Sheep 101 - Herding Dogs

A Shepherd's "Best Friend"

A well-trained herding dog works in partnership with its handler and obeys commands to perform its job. Properly trained, the dog is able to move the sheep just about anywhere. Good herding dogs control sheep with calm authority and without excessive "commotion."

"Lark" keeps the sheep away so that the shepherd can put grain into the feed troughs without being rushed by the sheep.

Photo courtesy of Trial and Error Acres

Herding dogs are especially useful for handling large flocks (or bands) of sheep.

Herding on the range in Montana

Border Collies

Common herding breeds include the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Australian Kelpie, New Zealand Huntaway, and Australian Cattle Dog. The most popular breed of herding dog in the U.S. is the Border Collie.The Border Collie originated in the border country between England and Scotland. It is considered the world's premier sheep herding dog. The Border Collie is noted for its intelligence, work ethic, and desire to please. Since Border Collies are bred for working ability and intelligence rather than for physical beauty, conformation varies widely.

"Lark" takes a well-deserved break from the action.

Photo courtesy of Trial and Error Acres

Many people get their start raising sheep because of their love and interest in training herding dogs. They raise sheep so that their dogs have sheep to work. Some people keep flocks of mosty wethers whereas others develop productive sheep flocks that they simultaneously use to work their dogs.

"Gyp" driving sheep.

Photo courtesy of Pipedream Farm.

Border Collies are not ideal pets for people who have no plans to spend a lot of time with them. These dogs are too intelligent to lie around the house all day with nothing to do. These lively little dogs have boundless energy and thrive on hard work and play. Prospective owners who are looking for just a family pet should consider other similar but calmer breeds, like show line Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs.

"Rae" giving sheep the watchful eye.

Photo courtesy of Pipedream Farm.

One of the most trainable breeds, the Border Collie also serves well as a narcotics and bomb detection dog and is a frequent high performer in obedience, agility, Frisbee(TM) trials, police work, search & rescue, Flyball, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Herding Dog Commands

Away-to-me - counter clockwise movement in relation to the flock. Dog goes to its right.

Bring 'em in - dog gathers livestock without direction from handler.

Come-bye - clockwise movement in relation to the flock. Dog goes to its left.

Easy - directs the dog to approach the flock or move around the flock more slowly.

Get around - send dog out to gather livestock.

Get back - tells the dog to move away from the sheep.

Get out - a reprimand; the dog is too close to the flock.

Lie down - the dog should stop; not necessarily lie down.

Look back - directs the dog to move back and gather animals that may have split from the rest of the flock.

That'll Do - tells dog to stop working; return to handler.

Walk-up - get up; move closer to flock.

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How do dogs help shepherds manage their flocks?

Herding Dogs