I truly believe that competing at the highest level in any performance event (working toward an AKC OTCh or CKC MOTCh, a MACH in agility, a SchHII, or an HC) takes an exceptional dog, and a high level of handler/dog teamwork/understanding. I’ve done a bit of everything (Arnie would like me to have enough time to do more SchH), but not at the highest levels so I’ll speak only of herding.
Herding at the beginning levels (in AKC that would be HT/PT and to some degree Started) is not very difficult for the average Rottweiler with an average amount of prey drive. Those titles can be earned with a high drive dog that is barely under control, or they can be earned by a dog with fairly low drive that is “finessed” through the course. A high drive dog (what I prefer since I’d like to go beyond the basics) will take more time to get prepared for these beginning titles, but will be able to go further in the end. Even at the Started level there is some pressure put on the dog, and there are plenty of dogs (my Kyrie being one) that just don’t have what it takes even at that level. You'll see many dogs with test titles, but the percentages (across the breeds) drop at a rapid rate at the trial level.
Why do I think herding is a good test of a dog (and of a handlers dedication to training and really getting to know his/her dog
)…
* Herding at higher levels takes a huge amount of time and patience on the part of the handler (for example: Arnie is a talented herding dog whose first exposure to stock was at 5 weeks…he’ll be trialing at the advanced level this summer, and turning 7), it’s not for those who search for immediate gratification. We see a lot of dogs earning an instinct certificate or only beginning titles and then moving on to something else for this very reason.
* Herding requires an extremely sound dog. Working for extended periods of time at multiple speeds, while making quick turns, on different surfaces tests a dog’s body at a higher level than an extended heeling pattern, some sprints and a few jumps. Last spring Arnie easily ran an AD without any additional training for it because he was in herding condition.
* Because herding is controlled prey drive it requires a dog to work through quite a bit of pressure at the higher levels (the ultimate goal from the dogs perspective is dinner…this has to be molded so that the tasks required can be completed and the stock stay safe). The dog needs to have “enough” to push through the addition of rules (that often make little sense to the dog), and exercises/behaviors that are contrary to his/her instinct. This is where many dogs fizzle out…they are completely happy to herd the way they want to, but when they are asked to work by the handlers rules they either explode or quit. The dog experiences quite a bit of conflict when asked to drive stock away from the handler (this goes against the instinct to bring stock to the “pack members” for the “kill”), this is another place where many dogs are “weeded” out for lack of a better way of putting it.
* Herding cattle is a serious test of a dog’s courage. When a dog can hold his/her ground against something that weighs 6-10+ times what he/she does, and then is strong and confident enough to grip either on command or if the cow makes an aggressive move towards the dog there is not doubt that the dog possesses courage (or maybe lacks in self-preservation instinct
). There is definitely a difference between a dog working cattle (that are quite unpredictable), and performing a choreographed routine with a human. The dog is quite aware that the cow could take him/her out, but still has the courage and nerve to move in if necessary. I tend to think that the cattle work requires quite a bit of a dog…and I’ve seen plenty of dogs of a variety of breeds turn tail and run when charged by a cow.
* Herding requires biddability and a desire to work as part of a team. It’s controlled prey drive sometimes at quite a distance. The dog needs to move in on command, back off on command, and when cattle are involved bite on command (and release on command as well). Stock don’t help the situation by standing still so that the handler can come up close and enforce a command, but rather behave as prey making it even harder for the dog to "hear" commands (this is where Arnie's brain fries...he loves a good "fight" too much). The dog also has to learn to trust the handler, and obey even when it goes against his/her instinct in the situation.
* Herding requires a high level of obedience. On an advanced course if the dog does not turn in or stop at exactly the point he/she is asked to the run will not be successful. This is done with the handler standing in one place on the field while the dog and stock move about the course. When working ducks it is even more imperative that the dog respond immediately to commands as just an extra half step will turn a group of ducks away from where they need to go. The dog also has to understand that a challenge from a duck should not be met with anywhere near the amount of force that would be acceptable on larger stock (just like a good dog understands that children are not a threat).
Oh my…this is getting long and is a bit of a ramble so I'll stop here. Hopefully it will help those that aren’t involved in my favorite “dog-sport” start to understand why I think herding (at beyond the basic levels) is a great test of temperament, soundness and work ethic for this breed!