The Border Collie has been bred for over a century to help manage livestock and feed the world. John is a popular USBCHA, AHBA, and AKC judge. All rights reserved. But here is my take. Get a stick. And I am not training them, just exposing. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. Besides, there is no such thing as having a dog too well trained. It sounds like I'm being overly cautions with my dog. But the pups are easy. No matter the size of the dog, if it is possible, begin training with small livestock like sheep or young calves. Out of the hundreds of dogs Ive trained, there were only about three that absolutely would not drive at all, and they werent much good at anything, so they went to a pet home. Register below!). No dogs are allowed on the Husker Harvest Days site. If youre buying a puppy and you know they are going to work livestock, train them. They also come inside, sleep on the couch, hang out with me watching TV, go to town, visit well with people and dogs ect. To be really useful they dont need to have the polish and finesse that a trial dog has. Paste as plain text instead, Herding is a fantastic physical and mental outlet for those instincts, which helpsyour dog be more settled and confident. And it builds a strong bond between handler and dog. Years ago, it was really hard for a lot of cattle people, and still is for some, to understand the concept of a Border Collies style of working, and its instincts. As well, herding dogs are generally very obedient, because if you can control them on sheep, then obedience off of sheep is easy! If a cow wants to drift off to the side, say out a gate or into the bush, the dog will work the heavy side and not let it get away. I have seen very well trained obedience dogs have trouble getting started on stock as they are so into looking at their human for every direction. Keep calling the dog to you. Border Collies were bred and developed along the Highland borders of Scotland and England (hence the name). Reward often. Any direction to related posts is also appreciated. You become the centre of your dogs universe and the source of all the things they desire. Nothing wrong with your dog learning to walk with you, just avoid what you see in the obedience ring with the dog constantly looking at the handler. Calm, common sense. Herd small stock. Required fields are marked *. Most farmers and ranchers that I know dont ever get their dogs trained to their full potential, mainly because they dont take the time to understand and learn about the dogs nature and instincts. Johns positive training philosophy is designed to teach the dogs how to use their natural ability in cooperation with the handler. Upload or insert images from URL. Building a run right by the pasture where they can see the stock all day, or letting them chase along a fenceline. Border Collies enjoy touch and affection, but normally on their own terms. Our students range from farmers interested inusing their dogs on their farms to city folk fascinated by the Border Collie. After a long wait Dog4ewe is happy to say that we are expecting two litters early this winter. If your pup is thirty feet away from you off leash and you decide to call him to you, and he doesn't come, he learns that it's possible to disobey you. Away to me means move counterclockwise around the stock. If even one out of ten times you tell them to do something you don't reinforce it, it's a "negotiable" command in their mind. On-farm research adds dollars, makes sense, Raising Nebraska tells story of agriculture, Tips for utilizing wet meadows in dry year, Workshop offers tools to deal with anxiety, Allowed HTML tags:

. During the first 4 weeks of the 8 week Stock Dog, Herding Dog Training Program training is focused on advanced obedience; absolute response to commands needed by a herding dog, which involves very unusual situations; namely, faultless obedience while in the presence of livestock, machinery, and other common ranch/farm distractions. These include hip dysplasia, epilepsy and Collie eye anomaly. The most important thing when starting a young dog is to develop the right attitude, John says. It can be used to move the animals, but more importantly direct the dog. Just go do it and feel the thrill when your stock does what you want! Or, they dont put the effort into learning more about dog training or putting into practice what they do know. If I've missed it, please forgive me. Many of our customers have taken advantage of this inexpensive way to teach their dog and learn how to use it better. I can call them off with one or two calls, these good girls, and believe me they are not light weights. Border Collies & German Shepherd Dogs : Stock/Herding Dog Training - Obedience Dog Training - Show Dog Training - High Level Dog Breeding - Spearfish, South Dakota. We welcome both beginners and more advanced handlers. So far we're learning commands fine on our own and socializing with dogs of friends/family. After the 8 week stock dog/ herding dog training program your dog will be able to "comebye" and "away to me" around the stock, do a short correct outrun, drive at your side, lie down, stay, clean out a trailer or pen, and call off the