calmer sheep make for a calmer dog during the process of training sheepdogs, and you’ll probably feel calmer too!
Give the Sheep Space can be found in the Where to Start; Flanking & Circling; and Working Distance categories of the online tutorials library.
If you need (or prefer) to watch on DVD you’ll find Give the Sheep Space on the tutorials collection. It is available in Volume 1, where you’ll also find Close Work, The Outrun, Driving, and more.
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.
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