How to Train Your Dog for an Outrun

All herding dogs were originally working dogs, used on farms to control both sheep and cattle. While many are still used in a working capacity, most dogs have become pets rather than workers. People who own herding dogs as pets, however, sometimes enjoy using them as competitive working dogs. The outrun is a vital part of the competitive herding process. In the outrun, the dog is required to run wide in a pear-like shape around the sheep to bring them back to their master. Since the outrun is a component of gathering sheep together, training for the outrun begins with the introduction of dogs to sheep and some very important commands.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheep
  • Smaller Enclosed Area/ Round Pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that you have the right relationship with your dog. Herding dogs have a natural instinct to herd, which they might prefer to do alone. You must instill in the dog that this is a partnership, in which you are team leader. Make sure your dog is aware of you and of the sheep and that he knows the basic commands you will be using (dogs should be taught these commands before being trained for the outrun).

    • 2

      Use a small, enclosed space to control the action during training. Release several sheep into the corral. Start with only a couple of sheep if your dog is new to herding; too many sheep could overwhelm or overexcite the dog.

    • 3

      Command the dog to flank the sheep. Flanking is when the dog gets behind the sheep and begins to gather them into groups. In the beginning, allow your dog to flank instinctively, without too much interference from you. Watch that the dog is not hurting the sheep and make sure that he is focusing on the sheep rather than just running as fast as he can. Your dog's attitude should be one of rounding up the sheep, not playing around.

    • 4

      Train your dog to "Come Bye" and "Away to Me." When given the cue "Come Bye," the dog should circle the sheep in a clockwise direction. The cue "Away to Me" signals the dog to move in a counterclockwise direction around the sheep. Teach your dog these commands by physical demonstration. Practice these commands until your dog performs them correctly every time.

    • 5

      Train your dog for the outrun. The outrun is essentially the end result of proper flanking. If the dog has mastered flanking and the appropriate commands, he knows how to locate the sheep and in which direction to herd them. The outrun is the natural result of combining these maneuvers. Always watch that the dog travels around the sheep to the backside without crossing between the sheep and the sheep handler. Should the dog try to cross between the handler and the sheep, stop and show the dog how to do the move correctly. The easiest and best way to train dogs for the outrun is through physical demonstration.