stock. A cowboys instinct is to go around the stock and drive them in themselves. I start introducing driving to the dog as soon as he is going around and balancing properly. In open competitions John has had 9 wins at the Iowa State Fair, 8 wins at the Nebraska State Fair and a record 10 wins at the National Western Stock Show. Also I agree with not giving any commands for the first year you can't back up. Avoid forcing your dog in the crate, shutting the door when want to get out or sending them in the crate as punishment or time out. Take time teaching your Border Collie to love their crate- this will take about one or two weeks. Its important the dog understands what the command there means. Teaching tricks and other clicker games, as well as scent games, are great ways to stimulate the mind and strengthen coordination, body awareness and confidence. In the corral or pasture, it can be just a spoken word or a gentle pat on the head. And then they aren't surprised by correction and don't know what to do with it. When he gets to where you want him, say, there and maybe a steady or even a lie down. This is why you MUST have a good stop and recall on him. Keep their coat and teeth in good condition. Now Dark thirty, he is not like that. Holding a sit down when there's something they want to chase, leave it when there's something they really want to eat. A fully trained dog can be a tremendous help whether you are gathering a field, driving cows down a trail or sorting cattle in a feedlot. The Border Collie is a working breed, belonging to the KC Pastoral Group. Lie down typically means stop and lie down. Giving him freedom to make his choice, correct when needed, praise when he makes the right choice. In April of 2006 John judged the USBCHA National Cattle Dog Finals. Therefore, your dog will be herding throughout the first four weeks. Provide a quiet and peaceful place for your Border Collie to retire to and relax in. I figured that a post on this would already exist, but my searching did not turn up anything. No matter which breed of dog, the theme of Johns clinics are to develop a calm working dog that is happy to work for you and with you! It is very important to understand what the dog is thinking to know what is motivating it! Dogs can be trained for farm and ranch work or for trial work in USBCHA, ASCA, AHBA, or AKC. Then Take them into round pen and let them work young ram flock. Know the commands. Recall isn't something I like to skimp on so I keep my dogs in a crate when I'm not home, in the house with me, or on a leash for basically the first year of their life. The second 4 weeks of the 8 week of the Herding Dog, Stock Dog Training Program is focused on advanced herding skills -- beyond the basics, to "finish" your dog as a competent and capable stockdog and herding dog: a dog comfortable in complex herding situations. He'll even just grab it and carry it around the house, even if I'm not holding onto it. They move the young two year old merino cross horned rams with ease. Walk up means to walk toward the livestock, whether sheep or cattle. Difference between trade and transactions. These dogs thrive with experienced owners who have an active outdoor lifestyle and enjoy mentally stimulating activities with their dog. Registered in England and Wales. Reliability, for me, has been built within the first year of a dog's life. Pups might run off about 4 or 5 hundred yds but as I do my thing they check back with me to see what I am doing. He's still young, so I'm being patient, but don't want to set him up with bad habits. I do have my dog pens out of sight of my stock, as I agree that could create a problem. Remember the instant the stock goes by you putting you between the stock and the dog, the dog will automatically think he has to get around them. Provide your dog with something appropriate to do if you have to leave them alone. Some pages of this website are under construction.. Tea, I was going to move it, but I didn't see a way to move it after I posted it. Apart from Border Collie training, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, including walks, swims, sniffing opportunities. Clinics are positive and calm, with an emphasis on developing the right attitude for working calmly and moving stock quietly. I don't know if you have stock around your place, but letting them sit and stare at them all day can ruin a good herding dog. It will also be lots of fun and will bring you together with many other Border Collie enthusiasts. It's all just my own experience, so take that into consideration. Handlers of all experience levels are welcome. john.dog4ewe@gmail.com. I try to remember with my pups also not to let them do anything I would find rude or unacceptable as an adult. HHD offers a unique opportunity for you to bring your dog for Gifford and his handlers to work. I also have not had trouble with dogs and playing tug with them. This may involve setting up a private fund or taking out an appropriate pet insurance cover. I want her to listen to me and know which way to go.. But it doesn't hurt to keep this in the back of your mind--what habits are going to be acceptable to me when this dog is an adult--and make sure