Need info on training a herding dog.

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Does anyone know of an informative tape or book on teaching a dog to herd sheep and such? I got the dog, now I need to learn how to train him. Kind of like buying the hens, then deciding to build the coop. Thanks.

-- Dave (Kabby@itol.com), January 25, 2002

Answers

The breeders you got the dog from should be able to give you some "hands on" experience with this. If not, you bought your dog from the wrong people! That said, there are discussions on this subject already, search the archives. Also, search the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America's site,your local branch of that club and the Herding Dog Club site. The American Kennel Club also has info on herding. Look for the home page of the breed you have. Cattle Dog, Kelpie, Border Collie, etc etc. there are a bunch of herding breeds and each breed and each individual dog takes a different approach. Join a herding club so you can learn from people with experience if you got the dog from the wrong source. Pups are usually started on ducks. Your approach will depend on the breed of dog you have. Cattle Dogs are not true herders in that they are drover dogs as opposed to the "sweep around and circle" instincts of the border collie, so this gives you an idea of how different dogs have different instincts. Herding trials are wonderful to attend. Many of them are "open" and will admit not only the dogs in the "herding group" but some other breeds as well, like Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers. Lots of fun!!! Good luck with this, you are going to have a blast! LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), January 26, 2002.

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