|
|
Herding | |
The Canadian Kennel Club Bearded Collie Standard
describes beardies as:
"One of the oldest of the British
herding breeds, the Bearded Collie has for centuries been the Scottish hill shepherd's
dog, used to hunt and gather free-ranging sheep on the Highlands. The breed was also
popular as a cattle drover. Both jobs required a hardy constitution and intelligence,
initiative, strength, stamina, and speed." | |
Herding with a beardie seems to be a daunting task to many who have seen their beardies bouncing, playing, running and generally being a "beardie". But for centuries the bearded collie has been a highly valued breed among the shepherds of Scotland and continue to be used for herding to this day.
Robbie keeping the sheep in place | |
If you are thinking about herding with your
beardie,
Kyla seeing sheep for the first time | |
If your young dog has not seen sheep before
and isn't sure what this is all about, let him approach the stock in a safe manner to get
the scent and discover stock.
Mom, this isn't a beardie - what is it | |
A novice dog frequently
has difficulty moving
Summer
receiving help to | |
It is important that a novice dog has a positive first experience with stock. It is also important to watch the stock when working with your dog. It is especially important with a young novice dog. This ewe was "sizing" Bailie up and began to stomp her foot - a sign that she might come at him. In order to ensure that Bailie wasn't charged or butted, he was moved back a foot and the ewe settled down. | |
When herding, your beardie is to
move the Bailie
calmly moving the | |
A herding dog's instinct
is to keep the stock together to bring to the handler.
Robbie going to get the "escapee" | |
The handler needs to watch that the dog is not
in the
Shown here at 10 years old, Robbie is practicing for a trial.
| |
It takes years of practice and work for your
dog to be able This is Robin (Ch. HCh. WTCH Glen Elder
Silver Artisan), | |
Once you have decided to begin herding, it is important that when in the pen or field with stock, your beardie learns to control the stock, but you control your beardie. Learning the herding terms is part of the human's job when training your beardie. Training your beardie can present challenges, but there is always a solution to the problem. An increasing number of people in Canada are participating in herding activities with their dogs, including beardies. The Bearded Collie Club of Canada hosts a Canadian Kennel Club licensed all-breed herding trial each year. In addition to CKC trials, one can also find AHBA and ASCA trials being held in Canada. | |
[Herding] [Beardies Herding in Canada - A Brief History] [Herding Resources] | |
Copyright © Lois Gaspar [1998 - 2022] Last revised: August 1, 2022 |