you're not writing something off as 'awww, cute puppy, it doesn't hurt anything right now'. Your link has been automatically embedded. He doesn't fixate on them though, and doesn't have prolonged exposure to where he's just watching them. This is the same scenario described in the last article, when the dog brought the cows back out the gate they were supposed to go through. But mostly after they are working, the best of mine turn themselves off. When I train a dog I always try to get into the dogs mind and understand what is motivating it. The best of these pups, are keen on stock, want to be with me, and are pleasant to be around. John is known for his DOG4EWE Border Collies, but has had extensive experience with Bearded Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Austrailian Sheperds, Bouviers, Shelties, Corgis, Puliks and Belgians. Dont try to go too far the first few times. I have some pups right now. Do you have any other tips that will help me to raise a good puppy into a great stockdog. They walk out with me, jump right into truck. As they go by you, call the dog to you with a come in here. Thatll do tells the dog work has finished and it must come back to you. I'm not sure how soon he'll get the idea through his head that he isn't supposed to pull. Key commands every dog handler should know will be shared during stock dog demos. This will fulfill the needs of your working breed dog. Just keep calling the dog to you, saying there, steady and walk up. The ones who like it, as long as they aren't hard-heads benefit from playing and then being told to drop it right in the middle of the game at the height of their excitement, and then giving it back to them. This highly athletic and agile breed needs plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and happy. Want to find out more about them? Teach them basic commands. Teach your dog a reliable, fast and enthusiastic recall. Especially with my speeding bullet who is a hyper-keen dog and does everything at mach 10, it's been helpful to teach the heelwork and encourage focus and inner calm. I also read about a lady who taught her dog the herding commands on a ball while playing fetch, then the dog wanted to play ball every time that it was supposed to be herding. aaquick16, In my experience, dogs can't distinguish--it's either do a command all the time, or it's negotiable all the time. Dont allow your collie to chew stones or pebbles, as this can damage their teeth. They like their space and need a peaceful and quiet place to rest. 415 North Clay Avenue . John has traveled all across North America and Europe teaching clinics and would love to do one in your area. They provide extra reach for the handler. Call John at (402) 469-5056 or john.dog4ewe@gmail.com for details about booking a clinic in your area. What you dont want to do, is when you have decided youve driven far enough, dont send the dog around the stock right away to do it again because that is what hell be trying to do all the while. If you make this mistake, you will turn this place of peaceful relaxation into a prison. As you turn and walk behind the stock, calling the dog in to you and walking him up, stay up beside the dog or just slightly behind and to the side of him. This can lead to destructive, obsessive and inappropriate behaviour. I've found a few tricks online to teach them not to bite the leash, but so far we're still training, and he still likes to grab it. Of course this has to be within reason, you wouldn't expect a 6 week old puppy to be able to hold even a thirty second stay. I debated putting this in the training forum, but I felt the working stockdogs forum would have more people with stockdog experience seeing it. Cultivating calm and relaxed behaviour helps this canine workaholic switch off and recharge their batteries. The ones I like best are the ones like these two little bitches that are my favorites. INTERESTED IN HOSTING A CLINIC WITH JOHN? We teach you how to teach the dog! Please contact us to schedule a lesson and for current lesson pricing. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. All I can say is, if you have work for a dog it is well worth the time and effort to get it trained right. He uses his dogs on his cow-calf operation to gather cows, move them from pasture to pasture and sort them in an alleyway. It lets the dog know they are doing good work, he adds. About 25 years ago at a Stock Growers banquet, I heard cowboy poet and humourist, Baxter Black say; Giving a Border Collie to a cowboy is like giving a 32-piece socket set to a cave man. Everybody had a good laugh except for a few cowboys looking down at their plate, thinking, Huh?. I have no problem with the system if it works for them and they're happy giving their dog the leeway, but I don't feel they should get irritated then when the dog doesn't stop precisely. Dogs start in a small round pen and can be worked up to open field work in our 5 acre pasture if you desire. Do you recall your Husker Harvest Days story? Hey, lie down, Tim Gifford snapped at his border collie Kat. After lying him down a few times, which you might have to, he might think there means lie down. Thats like having too much money or a girlfriend too pretty no such thing. Have the dog bring the stock to you, then you stop, letting the stock drift by you. Many people find herding at least twice a week helps reduce behavioural problems in their Border Collies. