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Originally Posted by babybluetx23 Does anyone here do herding? What is herding all about? I mean I know it isnt JUST chasing livestocking. |
We do quite a bit of herding (in ASCA, AHBA & AKC trials as well as just working on the farm)--Elsa was the 5th AKC Herding Champion Rottweiler (and second bitch), and is just one advanced cattle leg away from her WTCH (at 9 now she probably won't finish it, but we're still pretty darn proud of her).
Herding is not for the "faint of heart". To do it well requires lots of time, bruises, mud, rain, sheep poo, and perpetually dirty dogs (though thank goodness Rottweilers with correct coats can just shake the dirt out after it dries...but that doesn't always do much for the smell). Its not something for those that like instant gratification (entering herding trials too soon can create much bigger problems than in other dog sports) as it takes a lot more training before its time to enter (and rushing a dog in herding creates more trouble than its worth).
Handlers also need to learn to "read" stock (figure out how to predict what they're going to do before they do it), and the level of partnership with your dog needed at the advanced level is very high (for me that communion is what makes it worth it...a large flock in a big field with me and my dog just doing a "walk-about", maybe laying in the grass with our sheep grazing...just communicating without words---geez, that sounded a bit cheesy, but seriously I've gotten choked up during times like that).
As far as herding "style"...people will say this or that about Rottweilers in general, but it really depends most on the dog. Each one is an individual. Where I herd in a given week 30+ new dogs come through (of many breeds...from Chihuahuas to Great Danes), and there are at least 40 of us actively preparing for trials and/or trialing in multiple venues. We see a lot of Rottweilers and Rottweiler people that come for a Instinct test, or just to try it out (most realize that its much easier to stick with conformation, or just prefer a cleaner, dryer, less intense sport). Some are pushy and use their bodies, some want to bite, some care more about sheep poo than the sheep, some do better with ducks, some work wide naturally, some want to have their nose in the sheeps butts at all times...basically my point it that in herding you need to find someone that is willing to work with YOUR dog, and sees him as an individual not just a member of a certain breed! In a trainer I'd look for large breed experience (Bouviers, Rottweilers, GSD's, Tervs), and if you plan to trial at some point find an instructor who has been there.
Here's a couple herding pictures I posted a while back:
http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/showthread.php?t=37598
Feel free to PM or email me about herding anytime! I am pretty passionate about it...its my where my heart is, and my favorite thing to do with my dogs...I love those quiet moments in the field alone, but I will admit that my competitive spirit also thoroughly enjoys a smooth, flowing run in the trial arena when everything just seems to come together.