Where can my dog herd sheep?

Question

My dog has LOADS of energy, I take her on 3 long walks a day and she LOVES chasing birds, squirrels etc, however I heard there are places you can take your dog to herd sheep round fields to let of steam and try something new the trouble is I don't know where any of it is. I live in the UK and was wondering if there is a website or something where I can find out about it?

Answer 1

The Kennel Club will be able to put you in contact with local herders in your area.



http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2368

Answer 2

Herding lessons are expensive.



Use the internet to find a herding instructor near you.



Before they allow you to sign up for lessons they will charge you to do a Herding Instinct test on your dog.



My instructor charges $50 for this test. This is for two runs of about 3 minutes each. The intstructor will go in the pen with the dog, and will step in to protect his sheep if need be.



If your dog is deemed suitable after that he will then set up up for lessons.

Answer 3

Find a trainer and do it the correct way. since your in the UK I bet there's more of a selection than we have in the states.



You just can't let your untrained dog chase sheep. You need to be able to know how sheep move, and how to put pressure on them - your dog needs to have good obedience and listen and comply on the first command.



No shepherd in his/her right mind would let you chase their sheep for the hell of it.

Answer 4

My brother bought three sheep just so his border collies could herd them (is he a dog nut, or what?).

But he lives in Alaska, so you would have to take your dog on a REALLY long walk to let her herd those sheep.

Answer 5

i was thinking the same thing but not in the UK i have a corgi and they are breed to herd and i think it would be fun to see a dog herd

Answer 6

What --- you can't just let a dog loose with sheep if it isn't used to them. A dog would need to be thoroughly trained before it went anywhere near livestock.



There may be places where they train them but not where they just let them loose



Google it and there is lots to help you. http://www.herding-dog-training-border-collie-sheepdog-dvd.com/herding_sheepdog_command_terminology.htm