Could anyone give us some advice on how to get started in training for herding? We are still undecided which direction to take Sparky in - obedience/agility/flyball/herding/any combination of the above, and would welcome any advice or shared experiences. How old do dogs have to be before starting to train, for example? Is it better to do something like obedience before moving on to other things?

Thanks
Tracy

Hi Tracy

What breed do you have? I know Border Collie and Cattle Dog Societies have herding days where you can get a taste of what goes on. Obedience would be very useful and usually a reliable down at a distance is required before you can let your dog off near livestock.

Obedience can obviously be started when you are ready, the earlier the better. Agility is not recommended until 12-18 month (also depends on the breed a bit) although some clubs (like where we go) so obedience for agility and pre agility, with no weaves and low contacts and maybe low jumps when the dogs are nearly ready for true agility. I would guess the same is true for flyball.

Have Fun!

Hayley

Thanks Hayley
We have started a basic training class, but I will have a look to see if I can find a Border Collie Society nearby. Sparky does the usual sit, wait, down, stay etc. and has learnt how to do "sendaways" but reliable down at a distance? Lol - depends what there is to look at! I think we have a way to go yet on that one!
We'll keep working on it though,
Thanks
Tracy

Hiya
I do agility, canine freestyle, obedience and flyball with my collie. I have to admit our favourite is agility.
Gina

Herding as a sport....whatever next
Our farm dogs start on the calves and paddock sheep at about 8 weeks old but dont get taken up on the moor to start proper work until they are about 8-10 months. However they have learned the basics by then.
Did you know the animal rights brigade want to ban using dogs to herd sheep as its stressful to the sheep!!!! :(