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Herding Commands

Much of our training has to do with clear communication with our dogs. We tell them only once and return them with pressure and continually ask for a command in the exact same location. This simple clear communication in a positive manner is key to our training. Important - we do not re-command. The only time this does not hold true is in the beginning, if we tell the dog down and he does not, we go to where he is going, thereby blocking him from what he wants [sheep]. As we advance quickly through this phase, we will then, as with other commands, simply replace him (with the use of our tools) to the spot we originally asked him to down.

Please note: We do not use the negative reinforcement of yelling, striking, adding motion, noise or confusion. We instead simply, in a normal voice and one time, tell our dog what we wish for him to do. The only reprimand he needs is for us to block him from his reward [sheep].

Retraining dogs who are used to confusion takes some time, but it is rewarding. The hardest part is retraining handlers to communicate clearly and concisely.

GO BY Go by the way of the clock or clockwise. Short for traditional "time goes by." Full flanking command. "Go" smaller flanking commands for smaller movement. AWAY TO ME Go counter clockwise. Full flanking command. "Away" is a smaller flanking command. RIGHT & LEFT Always the dog's right and left. THERE The dog should turn in to the stock, cover, and hold. The dog should act like a rudder. DOWN Stop. In training, this will end the previous exercise so you can get on to the next exercise. STOP Stop on the dogs feet. If you begin early using a stop the down will come much easier. The stop is always introduced when you are sure the dog will stop so the dog can learn by doing. STEADY To teach your dog a "steady", you would have the dog "Walk up" then say "STEADY DOWN (or Stop)" as one word. This will get the dog thinking that Steady is Down. I do the same process for a slow Walk up. ALL ONE word WALK Down (Stop) till the dog doesn't want to start walking. Will come with time, training and experience. We begin with down and walk up to slow the dog down. We want the dog to figure out the right pace so we don't have to control the pace. This is VERY IMPORTANT. I don't like to use the word STEADY; I want the dog to begin to develop a "steady" on his own. WALK Come straight on to the stock. HERE Come toward me; if I tap my leg, come all the way to me and touch my leg. THAT WILL DO Time to stop working. Use this often between work situations. Look Back or Go back I usually want the dog to figure out how to keep all the sheep together, so I prefer to get between the two splits of sheep until the dog figures it out. You can also teach the dog this "look back" command to go after sheep that are out of sight. Never send a dog on a "look back" unless there is livestock there. Back Dog backs straight back like horse. This will maintain contact with the stock but relieving pressure. Out Turn away from the stock and go the opposite of the sheep. If you where saying out and you are near the sheep you should see the dogs tail till you redirect "there stop".

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