I've heard the term "honest dog" in reference to working stockdogs. It describes pretty much a dog who is steady, capable and hardworking. One who doesn't take cheap shots at livestock or try to get away with something. To me the term describes a working partner you can trust.

 Quote: mara jessup

I've heard the term "honest dog" in reference to working stockdogs. It describes pretty much a dog who is steady, capable and hardworking. One who doesn't take cheap shots at livestock or try to get away with something. To me the term describes a working partner you can trust.

I agree with that, that's pretty much how it was described for me.

When dog breaking livestock it is important to keep in mind the "stock handler triangle". In this triangle each of the points is dog, handler, and livestock. The points of the triangle are connected by honesty. For the dog to be honest with the handler it must keep the handler in mind and move the livestock in the manner and to the place the handler wants. The handler is honest with the dog by not allowing the dog to cheat the livestock or the handler but when the dog is right the handler must allow the dog to work it's livestock. The livestock show honesty by moving off the dog, going where the dog is pushing them; in return the dog shows honesty to the livestock by allowing them to move when they are going with the desired flow and motion, not stopping them or harassing them. When all the points of the "stock handling triangle" are connected with honesty the livestock move freely without fear, making it an enjoyable time for all involved (handler, dog, and livestock). -Double V Stock Dogs

 Quote: Melissa Thom

it's usually a horse trading term.

Same here, I have only heard this reference pertaining to horses. I don't know if it is supposed to mean the same. With horses it usually means that the horse is 'biddable' to put it in dog terms.

I've heard the term a lot. It generally refers to a dog that gives its best, pure effort in response to your commands/directions (my reference is agility). It will often also let you know when you are late or mixed up in your directions<g>.

leih

 Quote: mara jessup

I've heard the term "honest dog" in reference to working stockdogs. It describes pretty much a dog who is steady, capable and hardworking. One who doesn't take cheap shots at livestock or try to get away with something. To me the term describes a working partner you can trust.

certainly doesn't describe my dog, cheats and takes cheap shot anytime she can.

 Quote: dennis jones

 Quote: mara jessup

I've heard the term "honest dog" in reference to working stockdogs. It describes pretty much a dog who is steady, capable and hardworking. One who doesn't take cheap shots at livestock or try to get away with something. To me the term describes a working partner you can trust.

certainly doesn't describe my dog, cheats and takes cheap shot anytime she can.

She sounds like she should be running for political office <vbg>

Ive got a totally dishonest dog according to that description.

But I have always thought of it as sneaky with some social climbing.

How about the kind of dishonesty that says "I am so hungry that I may pass out right here" after eating two pounds of food?

 Quote: connie sutherland

How about the kind of dishonesty that says "I am so hungry that I may pass out right here" after eating two pounds of food?

Please don't share my private information.

 Quote: leih merigian

I've heard the term a lot. It generally refers to a dog that gives its best, pure effort in response to your commands/directions (my reference is agility). It will often also let you know when you are late or mixed up in your directions<g>.

leih

It is pretty much what it is used around here. Just not in agility (I am very fresh in this sport so wouldn´t really know if they use it around here or not). Biddable would be a good term I think (if anything is not lost in translaion- english is my second language).

My dobie is an honest dog. My sisters collie mix- not so much.