Tag: Before You Start
Learn your training commands thoroughly
Using muddled commands is bad practice, and not fair on a herding dog. Learn your training commands properly! Muddled commands confuse the dog Attempting to train a sheep or cattle dog when you’re not fully conversant with the commands can cause serious problems. It’s completely unfair on the dog because you’ll be blaming it for…
The training stick
Correctly used, the training stick gives better control and reduces training time. For better control and easier training By far the most important tool we use for training sheepdogs is the lightweight plastic pipe. We call it the Training Stick – and we wouldn’t like to have to train dogs without one! This tutorial describes…
The training ring (1 of 2)
Part 1: Contain the action! A training ring makes sheepdog training easier. Contain the action One of the most useful assets that help us to train a sheepdog is the sheepdog training ring. It’s very much more versatile than you might think. A simple but properly constructed training ring, will make the early stages of…
The sheepdog handler
The sheepdog handler and how to become a better trainer! Qualities of a good sheepdog trainer It’s all very well learning about the dog, the sheep, and the training area, but it’s equally important to think about some of the qualities required in a sheepdog handler or trainer, and how to make improvements. This tutorial…
Training area – small changes for easier training
Our suggestions to improve your training area, for easier training. Small changes can make training easier The size, shape and nature of the training area can make a massive difference to your training experience. The Training Area tutorial shows you how to get the most out of the field, paddock or yard you train your…
Sheepdog selection and preparation
How to go about selecting and preparing a sheepdog for herding This is a very important tutorial! It’s packed with essential information to help you to understand, and look after your dog. It includes housing, choice of breed, choice of dog or puppy – and what dogs to avoid. There’s a wealth of information on…
Introducing a young dog to sheep (puppy training essentials)
Important points to remember when introducing a young dog to sheep Lead walking has consequences The more familiar your dog is with stock before it begins training, the easier it will be to train the dog. This is because the hunting instinct is not as strong in pups as it is in adult dogs. It’s…
An insight into pack behaviour
Find out how pack behaviour affects dogs, to get a better understanding of your dog. How pack behaviour affects sheepdogs This tutorial’s a little different from usual. We’re looking at dog behaviour, rather than training. “An Insight into Pack Behaviour” was originally a chapter on our “Still Off Duty” DVD. It’s 33 minutes of our…
The golden rule of sheepdog training
Keep the most important rules of sheepdog training in mind when you start training your farm dog on sheep, cattle or other livestock. There’s no shortage of rules of sheepdog training! The number of factors involved when you’re training a dog to work sheep is overwhelming, but don’t despair! Here are some of the important…