How to Train Dogs to Herd Sheep

Herding sheep is an instinct for many breeds of dogs, including German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds. Dogs are still used around the world on working farms to herd sheep, as a machine cannot replicate the mind of an instinctive canine. This does not mean that dogs are born knowing precisely how to do it; it does take diligent training from an experienced handler to teach a dog to herd sheep efficiently. Once you have learned the basics, you can start teaching your dog to herd sheep.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheep
  • Stick
  • Pasture or corral
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your dog basic training tricks such as sit, come, lie down, and heel. Unless your dog knows how to be obedient off-leash and listen to you despite distractions, training to herd sheep will be difficult.

    • 2

      Teach your dog how to follow directional movement and go where you ask it to. Tie the dog to the end of a long stick and point it in different directions, forcing the dog to move where the stick is pointing to. Combine this with repetitive verbal commands so your dog learns the association.

    • 3

      Instruct your dog to flank the sheep by moving in a zig-zag pattern behind the sheep, keeping a safe distance from the herd. This is the best way to move the sheep forward in a straight line without scattering the herd formation.

    • 4

      Cue your dog to move in a clockwise and counter-clockwise circle around the herd. Use hand signals and vocal cues to direct the dog. This is one way to stop sheep from moving or to turn them the direction you wish to go.

    • 5

      Work the dog on young sheep that are less than one year old. These sheep are more trainable, and allow for a greater margin of error. Use at least five sheep so that they have a herd mentality and group up together.

    • 6

      Practice out in the pasture, giving your dog signals and corrections based on how the sheep move. A dog with good instincts will quickly learn to predict what sheep will do next, and will make a good shepherd.