Willow
Acres
Farm
DIXIE's Animal Training
Question & Answers
If you have any questions you would like to see on this page, please let me know....willowacres@earthlink.net
Herding Questions
Duck
Frequently Asked Questions from Herders-L
Livestock Behavior Link
How old should my dog be to start herding?
The simplest answer is the dog should be mature enough to handle the pressure of
training. Typically, most dogs are ready to start training at between 9 months and
18 months old. Some breeds may start earlier and some breeds may need longer to
mature. A good trainer should be able to evaluate your dog and let you know if your
dog is ready.
I don't live on a farm - can I still train my dog to herd and compete
successfully?
Yes, you can, but it requires a strong commitment. The dog needs training time on
livestock at least once a week in the beginning and needs additional training and
stamina-building during the rest of the week. You can supplement your training time
on sheep by training on ducks and most people can manage to keep a few ducks in their
backyard. You will also need to learn how to handle livestock yourself. This
is a crucial skill you will need to develop to do well in trials. Volunteer to help
your trainer with chores. There are many opportunities to learn on a farm and your
trainer will be very grateful for the assistance.
How long does it take to train a dog?
This depends entirely on the dog, the experience of the trainer and the frequency
of the training sessions. If a dog has lots of talent, an experienced trainer and
training sessions several times a week, a dog could be ready to start farm work in 6-8
weeks.
The typical situation is a beginner handler, an inexperienced dog and one session a week
with an experienced trainer. In this situation, the average dog and handler would be
ready to start competing and earning titles in about 6 months. To reach the advanced
level of competition takes several years. It is not uncommon for the top dogs to be
at their peak at 5 years old, having started training at 6 months.
Herding training is a long-time commitment. Do not start herding expecting quick results or an easy title!
My dog chases horses. Can herding training help?
Herding training is not the solution. Horses can kill a dog, and this
behavior must not be allowed. Dogs can be trained to herd most livestock, but should
never be taught to herd horses. If your dog is intent on doing this, I can recommend
some techniques that should prevent the behavior.
Horses do NOT take kindly to being herded, and even a horse that has tolerated such
behavior for some time may decide that today is a good day for the dog to die.
What should I look for in a trainer?
The best choice would be a trainer that has successfully trained and trialed
several dogs of your breed or has taught successful students with your breed.
Unfortuantely, such trainers are often very difficult to find. I have
compiled an extensive list of the herding trainers and/or judges - click HERE.
The next best choice is a trainer that has trained dogs similar to yours. For
example, the British Isle sheep dogs are similar - Border Collie, Bearded Collie, Shetland
Sheepdog, Collie. The Australian Kelpie is also very similar to the Border Collie in
working style.
Cattle dogs have similar working styles - Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd,
Bouvier, Corgis, and more.
European sheep dogs are similar - German Shepherds, Beaucerons, Briards, Belgian Shepherd
Dogs.
Another good choice would be a trainer that has trialed extensively in the type of trials you are interested in - AKC, AHBA, ASCA or the ISDS-style Border Collie trials.
The most common trainers are usually either Border Collie or Australian Shepherd trainers. Always go watch someone training their own dogs or working with their students before you let them handle your dog.
Chances are, you won't find a trainer in your backyard. Don't be surprised if you have to drive 1-2 hours one way to work with a good trainer. Even that distance is considered wonderful by some people!
copyright 1998; Terri Wilson
all rights reserved