Anyone here with herding rotties that could share some pointers with a potential herder ?
Henry is 8 1/2 mths old and some of his behaviours had reminded me of Aussies so I wondered about a herding instinct in him . He came from a byb ( I know , I know , what can I say , a moment of weakness ) . He's smaller for a rottie boy (64lbs) but nicely proportioned. I know he's still got some growing to do but I expect he'll always be a compact boy .
Well today there was a herding instinct test near me , so to find out for sure if it was instinct I took Henry . He'd never seen sheep before but after a few sniffs he suddenly came alive .
WOW
It was an amazing sight . He put several of the aussies to shame :D The tester said he had a very strong herding instinct .
I'm wondering the right age to start herding training with him ? It seems to be very intense and I know that mentally and physically he still needs to mature . The local trainer usually works with border collies , aussies and heelers and they seem to be ready at around 12 mths for herding training. Would 1 1/2 yrs be an appropriate age for a rottie ? Or should we wait until he's 2 yrs ? Any other thoughts , tips or suggestions are very welcomed .
Thanks for any comments .
Silvermarten
& Henry the herder .