We show how to train your dog to look back for sheep or cattle that are behind it. These could be stock that have separated from the rest. Alternatively we might want the dog to bring animals from another location.
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The dog must bring all of the sheep
A trainee sheepdog that is too close and “pushy” with the sheep, will cause them to separate. When this happens, the dog might bring what it’s got, and ignore the rest.The longer a dog is allowed to leave sheep or cattle behind, the harder it will become to break the habit. Fortunately, the “look back” command will teach the dog to keep the stock together, and it’s easy to teach.
The look back command is not just for sheepdog trials
Some trainers regard the look back as advanced. It’s used in double gather sheepdog trials. The dog brings sheep from one location to a designated point in the field. It’s then sent to a different place, to collect and bring another bunch.
The look back is essential at ordinary sheepdog trials for re-gathering sheep after shedding. It’s also invaluable when gathering large flocks, and in everyday practical shepherding situations.
The look back makes your dog more useful
Before you teach your dog to “look back” for sheep or cattle, you need to be able to stop it, and call it back to you. The dog must flank around the sheep reasonably, too.
How to start teaching your dog to look back
When the dog brings some of the sheep and leaves others behind, stop it, and tell it to “look back!”. The dog won’t have a clue what you mean! It will probably be very keen to go after the sheep it was bringing. Walk towards the missed stock, repeating the command and insisting the dog comes with you.
The dog’s likely to seem confused, but keep walking towards the sheep you want it to bring. Keep repeating the command. Watch the dog carefully, and the moment it sees the sheep you want to collect, give the appropriate flank command to send the dog to fetch them.
Leaving sheep deliberately?
Sometimes you might suspect the dog is deliberately leaving sheep behind. Typically, the SAME animal each time. A dog that has been threatened or knocked down by one or more sheep can behave this way. It will remember the culprits, and is likely to avoid those particular sheep. Who wouldn’t?
Watch the tutorial “Sometimes nice is not enough” to see how to deal with this situation. The video includes working closely with the dog to restore its confidence.
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When to use the look back
Once the dog has learned the “look back” you can use the command as soon as you see there are sheep or cattle left behind. The dog will quickly learn that it must look back for sheep that are behind it.
The look back command is useful when the dog can’t see the sheep and doesn’t know where to look for them. Working on new ground or when there’s higher ground between you and the sheep are typical times. If you send the dog off and it’s looking around, clearly unable to see where the sheep are, stop it. Tell the dog to “look back” and when it’s looking in the right direction send it off with the appropriate flank command. With practice, and success, you’ll soon be able to direct your dog anywhere across the field.
Your ability to direct a dog to a specific bunch of sheep is sure to impress your friends or your employer!
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