Dog training targets rise in sheep worrying cases
© Tim Scrivener A Bedfordshire dog trainer is offering “livestock desensitisation” clinics to help owners control their dogs around sheep, as new data reveals continued risks to flocks during and after the lambing season.
Hilary Burbidge, with 11 years of gundog training experience, runs the sessions for dogs of all breeds and ages.
“I am passionate about supporting both the farmer and the dog owner,” she says.
See also: Sheep worrying campaign warns dog owners to act
“My sheep desensitisation training programme is set up to help educate owners and prevent the loss of sheep and other livestock to out-of-control dogs.”
Held on a private farm and estate on the outskirts of London, the day-long clinics combine practical training with supervised exposure to sheep.
© Dino Burbidge
As more people holiday in and visit rural areas, concerns around sheep worrying have intensified, particularly where dogs are unfamiliar with livestock.
“It doesn’t matter what breed the dog is. The key issue is that these dogs have rarely had access to livestock, so they don’t know how to manage themselves,” Hilary says.
“All dogs have innate instincts around livestock that need to be controlled.
“It’s often a defence mechanism rather than wanting to attack,” she adds.
Core methods
Maintaining a dog’s attention through distraction is part of the training © Dino Burbidge
Training focuses on three core methods: managing distance from sheep, maintaining a dog’s attention through distraction, and redirecting behaviour.
“The sessions are very carefully managed and tailored to the dog and owner,” she says.
Hilary is currently seeking a new flock of sheep in the Bedfordshire/Buckinghamshire area, to continue delivering the training, after previously working with an older group.
She says the ideal group would be sheep that are not accustomed to frequent human or dog interaction, allowing for more effective, controlled desensitisation work.Â
More details can be found on Hilary’s dog training website. Â
NSA survey highlights the problem
Recent survey data from the National Sheep Association (NSA) shows that more than 97% of UK dog owners are aware of the issue of livestock worrying, but only 65% recognise that dogs off lead near sheep could constitute an offence.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker says: “While it is encouraging that awareness of sheep worrying is increasing, these findings clearly show that understanding doesn’t always translate into the right actions.”
More than 10% of respondents said their dog had been involved in a sheep worrying incident. “Even the most well-trained dog can behave unpredictably around livestock,” adds Phil.
