Do herding dogs need to be taught to herd sheep?

Question

Do herding dogs need to be taught how to herd sheep or is it something they just innately know how to do?

Answer 1

Herding dog breeds are characterized by their natural inclination and desire/ability to control the movement of livestock, whether it be sheep, goats or chickens.



A herding breed dog may have the instinctual tendency to herd and control movement of animals (a result of hundreds of years of selective breeding) but a dog cannot be expected to herd productively or appropriately without guidance and training.



ADD: My Shetland Sheepdog, who was previously a conformation b*tch and now is my agility/obedience/therapy dog showed a strong interest in my chickens when I first brought her home. I haven't necessarily trained her on how to control the movement of the chickens, but since she has such a soft temperament I've allowed her to assist me in guiding any escapees back into the fenced area....and she thoroughly enjoys it.

Answer 2

They don't NEED to be taught to herd, it's completely you choice, but as they are working dogs, they need some sort of job. Even carrying a back pack. They need plenty of training too and have a history of chasing people and animals more than anything because their herding instinct kicks in. When herding dogs 'nip' heels, they are probably herding you. It's in their blood.



add: Misread your question. Yes, they need to be taught to herd, BUT- they will always try to 'herd,' even if it's just by instinct, trained or not.

Answer 3

Yes. Both.



A herding dog worth anything has instincts to chase and circle/nip/block anything that moves.



This is not especially useful in real life until they can be controlled - young pups will gather a group of chickens together, but then will often romp through the middle of the flock and FORGET them gathering the chickens into something useful like their pen without some training.

Answer 4

Herding dogs know how to herd naturally by instinct.



However if you want your dog to heard the way you want him too; then he will need training.

Answer 5

The herding part is instinctive in these dog but they still require training to do the job properly and to know when to quit.

Answer 6

Its instinctive because i have an old english sheep dog who stays inside and she tries to herd me all around my house haha if she dont want me somewhere she walks right in front of me and stops