Herding

[vannest]

Does anyone here do herding with their Rottie? Thursday my 2 1/2 yr old Bessie had an informal herding instinct test and did she ever love it! There was no problem with her showing interest--getting her OUT of the pen was the problem! Although she was totally focussed on the sheep, the evaluator did manage to get her to change direction, move away from the sheep, then move back in. Getting her to lay down was pretty much futile, though.

When the test was over, I had to all but man-handle her to get her out of the pen and back into the car. She was having so much fun that even though she's a complete wuss when it comes to pain, she had bitten her tongue and didn't even know it. (Evaluator said bitten tongues are quite common in dogs that show a strong herding instinct.)

I'm quite excited since I've been hesitant to continue to an AKC Open Obedience title because of the jumping. Bessie is way too tall (that's why she's neutered) and would have to jump 28 inches. I feel that's just too high for her.

Since we've just discovered this wonderful new activity, do any of the herders here have any suggestions?

(Aren't Rotties just the best? They can do just about anything, can't they?)

--pam

[frontierrots]

Many of my dogs are Herding Instict Tested (HIC) and my friend does lots of real herding training with her two. There are alot of rotts doing herdingnow a days. See the ARC website for a bit of info http://www.amrottclub.org

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Diane
Frontier Rottweilers & Shiba Inu and
Volunteer with NorthEast Rottweiler Rescue & Referral http://www.rottrescue.org

[HerdmyRott]

As you can tell from my UserName, I herd my Rotties! I've been actively involved in herding long before AKC allowed Rottweilers to participate in AKC herding trials and was one of the many who worked very hard to get us into the AKC herding program.

I started herding in 1992 and have been hooked every since. I'm very fortunate to live only 5 min. away from an outstanding practice facility so I take my dogs often to play with the sheepies!

My 2 year old boy has his PT and his HTD1-s, an AHBA title that is the same as AKC's started title. I hope to complete his HS this summer, but don't know if there will be enough trials we can get to.

Best advice I can give you is to try to work with people who are experienced either with all breed herding or Rottweilers in particular. Oh yeah, and HAVE FUN!

[vannest]

Thanks so much for the replies. I also have a few questions (isn't that always the case!)

1. Bessie is 2 1/2 years old. Is that too old to start herding?

2. Unfortunately the closest facility is nearly 2 hours away so we will only be able to go once a week. Is this too little?

3. Any tips at all on how I can get her to "Lie Down"? She does the obedience down very well, but when she's with the sheep she is so excited it's difficult to get through to her.

4. And are there ANY exercises we can practice on our own while we are away from the sheep? As I said, the facility is quite far away so we can only go there once a week, however, I tend to work with her (obedience, tricks for therapy work, etc) for short periods through the day every day.

Again, thanks so much for the help!

--pam

[Sandy Caruso]

We use our Rotties all the time especially when we are rounding up the cows and calves in the fall. They are indispensible in the mountains in the sagebrush and rocks. They can locate cattle holding up in thick brush that we would just ride by and not notice. They are really good to have on a mean range bull or cow.
I had an Angus bull came out of the brush and charge my horse hitting him in the rib cage. My horse and I tipped over in a dry river bed with the bull trying to finish the job. Thank heavens for my big Rottweiler male, Dakas. He rushed in grabbing this old bull by the nose and started chomping on him. I was sure thankful since me and my horse might have been in a lot more trouble. We managed to get to our feet, wipe off the bull snot and ride out of reach. After a short while, Dakas had that old bull heading for the corral bloody nose and all.

Be sure to keep lots of cool water on hand when you're working your dog. Rottweilers don't do well in the heat especially with a black coat.

I have some copies of the North American Cowdog magazine which is all about herding dogs. I will be happy to share some of the articles if you want to contact me privately.

Have fun and stay COOL!!!

[HerdmyRott]

Pam,

It is never too early or too late to start herding. I started my boy at 9 weeks of age on ducks, but we couldn't really begin the "real" work until he was older and his body was more mature. Herding is very hard on the mind and body of a dog and should be approached in small doses. Typically you only want to work them for about 10 min., take a 15 min. rest, then another 10 min., etc. You will find that your dog's mind wears out long before the body does, so you have to be very aware of that fact. Once they build up the mental stamina things go more smoothly. The other reason for working in small bursts is so the stock doesn't get too stressed either.

Okay to answer your questions:

1)answered above

2) Once a week is fine and very typical, just realize that you'll progress more slowly and probably spend more time at the facility that one day.

3)Practice random "downs" at home on and off leash. Then when you go herding, make sure you practice lots of downs while just walking around the facility. Make sure she is on a loose leash and listens to you. Enforce the downs. I wouldn't even considering working stock until she will listen to you outside the arena. It is dry work but it will pay off in the long run if you are diligent. I do this each and everytime I go herding even with my most experienced dog. It is a good reminder of who is in charge and believe it or not, tells the sheep you have control of your dog. Also, when I enter the arena, before I take the leash off, the dog must be on a loose leash and do at least one immediate down before we begin. If he doesn't, I've been known to leave the arena and start all over.

4) It is hard to practice away from stock, but one basic game you can play is to take your dog to a tennis court. Place yourself on one side of the net toward the sideline. Throw a ball over the net and send your dog. You can start teaching the directional commands this way. If the dog goes clockwise, say "good go bye", if the dog goes counter-clockwise, it's "good away to me". Eventually you will work your way to 1/2 way between the sidelines (middle of the court) and be able to direct your dog which way you want him/her to go to get the ball. This exercise takes patience and time. Don't push too hard or too fast.

Herding is one sport where your dog knows more than you do, so give yourself plenty of time to learn it. It is a complex sport in that you not only have to learn to read your dog, but you must read your stock, the weather, the conditions at the facility, and who has worked the stock before you. There are many factors that can determine your success that day, it isn't just you and your dog for this one!

Just remember to have a great time!

[RotteeLady]

I herd with my nearly 4 year old male, Tyler. He has impressed the boarder Collie folks with his ability with the sheep! He is gentle and a Wuss too. He has front end problems so he will never go beyond his CD in obediance or be able to do agility. He is neutered too. Out of the three Rotts I have he is the only one with a natural ability. He has his first leg toward his HT and will be ready to finish that and his PT in the fall. Then it's on to course A.

I would suggest that you get the book Lessons from a Stock Dog and read it. There is lots of good advice in it.

keep on herding.