How to Teach Herding Commands Without Sheep

How to Teach Herding Commands Without Sheep. Herding is instinctive for many dog breeds, including border collies and Australian shepherds, which were bred for this work. Many livestock owners use them to move sheep, cattle and other animals or to keep them contained outside a fence. For urban dog owners, herding competitions provide an opportunity to develop a herding dog's instinct and to let him do what he was born to do. These competitions often use ducks or small pigs instead of sheep. Teach your dog herding basics so that he learns the appropriate commands before you ask him to herd actual animals.

Things Needed

• Flying disc
• Dog toys
• Whistle
• Dog treats

Step 1

Teach very basic commands, such as "Down," and "Stay" and "Come." These simple commands are important for any dog, but they are vital to a herding dog's safety once he begins working with other animals. Begin teaching these commands when your dog is a puppy, using treats as a reward. For "Down," position your dog and say "Down," then treat. When the dog stands up, repeat until he lies down on command. For "Stay," give the command, then walk away two steps. If the dog follows, reposition him in the original spot and repeat. Walk farther away each time. For "Come," say the command and the dog's name. Show him the treat if necessary. Reward with a treat when the dog is successful.

Step 2

Use a flying disc to introduce the dog to flanking on command (moving around the sheep and anticipating which ones to keep in line). Throw the disc low, perhaps even rolling it on the ground at first; young dogs shouldn't jump while their bones are developing. As your dog becomes more proficient, throw the flying disc farther, alternating sides instead of throwing it directly forward. Accompany each throw with a flanking command. The dog will begin intercepting the throws by following your commands. Use this method to teach directional and distance herding commands, such as "Go-bye" for turning clockwise and "Away" for counterclockwise. These verbal commands will be important when the dog is working with sheep and can't see you to determine which way to flank.

Step 3

Teach your dog to stop on command using her favorite toy. Hold the toy close to your chest and turn in a circle. The dog should circle with you initially, then instinctively increase the distance between the two of you so she can better see you and the toy. If necessary, swing one arm wide as if you are throwing the toy to create the circling distance. Once the dog circles widely, say, "There," and throw the toy to the dog. Eventually, the dog will learn to stop, turn and wait when you say, "There." This skill will help you stop a dog's flanking maneuver when she begins working with animals.

Warnings

• Be patient when training herding dogs. Most train for at least a year before herding independently.

Warnings

• Never use children as sheep substitutes to train herding skills. When herding, many dogs nip or bite to keep animals in line, which can cause injury.

References

• Clicker Training for Dogs: Dry Work
• Herding on the Web: Starting