Dogs herd sheep, geese, cattle and other livestock.
People train many types of dogs to herd. Dogs bred to herd, however, need more exercise than many breeds -- with their high energy and instinctive herding behaviors, such as nipping and chasing -- to avoid boredom and problem behaviors. Although you may exercise your dog in many ways, herding provides a fun way to teach your dog new skills and use energy.
Type
The breed of dog and your intentions for training impact where and what type of training facilities you go for herding. Noncompetitive or fun herding requires basic training, simply moving the livestock from one place to another. Competitive training, however, requires intensive training to develop your dog's ability and instincts, according to the American Kennel Club. The American Herding Breed Association permits all dogs to obtain herding registration numbers for trials and competition.
Clubs
Purebred-dog owners may contact their national breed club or the breed club for each herding breed to locate local herding groups. The American Kennel Club maintains an online list of all breed clubs. Many clubs allow other dogs, even mixed breed or breeds not included in the herding group, to work and train with them. Contact all local clubs to find out which ones will permit you to join.
Trainers
Locate a herding trainer for you and your dog. Groups, such as the American Herding Breed Association and Stockdog Server, post lists of herding trainers on their websites. Additionally, the AHBA recommends contacting herding trial judges as possible trainers or for information on training resources. Although both individual training lessons and clinics provide venues for your dog to learn to herd livestock, obtaining individualized training provides better results, according to Herding on the Web.
Farms
Some Canadian geese stop migrating and settle on U.S. ponds.
After your dog and you learn advanced herding skills with a variety of animals, livestock owners may allow you to work with them and their stock. Contact local 4-H or agriculture extension services for assistance in locating farms with livestock. Some farmers work with 4-H students, host competitions and may provide a regular outing for your dog to work livestock and demonstrate herding to students.
Ponds
Geese around ponds provide another option for practicing herding. Geese often become a problem due to destruction of grass, defecation and noise, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Owners often employ dogs to help keep the geese on the water and prevent them from taking up permanent residence. Contact local businesses with ponds and parks to find out about permission to practice herding on the geese.
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