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Originally Posted by jlhnokc  OK, so I've been having a hard time finding some training for Jaycee. We completed our intermediate obediance in OKC, but since then have moved to Ponca City. It's an hour and a half. I know a lot of you say, I drive more than that, but I'm still commuting back and forth to work m-f so that wasn't an option. So all this time I have been looking to get Jaycee into some training and I found a lady in Ponca that has been doing herding for years and competes quite often. We are taking Jaycee (rott) and Dice (blue heeler) both Sunday to have them tested. I'm very excited and hope they do well. She needs a job, she's getting too big for her britches! Then we also found a club about 35 minutes away to get them into more OB and possible agility, we are visiting them in a couple weeks. So, what I thought was a lost cause is actually looking up!
I know there are at least a few people here that do herding, and I've always thought that it was interesting, but is it one of the harder avenues to take?
And also, what are somethings I should look for/ask? I really know nothing about herding at all and don't want to go in blinded. |
The herding test isn't that easy. Things to look for: Does the trainer talk with you or at you? I test with more than 3 sheep. We use 12 because I want distractions to test the nerve of the animal. It should be started with a long line to keep the stock safe. I would not keep the dog in there for more than 5 minutes. Puppies under 10 months have no business in a pen, if injured, you can ruin them for life. Is the trainer giving you directions and in there with you? The herding style of the Rottie is also NOT like the Border Collie.
It can be done! You need to be in good shape and willing to MOVE out of the way of sheep taking the safe ground. Enjoy!