Introduction to Lessons & Herding
INTRODUCTION TO HERDING
People are always harder to train than dogs. Dogs have an inherent ability, but we have to learn everything, about the stock, what the dog is doing with them, and what we want to do. Depending on your commitment, and on the frequency of lessons you take, you could eventually be interested in training for your first trial. There are various trial venues that you can participate in, and the farm does host AKC and AHBA trials four times a year. We would also strongly encourage you to attend events as spectators, you will learn from these experiences, too.
What is Herding?
Herding is the ability to let the stock escape, IN A GROUP, in the direction in which you would like the stock to go. One animal at a time is chasing, all together, herding….
Herding dogs depended on the teamwork of their pack to hunt. The pack would encircle the prey, and let it escape to where the dog who is going to make the kill is waiting. The dog will then make the kill, and the pack will all eat. The teamwork that was evident in the pack hunt will be the core of the relationship between you and the dog when you are herding. You are the “coordinator of the hunt” and your dog is working with you. The default direction of escape is to the handler, the dog’s partner.
What do you need?
Herding can be a very athletic activity, with sheep trying to get away from the dog, no matter what part of the human anatomy is in their way, including feet. Therefore, we suggest that you wear appropriate clothing such as closed-toed sturdy shoes, and jeans. When you have your first lessons at Magic’s Legacy, Shannon will work your dog. We want the dog to understand what is being asked of him, and after he gets the idea, it will be your turn to come in with Shannon and your dog. When you get to work, you’ll find it is aerobic for you as well, and you might heat up very quickly while learning to herd. You will be able to cool down while your dog does the same after the lesson. It is never good to crate an overheated dog, so after lessons, you and your dog can walk around and cool down before putting him in the crate. Drinking water, and a tub of water for the dog to jump into if he wishes is always available for your dog after lessons.
As you perfect your herding skills, and find that you are enjoying your lessons, you may also want to invest in outdoor clothing such as waterproof outerwear and boots as we work the dogs year round.
Although there are no requirements to begin herding, your dog should at least know his name, come when called, ; everything else will be learned during herding lessons. Your dog should also be prepared by wearing a flat collar (buckle or snap, with no tags), and it should fit correctly, so the dog cannot pull it off. It is important that your dog is leashed at all times outside the teaching arena, to prevent any incidents of the dog running through an opening gate to get at the stock.
Step 1 … Let’s find out if your dog is interested in herding.
To do this we will use a simple test where your dog is placed on a long training leash, and introduced to a small flock of 3 dog-broke sheep. The dog needs no training before entering this test and will be handled by Shannon. She will walk the dog around on the leash to show the dog that the sheep will move away from him willingly and he need not be afraid or use excess force to make them move. Once the dog pulls on the leash to go around the sheep instead of straight into them, Shannon will drop the leash and let the fun begin.
We have several formal Herding Instinct tests during the year where a number of dogs who have never seen sheep and their owners come to the farm. We do a short clinic to explain and demonstrate the basics of herding. Then we test each dog individually and issue a certificate to the dogs who display an interest in herding (not chasing). There are several opportunities at the farm for the Herding Instinct test during the year, or a private appointment can be arranged by contacting Shannon.
If, after being introduced to the sheep, the dog has shown potential, you may decide to take lessons with Shannon to develop the dog’s ability and introduce yourself to herding. Again, you will need to contact Shannon to get onto her training schedule.
Step 2 … Class Structure
Lessons are held Tuesday through Thursday, and on Saturday, throughout the year (weather permitting). Training is on a one-to-one basis, and all levels of experience are welcome to come and work. While we only work one dog at a time, you are always welcome to come early and stay late. You can learn a lot by watching others work their dogs on stock. You’ll find everyone very helpful when you have questions. You will need to contact Shannon to get on her schedule for lessons. Most people who come regularly come once a week or more.
Step 3 – Starting Out
Both you and your dog are now beginning to catch herding fever. You will see how your dog reacts to the stock and how to create balance between you, the stock, and your dog. You will learn what you need to do to be able to work as one with your dog – a team. To begin with, the lesson time will be short as the dog becomes accustomed to the stock and works around what is needed. The dogs are very excited during this initial period and wear out very quickly. At this time, you will receive on-going explanations of what Shannon is doing, and why. You may also be brought into the arena to support the training and make the dog more comfortable with the work. As your dog is learning, you also learn.If you decide that you’d rather not be an active participant, that’s perfectly fine, we have a program for that, too. Some people are just interested in bringing their dog out for his own enjoyment of the experience and exercise.
Whether you come to just have fun with your dog (as long as the sheep are having fun too), or are planning on competing with your dog, you are always welcome. If you enjoy working with your dog as a team, you may find you become interesting in trialing …
First of all, you are always welcome to come out and watch other people take lessons. We ask that you e-mail Shannon (brass@execpc.com) to find out what hours people will be working dogs at the farm. Or you can e-mail to make an appointment for your dog, come early, stay late and watch others.
The rules for participating in these tests & trials can be found on their respective sites – AKC (Tests and Trials) — AHBA (Tests & Trials). Herding Instinct Certification / Herding Instinct Testing (HIT) is a non-competitive event, and the rules for HIT can be found HERE.
Welcome to the world of Herding. We hope you stop by, enjoy it, and stay for a long time.