Think Like A Sheepdog Trainer

Think Like A Sheepdog Trainer looks at the ancient art of sheepdog training through the lens of science-based learning theory and behavior analysis. It is designed to help you understand how and why a method works and to give you the tools for setting up and evaluating training plans and for approaching training problems in a logical, evidence-based manner. While there are good sheepdog training books available, almost all of them assume the reader has a basic knowledge of sheep and sheep behavior, the skill and experience to train a dog to do complex behaviors, the ability to figure out training steps on their own, and a clear mental picture of what a properly trained herding dog should look like. This book covers several topics that will help you become a more successful sheepdog trainer. Here’s what you can expect: 1. We discuss in detail how to train, manage and communicate with your dog before you take him to sheep. Without a proper relationship and training foundation, working stock with your dog is extremely difficult. 2. We introduce you to science-based learning theory and explain how it can be used to speed up and improve your ability to train your dog. We demonstrate how to evaluate and analyze training techniques so you can choose which ones work best for you and your dog. 3. We describe and discuss the physical and mental traits a sheepdog trainer must cultivate to succeed. People aren’t born as excellent trainers; training is a learned skill that must be practiced and refined. 4. We explain the behavior and handling of sheep. Understanding and knowing how to properly control sheep is essential to your journey in the world of sheepdog training. Many newcomers to herding have no previous experience with sheep. We provide some basic sheep handling exercises to improve your ability to control livestock. 5. We offer detailed lesson plans that break down training sessions into very small and clearly explained steps that a novice handler can apply on her own. This should help you with developing a daily lesson plan, a goal for that day’s lesson and a way to evaluate how you and your dog are progressing. You will discover that having a training plan and metrics to evaluate that plan will help you train faster and more efficiently. 6. Finally, we give you ways to think about training problems and how to approach and solve them in a logical, evidence-based manner. Because people have been training dogs and herding with dogs for many years, some of the methods described here are similar to those found in other books and from other sources. We have chosen training approaches that are widely used, least aversive and easily understood and implemented by an inexperienced trainer. You will find our sources in the resources and recommended reading section at the end of the book. Remember, sheepdog training is a lifelong journey. You will learn something new with every dog you train and with every competition that you enter. We hope this book will help make that journey a little easier. *This book focuses on training Border Collies for United States Border Collie Handlers Association(USBCHA) type trials, but the information is applicable to all herding breeds and herding venues.

This comprehensive book describes innovative ways of training sheepdogs and addresses a number of subjects that have not been adequately covered in previous publications; such as working with sensitive dogs and dogs lacking in confidence, the 'square movement', and the 'concept of opposites'. Written by an acknowledged expert, Sheep Dog Training and Trials discusses in a variety of settings new concepts such as the author's theory of 'passive resistance' and the 'pressure on-off technique'. In addition, the author considers ways of optimizing a dog's health, energy, fitness and peak performance. This fascinating book presents contributions from four world-renowned handlers, including the twice world champion, Aled Owen, which examine the factors that have influenced them and made them successful.

Whether you want a dog, want to farm, want to compete, or just want to know, Sheepdog Training is an enlightening read from Glyn Jones, a third-generation expert sheepdog handler. Speaking from experience, the story of his life serves as an integral component of his advice on training, handling, trailing, breeding, competing, and more. Learn a compassionate, dog-centered approach to raising and training herding dogs, all while gaining an appreciation for the life and work of a sheepdog.

Herding Dogs: Progressive Training is the only book of its kind to guide the owner toward training the complete herding dog. Whether you are involved in farming or ranching, or simply want to explore your herding dog's heritage, you will find a wealth of information here. For those with competitive goals, Herding Dogs will enhance your knowledge with a philosophy that has the dog's individual breed and personality as the central focus. Vergil S. Holland teaches the handler to understand the dog's reactions before beginning this progressive training. Whether it is your dog's first exposure to stock or your older dog with a new problem, you, as a handler, will find solutions to each problem and sound advice on each phase of training. Special chapters on different personalities of the various herding breeds, with training modifications tailored to these differences, make it possible for you and your dog as a team to reach your maximum potential. Herding commands and terms are thoroughly covered, as are those of basic Obedience for the stock dog. Working various kinds of stock-sheep, cattle and ducks-is covered to meet the needs of every stock dog owner. Detailed diagrams and concept maps throughout the book highlight the individualized training methods for each type of dog and stock. A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

Training the Sheep Dog is a comprehensive guide to training a border collie both for agricultural work and the competitive world of sheep dog trialling. Packed with tips and advice and fully illustrated with photographs and diagrams, it is the key to understanding this unique breed and developing a perfect working partner and companion.

Provides a detailed and comprehensive discussion of the principles behind the training of working dogs. Australian author.

Some of the best working border collie trainers in North America and the United Kingdom share their methods of introducing young border collies for trialing or for work on the farm or ranch. (Animals/Pets)

Positive Herding 101 is the first in a set of two books that cover training herding using positive reinforcement. Marker or clicker training is started in a house or small yard with cones, treats, and toys with no livestock present.