was wondring if at the age of 7 months if you could switch focus from schutzhund to herding?
i know some of you might this "why in the world would you want to do that"
my family is moving to ranch and want to have livestock (sheep cattle) and what better way for Ace to earn his kibble, get PLEANTY of exercize, do what he loves to do, and I would still be able to work with him every day instead of just weekend trips to clubs.
it's just a thought that crossed my mind..would love ya'lls feedback and i'll be looking on here for more info for myself too
I agree- of course you can switch. At 7 months- I'm assuming the pup has only had obedience, tracking, and some tug play. No reason at all you can't switch. I'm training my dog in SchH, and hoping to get at least a novice herding title (He's already got his HCT)
I wouldn't advise trying to introduce your pup to livestock alone, or without very experienced guidance. I'm sure you can find someone near you that trains in herding to help you and your pup come along.
Introducing the dog to livestock soon is absolutely key. Cows that are yours are not prey. The dog needs to learn that usually we walk among them without chasing at all.
While Frost is absolutely super moving her calf this is not the excitement you want if you are the owner of the livestock -- we want WAY less energy, the cattle need to walk from place to place, comfortable enough to eat on the way. You need Frost power for chute work, for loading a truck, but that's once a year, twice a year. Day to day the dog "backs you up" -but you don't want the cattle in a state of terror and the dog itching to "get at 'em".
A bond forms between you, the cattle, and the dog -- the cattle need to know that you control the dog, trust that you control the dog.
I dunno Betty. I think as long as the dog has the right pieces and you have the right trainer to work, age is not too critical. In fact with dogs under a year you usually take them out and give them a try to see if they're ready (ie, keen, but can take a little training pressure and learn some self control). If they are you can start training, if not you put them up for a couple months and try again.
Good dogs can be driven as all get out, but also switch gears as the job requires. Through training they learn how to get a feel for the stock and apply the ammount of pressure needed for the job.
To the OP - I'll echo the others, very possible, but get a good trainer to work with!! Preferably one that uses dogs in their own livestock opperation for your situation. Dogs learn soooo much through practical farm/ranch work!!
Mara, I'm sure you're right. My dog lacks a number of pieces!
My hired man's heeler has 3 modes: attack, ready to attack, and sitting in the pickup piping, wanting to work.He has control of her, but she is never "off"around the cows. The cattle can't relax and neither can we.
A lot of the time I want the dog available but disengaged. I think they learn to relax with stock by being around as pups.
I'm sure it's what the owner wants. My hired man's dog looks like the DVDs on engagement, absolutely focused on the owner, her attention riveted to the job.
My guy is with me, but he's happy to chill. This style dog works better for me.
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from schutzhund to herding?
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