HOW TO COAX BEST FROM A SHEEPDOG
HOW TO COAX BEST FROM A SHEEPDOG
A DOGS eye view and understanding what makes sheep tick can play a vital role in getting the most from young sheepdogs.
"Sheepdogs already know instinctively how to work sheep. Its just a matter of teasing out the ability and giving names to what they are doing," explains specialist dog trainer Richard Brown.
Real work starts when the dog adopts a sheepdog pose with its head down and tail between its legs. "Every dog is different but generally they must be physically mature, able to run and past the playful stage. This can be from 10 months old."
But owners with late developers shouldnt despair. "Some dogs can take two years before they are ready for training with sheep," he says.
Ideally training should begin in a small, flat field – so the dog cant disappear – with 12 healthy sheep.
Mr Brown recommends lying down and resting on your elbows to appreciate what the dog sees. "Dogs are a lot shorter than humans and dont have the same range of vision," he explains.
"When training starts the dog will react to sheep in one of three ways. It will either ignore sheep, meaning it is not ready for work, or will bring sheep straight away. But the most common kind of behaviour is for the dog to race around the field with its ears turned off!
"In the last case, take your time and ask the dog to lie down. As the dog is following its hunting instinct by bringing the quarry – sheep – towards you, it is easiest to stop it when it is opposite. It will tire after an hour or so and be easier to control."
Although excited, ebullient dogs are easier to train than timid dogs, shyness can be overcome with patience. "Some dogs need you to walk them towards sheep and may take weeks of encouragement."
Understanding sheep also helps give confidence to young dogs. "Bringing sheep towards a trod – a sheep path – favoured grazing area or water trough is always easier than trying to take them in the opposite direction. This gives the dog confidence because the task is less difficult."
Common problems including cutting through the flock or not gathering every sheep can also be corrected with time and patience. "You need to insist the dog brings all the sheep even if it means walking with it."
ATV use can lead to additional problems. "Its not fair on a dog to train it by taking it right up to sheep on the ATV in the beginning and then expecting it to gather sheep later on. Gathering should always be taught first."
Finally Mr Brown believes it is important to maintain a positive attitude yourself. "Visualise your dog doing the task, dont think that they wont do it or they wont."