Herding

Question
I adopted an Aussie from A.R.P.H. He is now 4 yrs. old. He is so smart, gentle, well behaved and my constant companion. So why am I writing? He herds everything, especially the children, all five of them, even in a lake. Only when they are actively playing, running, swimming,laughing, the things kids do. Of course this is  instinctive and natural behavior for Aussies. The problem is the nipping. He nips everybody who is moving, and he is fast! We call it the cattle nip and boy do I feel sorry for the cows. He has gotten every kid one time or another. I have tried restraint, I have forced him to leave the area, I have disciplined. All these things aren't working, he is confused, anxious about being separated from me, and it is apparent that he is frustrated, especially from a dog who is intelligent. How can I stop a dog from doing what comes natural to him? How can I allow him to be himself if the children keep getting nipped. He doesn't break the skin, growl or pick one person over the other, it's just whoever is most animated. He is an equal opportunity nipper. Any suggestions? yeah, getting rid of the kids crossed my mind too, but nobody will take them.


Answer
Well, since getting rid of the kids is not an option, you could at least not have your Aussie in the thick of things while they are being rowdy.  Why are you caving to the dog's desire to be with you when you know it will result in his getting into difficulty?  The solution is to install a "shut off switch".  After all, a working herding dog takes cues from his handler, so why shouldn't your dog do the same?  My Aussie started out as a ten week old herding my broom as I swept the hall in the training center.  Did I allow that?  Nope - I taught her to "leave it".  And then, I found an outlet for her instinct and energy - at the time, it was a two liter Coke bottle (they slide nicely on a smooth floor and make a great plastic "cow").  So, same for your dog.  He needs to get tired, either training or maybe chasing a frisbee, but not chasing humans!  Once you have taught him some vocabulary (sit, lie, wait, leave it, come, spin, weave through your legs, high five, whatever...) then you can ask him to respond to your cues, and not make decisions on his own.  Takes work, and you can't let him continue to "practice herd" on the kids while you do it.  Sorry, there are just no short cuts, but the good news is that Aussies pick up the training really fast.  Try clicker training (www.clickerlessons.com).  You'll be amazed.