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Reddit mentions of Herding Dogs: Progressive Training

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Reddit mentions: 2

We found 2 Reddit mentions of Herding Dogs: Progressive Training. Here are the top ones.

Herding Dogs: Progressive Training
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Found 2 comments on Herding Dogs: Progressive Training:

u/Koyaanisqattsi ยท 8 pointsr/BackYardChickens

You seem to have all the basics.

[1] pair the dog and chicks while both are as young as possible.

[2] get a "herding" dog breed.


Forgive me for going into some unwanted tangents on herd training.... "chicken herding" is kind of a small hobby for me.


I have worked with an Australian Cattle Dog. The dog was 10 years old when I started. At this point I can let the dog out when they are free ranging, I can even let the dog into the coop and all she will do is sniff and nip the chickens. Unfortunately, I did not get the dog young enough to train her hunting instinct out. When the birds fly, flutter or cause a commotion - and I don't already have her in "herding mode", my dog goes into "hunting mode"... and the chickens are as good as dead.


One way to pair animals, is to introduce the chicks to a dog while she is giving birth. This is a sure fire way to eliminate the kill instinct and instill a protective nature if the dog accepts the chicks as part of her litter. If it doesn't "take", the mother will kill the chicks. I can not speak to how this works when new chicks are added to your coop, but I have seen it done with one batch first hand - and it is amazing. So all in all, this is not the best way to pair. But if you have the opportunity, it's worth a shot.


As far as herd dog training.... it is a lot of work. Herding Dogs are very loyal but very high maintenance. They require a daily routine, loving discipline, concise vocabulary, regular "training workouts", etc. If you have not done it before, I would warn against accepting every piece of advice from house dog trainers and most dog club enthusiasts. While most of their advice works for house training a dog, herd training is as individual as say, training a hunting dog.


Methods I used: [1] segregating dog and chickens in coop for increasing intervals until the dog doesn't get excited about bird presence. [2] allowing a rooster and dog in the same area. (I'm not going to cry if my dog kills a rooster) [3] training the dog to come when I say come, reverse direction when I say "heit" along with various other [commands] (http://www.herding-dog-training-border-collie-sheepdog-dvd.com/sheepdog-terminology/) Note, the author doesn't use standard vocabulary that people use at competitions. [4] once the dog has a good command of being directed, I keep him/her on a leash and we herd together. [5] Once I feel confident in the dog's ability to herd on a leash, we graduate to unleashed herding. I've also encouraged my dog to chase deer, turkeys, etc off my property when she sees them. And bark from the inside when they are present. This has taken a long time to sink in, but she will now alert me that a deer is in the yard, run it to the property line, and come back for a piece of summer sausage. Summer sausage is a huge incentive for her.


I would proceed by finding a herding breed you like (I love [australian cattle dogs] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blueheelers/)), finding a book particular for herd training, and finding an enthusiast group for your breed. I will note, the reason why I am so much a proponent of specific breeds, is because I've tried herd training a few labs.... and I've tried with one cattle dog. The difference between the four labs and the cattle dog is night and day. Now granted, labs are the ideal chicken killing dog, and cattle dogs are one of the best herding dogs... and I only have experience with two breeds - so I am by no means an expert. Terriers seem like they would be a headache. Or, at least, they don't seem like a good match for me. I would argue that pairing the right breed for you is very important, so if you are a fan of terriers - and they have a history of herding.... go with it. I would definitely get a herding breed, though. Those dogs have been selectively bred over generations based on their ability to overcome their kill instinct.


Other things I've heard... cattle and sheep are the easiest to train with. chickens are the hardest.... so your jumping in the deep end. Granted it sounds like you just want the dog to guard, and not herd... but the skill set is very similar, and I would argue mutually beneficial.


My favorite trainer in the world is Cesar Milan. I love his zen-like, accept the dog for the dog he/she is method, and also the idea of being the "pack leader". His work rehabilitating fighting dogs in L.A. was pretty awesome. Unfortunately, I've found very little of his work on herders. Just one episode of his [show] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd0UxayRWog) and a few [blog] (https://www.cesarsway.com/about-dogs/breeds/bringing-out-the-breed) posts. There are a lot of books out there. a and [b] (http://www.amazon.com/Stockdog-Savvy-Jeanne-Joy-Hartnagle-Taylor/dp/1577791061/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0A4Z50JV4JYV6HYWHHQD) got good reviews on amazon. I've heard about Holland's book, it's supposed to be one of the most well-read books on herding dogs. I can't speak for it personally.

u/JaderBug12 ยท 0 pointsr/BorderCollie

Congrats on your new pup-to-be! And thank you for doing so much research, there aren't nearly enough people who do their homework first :-)

My favorite potty training resource:

Why Crate Train

ABCs of Crate Training

Dos and Don'ts of Crate Training


I, too, highly recommend The Other End of the Leash

Books I also really like:

Training Your Superpuppy - it's pretty basic but it covers a little bit of a lot of topics

My Smart Puppy I really like this for a puppy training book- it comes with a DVD as well which I found very helpful

101 Dog Tricks - For some fun training and bonding exercises. There is a puppy version, but I found that my Border Collies have been able to keep up with the 'adult' book just fine. I also really like Kyra's Do More With Your Dog, just a fun book if you're looking for more activities with your dog or just to learn about other canine activities.

The Dog Wars - It's not a training book but more of a dog politics book, but it should be required reading for any Border Collie enthusiast IMO

If you have any interest in working livestock...

A Way of Life

Top Trainers Talk About Starting A Sheepdog

Herding Dogs

Talking Sheepdogs: Training Your Working Border Collie

Stockdog Savvy

Also-

Collie Psychology - I just found this book online while looking for links for the others. I know nothing about it, but reading the description looks like it could be interesting (anyone know anything about it?)

Edit: Really... once again, I'm the only comment here with a downvote?! If you've got a problem with the things I post, say it to me. Raise an issue, start a discussion. Christ.