Bronwen and Scylla, sheepdog training comparison videos
A series of videos comparing the training of young Border Collies Bronwen and her litter-sister Scylla. Although they are from the same parents, the two trainees demonstrate very different temperaments.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 1)
This is an interesting and informative sheepdog training comparison. It records the progress of litter sisters Bronwen and Scylla, as they learn to become farm sheepdogs. Although the two young dogs have the same parents, and were born in the same litter, that’s where the similarity ends. Part one demonstrates just how different the two dogs are, whether they are with sheep or not.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 2)
Scylla’s introduction to sheepdog training! In part one we saw how good Bronwen’s sheep control can be. We caught a glimpse of Scylla’s antics too. In this tutorial, we find out just how difficult Scylla was during her first sheepdog training session. When she gets into the training ring she’s very trying at first but with a little help from Kay, she begins to show some natural talent.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 3)
Bronwen struggles, but Scylla’s horrible! The third tutorial in our Bronwen and Scylla series, sees Bronwen having difficulty getting the sheep into the training ring. Once the sheep are in though, we see both dogs training in the ring on the same day. Bronwen’s keen and confident, but often hasty and misguided. Scylla’s tail (and aggression towards the sheep) demonstrate how nervous she is.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 4)
Bronwen’s far ahead of Scylla in terms of reliability and sheep control. She’s no angel when under pressure while training, though! Scylla’s still working much too close to the sheep. Her tail flies like a flag, and she’s far too aggressive with the stock. Tiresome though she can be at times, there are definite signs of improvement. One brief moment shows great promise!
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 5)
Scylla charged the sheep, scattering them in all directions. Four of them jumped out of the ring, but once under control, Scylla was impressive at times. Sadly her lesson was interrupted when a sheep collapsed with stress exhaustion. It was soon up and about again and we continued training with fresh sheep. Bronwen’s performance began erratically. She was distracted by some inquisitive cattle nearby.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 6)
Is the dog ready to work in the field? Scylla continues to make slow progress in the ring. Andy’s hoping to get her out of the training ring and into the field, but has to ask himself: is she ready to work in the field? He concentrates on getting her to flank smoothly and keep away from the sheep. Bronwen isn’t flanking properly either. The sheep run far across the field before control is restored.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 7)
Flanking or circling too wide! Although she’s far more advanced and reliable than her sister Scylla, Bronwen’s developed a common problem: going too wide around stock. When a dog works too far back from sheep or cattle the stock quickly learn that the dog’s not in a position to control them. They’re likely to run away. The video shows how firm, patient, training helps the dog, to control its sheep.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 8)
Giving praise where it’s due is important, especially when a dog is proving slow to train. Rewarding training progress is particularly helpful because dogs love to be praised. By looking for areas of the dog’s work that deserve praise and giving it at the appropriate time (even if it’s not fully up to the standard you aspire to) you will help the dog learn more quickly.
BRONWEN & SCYLLA (Part 9)
Bronwen’s made good progress. It’s time to give her more difficult tasks. She’s good at penning sheep but getting them out of tight places, or putting them through the sheep handling race, are a different matter. In this tutorial, you’ll see many aspects of training sheepdogs. Teaching the dog to stay back when required, is important. So too the “look back”, and building the dog’s confidence.