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. So he does not get to practice bad things. More importantly, bring young dogs around the stock, Gifford says. A Border Collies instinct is to go around stock and fetch them back to you. Because they are going to working hundred of yards away from me needing to do as I ask the first time we begin that training and expectation from day 1. John and his dogs have had a very successful spring and summer. Want to know more about dog breeds? As the dog gets better, start doing some cross driving. Thatll do.. everyone i guess does things a bit different, and maybe it depends on where you are, what you do. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. They say; They dont need to be that well trained; just one I can send out to gather a field; or keep cattle away from a feed trough when theyre feeding, etc. In other words I tell them, what you are looking for is a fully trained dog. Respect is Huge - I expect them to show me respect and I show them respect which will translate into them respecting the stock. Gifford will share his expertise multiple times a day duri. Thank you. He is known for being fair and impartial with a lot of stock savvy. If you are near Toronto, Canada, you can book an Introduction to Herding classand watch that incredible instinct kick in. DOG4EWE Border Collies are used successfully as ranch, trial, agility and obedience dogs all over the US, as well as Canada and Europe.. John is very grateful to all those that have helped him over the years. When we are outside, he can see the poultry from one side of the yard. Please call well in advance to check on his availability. Don't say things you do not mean- like ask them to come to you and allow them to ignore you or not do it. Manage your dog to radically reduce the opportunities for this behaviour to repeat and find professional behaviour help and guidance if needed. Now this little group I will keep two and sell the rest to ranchers I know as started dogs. I've heard to teaching them to heel and to only walk on one side of you can ruin his ability/desire to herd, since he learns to only stay by your side. So the instant he goes to lie down give a quick walk up. I love Vergill Holland's book, it gives a very nice framework for stockwork training. Enjoy your pup! There will be a fee to work your dog and you must sign a waiver. At Royvon, were happy to help! He is also a licensed AKC, AHBA and USBCHA judge. Discussion after each dog is encouraged. After the 8 week Herding Dog and Stock Dog Training Program, you will receive a one on one lesson to get a feel for your dog's commands. The other benefit to working your Border Collie is to help protect, promote, and maintain the working instinct of the Border Collie. help your dog reach its full herding potential! You want to be able to see their waist and feel their ribs. Keep your Border Collie, healthy, slim and fit. I think learning control at an early age translates very nicely when they work sheep. Or if it's sit down, sit down, sit down, sit down, and then on the fifth time my person gets mad at me, then the dog reasons it has four good commands before it actually has to do it. It is part of the daily stock dog demonstrations by Tim Gifford, where farmers learn how to train from pup on up. They are also popular family dogs. They have enough power for tough cattle and are very biddable at the same time. Now, as you ask him to drive, you want him to stay in behind the stock with you and push them away. None have been on leashes, except Dark Thirty- super keen big male, I put on collar and rope as he is stubborn. hum, i think this should be moved to general, this has not much to do with livestock management? In fact, this should be done quite often. Copyright 2012 2022 | Website built by Delivered Social | All Rights Reserved |Sitemap|, Copyright 2012 2022 | Website built by. If they've learned to control themselves and listen, even when everything in them is screaming to chase, putting them to sheep is much easier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This makes them excellent at reading subtle cues and noticing changes in their environment, but it also means they can become irritable and reactive to the slightest of triggers. ( Yeah I teach them all about the collar and rope. Please get in touchto learn more and pick the perfect option for you and your furry friend. John is known for his DOG4EWE Border Collies, but has extensive experience with a large variety of herding breeds. Many do not connect the two but it only makes sense. Gifford will share his expertise multiple times a day during Husker Harvest Days, Sept. 14-16 in Grand Island, Neb. This provides safety for the dog, while also adding to its confidence. I don't want them to be always close to me, I want them to be able to go search around and check stuff out but check back in. They learn that very quickly! Right now Fisher spends the majority of his day in the house.