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How To Train Your Dog To Herd In 8 Steps

  • 26/02/2020
herding-dog.jpg

While some dogs have natural herding instincts, others will need a bit of coaxing. Here is how to train your dog to be an expert herder.

1. Start with basic training  

Teach your dog some simple commands, like “sit”, “stay” and “come”.

2. Watch your dog’s movements 

Observe how your dog moves around you, other people and animals. If they move in a circular fashion, they can be easily trained to herd, as he is already exhibiting the right movements. 

3. Utilise a long leash 

Give your dog lots of leash to work with. He can’t learn herding techniques if he is on a short leash. Using the leash as you train him will help you to exercise control over him and get him back on task if he strays.

4. Walk with your dog around the herd 

You can train a Border Collie or herding dog to emulate your behaviour by walking with him around the herd using a short leash. If he stays with you the whole time and doesn’t deviate from your path, then you should reward him with a treat. Make sure you get the right size leash for your Collie; here’s a good resource on a Border Collie’s size and growth chart.

5. Teach herding commands 

As you keep your pooch on the leash, teach your dog to respond to herding commands like “Come” and “Away”. Once again, reward your dog when he obeys. Give his leash a firm jerk if he does not respond correctly, though. He should quickly learn what it is you expect of him. 

6. Teach your dog which side of the herd to stay on

 

Your dog can do a lot of the herding work for you and give you little to take responsibility for. You just have to teach him how to move and which side of the herd he should be staying on. Once he knows how to do that, it will be much easier to refine his training.

7. Practice and practice

The more you practice with your dog, the sooner your pooch will understand what is expected of them and be able to obey you quickly and completely. You have to put in the work and train your dog regularly, though, if you want the training to stick. 

8. Start with a small herd

Your dog may feel overwhelmed by a large herd or might be incapable of herding them effectively. Start off small until our dog learns how to behave and learns how to deal with a herd properly. In time, you will be able to entrust him with a larger herd. 

You can do it!

With the right kind of training, you will pull those herding instincts out of your dog and bring them to light. Some dogs take more work than others, but putting in the effort will definitely pay off. 

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