Our technique for SERIOUSLY widening the sheepdog’s outrun when gathering sheep or cattle
Setting the dog up properly for an outrun makes a huge difference to the space the dog puts between itself and the stock. However, if you want a sure-fire way to widen your dog’s outrun try what we call “The Slingshot”.
Once the dog will reliably come away from the stock, you ‘ll find this exercise invaluable.
We developed the technique after watching our own dogs as we walked away from the sheep during a training session. The dog was often so keen to get back to the sheep that it would “zig-zag” in front of us as we walked away.
Once released, the dog would set off on its outrun with even more determination than it showed before.
Making the outrun even more fun
This tutorial, part 3 of the Outrun series, shows how the handler can exploit this enthusiasm to make a wider outrun something the dog enjoys.
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By praising the dog as it goes out wide it’s very simple for the handler to teach the dog that this is the correct way to go to the sheep. It should be noted that whilst the “Slingshot” is most effective for sending the dog off very wide, it’s of limited use at the far end of the outrun if the dog’s inclined to come in tight. However, if the dog sets off well it’s much easier to teach the dog to maintain a wide path, than if it sets off straight towards the sheep.
So while it’s by no means a cure-all, the “Slingshot” can be an extremely useful tool for widening the dog’s outrun and flanks.
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