maybe you can help?

Question

we just got this dog from a friend of my moms and she is 9 months and we want to use her as a cattle dog.but she is scared and does not know what to do(as in hurding them.) Other than taking her with to feed and stuff like that how can we teach her.

Answer 1

Not every dog has a herding instinct. And some dogs seem to have a herding instinct, but they really just want to hunt and kill the animals. So make sure that your dog is interested in directing things by chasing them, not chasing to kill. If she has no interest in chasing things, then she won't make a good cattle dog.

But if you're convinced that she has the herding instinct, just showing her the livestock, especially if they're running, should get her interested. If she's fearful, she'll need some general socializing to them first so she can start feeling comfortable around them. Get her to watch a different herding dog chase the livestock. Another dog will usually help encourage her.

Answer 2

I would work on building a relationship with her first. It is very important that you find positive, non-punishing ways to do this. Look for a trainer for some help so that you can be clear about what games you can play with your dog, and so on. Don't push your dog to herd cattle until you have a dog that's more confident and happy - she will make bad associations with her work if you push her now. Good luck.

Answer 3

First, get her used to being around other animals. Once he/she is confortable with that, put he/she on a leash, and walk her around like you want her to do. Do this at least once or twice a day, to get her used to it. When she gets in the habit ( You will know this when she is eager and pulls you ) let her off the leash. If this doesn't work, put her on the leash and do the routine, until she seems comfortable with it. Sooner or later, She will become familier with it, and be able to take over. Oh yeah! And everytime she does it correctly, award her with a treat or rub. That way she knows she did it right. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Have her live with another sheep dog that does herd and encourage her to follow the others dogs lead. The best way to learn is by watching another do it correctly. Also pay attention to the type of dog she is... some breeds can't herd.

Answer 5

Some dogs just don't have the herding instinct. But I think your doing the righ thing by taking her with you. She will eventually become confortable around them, but don't force her or she will never become comfortable

Answer 6

you don't teach a non-herding dog to herd... what kind of dog is it... not all dogs ( even the herding breeds) will herd instinctually,,, and if your dog doesn't show any instinct,, - it will almost impossible to teach him... let him be a couch potato and get a dog from proven herding lines to herd your cattle

Answer 7

I would suggest getting Cesar Milan's instructional books, or watching his episodes, Dog Whisperer, on Animal Planet. He's dealt with similar situations before, and he has some very healthy and effective methods. I think you will find them useful.

Answer 8

show her where to take the sheep or cattle by demonstation and after a while, she will catch on, and show her that the cattle are nothing to be afriad of, by example if you have to. go out of your way to show any dog what you want them to learn, even the not so quick learners.

Answer 9

you need to have her professionally trained so she wont get hurt by any cows. from what Ive seen, the dog needs to be well trained and obey verbal and hand commands to preform properly.

She is not use to being around large animals and the smell can also confuse her as well.

Answer 10

try haveing her watch another dog at it and let her help she should see the other dog as a role model and folow