Report by our Farming Correspondent
Sheepdogs have been invaluable to farmers for centuries. They are intelligent, loyal, and can be trained to work independently in harsh and challenging conditions. However, training a sheepdog is no easy feat. It requires patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of the dog's instincts and behaviours.
There are many types of sheepdogs, but the most popular ones on our West Country farms, so it seems, are still the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd. Lovely dogs, good workers and quick to learn.
The first step in training a sheepdog is to understand these breed's natural instincts. Sheepdogs are born with a strong instinct to herd and protect livestock. This instinct is so strong that it cannot be trained out of them. Rather, it must be harnessed and directed in a way that is productive and beneficial for both the dog and the farmer.
The training process begins when the dog is a puppy. Puppies should be introduced to livestock early on so that they can begin to develop their herding instincts. However, they should not be allowed to interact with the livestock unsupervised until they have undergone basic obedience training.
Basic obedience training includes teaching the puppy to come when called, to sit, to stay, and to walk on a leash. These commands will be the foundation for more advanced training later on.
Once the puppy has mastered basic obedience, it is time to begin more advanced training. This involves teaching the dog specific commands that are used in herding. These commands include "come by," which means to move clockwise around the sheep, and "away to me," which means to move counterclockwise.
It is important to remember that sheepdogs are not robots. They have their own personalities and temperaments, and the training process will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs may be more eager to please and learn quickly, while others may require more patience and repetition.
One important aspect of training a sheepdog is to avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement. Sheepdogs respond best to positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, and playtime. Punishing a dog for making a mistake can cause it to become anxious or fearful, which will only hinder its progress.
Another important factor in training a sheepdog is consistency. The same commands and techniques should be used consistently, so that the dog knows what is expected of it. Inconsistency can confuse the dog and make the training process more difficult.
Training a sheepdog requires a significant investment of time and energy. Farmers who are considering getting a sheepdog should be prepared to commit to the training process. It is not something that can be done quickly or easily.
However, the benefits of a well-trained sheepdog are worth the effort. A sheepdog can help a farmer manage their livestock more efficiently, saving time and money in the long run. It can also help to prevent predation and other problems that can occur when livestock are left unattended.
In addition to being useful on the farm, sheepdogs also make excellent companions. They are intelligent and affectionate, and they thrive on human interaction. Training a sheepdog can be a rewarding experience for both the dog and the farmer.
Lastly, it is important to remember that sheepdogs are working dogs, not pets. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. Farmers and landowners who are considering getting a sheepdog should be prepared to provide it with the necessary exercise and attention.
Treat your dog right and your dog will do right by you.
