What kind of markers are you using on the field? The video still isn't loading for me for some reason.

The "markers" I use while working my dogs are pressure and release, the tone of my voice and an occasional "gooood". Trying to bring much more into the situation than that is a heck of a lot for a handler to remember.

Basically when they do it right, they get the sheep, when they're not, the handler puts some sort of pressure on them to get them in the right spot. They get in the right spot and the pressure is released. It's a pretty powerful mark.

I'm not using the markers on the field yet. I just started. But I'm using markers to train for stops, sits, and downs. A solid foundation outside the field wik help on it, from what I've been told. On the field, the reward will be the sheep. But instead of using yourself and the flag to put pressure on the dog and stop him, you'd use voice control. So a solid marker foundation outside the field would be necessary then. I still have a lot to learn.

I'm hoping to hear back from another trainer who's even farther away, but is an AKC judge and the herding instructor for PWCCSC. I want to try put her teaching methods too. I've noticed my trainer doesn't have us use a long line on our dogs in the pen, and everyone else does. This might be part of the reason it's so hard for me to control Conan.

Okay - I get where you're coming from now!!

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A solid foundation outside the field wik help on it, from what I've been told. On the field, the reward will be the sheep. But instead of using yourself and the flag to put pressure on the dog and stop him, you'd use voice control.

While it's very, very true that a solid foundation really helps, it's not always possible to rely solely on your voice with a beginning dog. Especially if you have a keen, pushy one. Part two is that the sheep respond to your body movement, too. I think learning how to use your body effectively is key in learning herding. Through you helping to control the stock and setting boundaries for them with your body pressure/language (which is huge to all animals) the dog learns to trust you and partner with you.

Part two to the matter is if you over train your commands off stock, you run the risk of having a dog who is more focused on you than the stock.

I had sheep for several years before getting a dog and learned so much about working livestock by just handling them myself without a dog. When I first went for a lesson with my beginning dog, the trainer commented right away on my stock working ability and how that would help me learn faster and work better with my dog.

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I've noticed my trainer doesn't have us use a long line on our dogs in the pen, and everyone else does. This might be part of the reason it's so hard for me to control Conan.

In my experience, the use of the long line is pretty much just to be able to stop the dog/catch the dog if need be. Some trainers use them and some don't.

Keep up with the off field marker work. That wont lead to a handler focused dog. It's about allowing and working with the dog's drives and instincts. Many or most competition herders are pretty heavy handed when it comes to controlling the dog. DUH! What's new in the dog training world. LOL! It can kill any stock sense and drive. We call that a placement dog. The dog moves only off of commands. Unfortunately much of the herding competition is made up of this because it gets points. In particular AKC herding. Thats about point style herding. AHBA is more about how the dog works. The natural farm dog can excel in that.
I have a SAR trained, SchIII, CDX, HT, TT, CGC German Shepherd and his herding training is being done the same as everything else we've done for his titles. Use the instincts and drives to your advantage and don't knock them out of the dog.
I have yet to see the sleeve or helper that can bring out more drive in my dog then the sheep. This is what the GSD was bred for.
I will add that you will see the same thing in herding competition that you see in any dog competition. ALL levels of dogs and handling. A few at the top are great. Some will have potential and some will never get it. MOST are having fun and that's what it's all about!

ps
On your video you are moving in one direction. Use your body language and change directions. Once the dog starts getting your body language then you can put the "go by" and "Away" together.
Right now the dog seems to be following you and not the stock.

Thanks Bob. I'm gonna send you a PM right now asking some more questions

The "markers" we have been using in herding are similar to what Mara is saying,
Pressure, release, body positioning and tone of voice.
In the beginning we did very few OB commands actually, let her instincts do most of the work and let her figure some things out on her own building her confidence. We later started to attach commands to her movements like "away to me" and "come bye" as she was doing them and now she knows them quite well.
I think the hardest part is training yourself lol Knowing when to apply pressure, release pressure, praise and being in the right position is mind boggling when the scenario changes from moment to moment. Understanding the way the stock moves and thinks is important too.
Finding a trainer that can make you understand and bring the best out of you and your dog is difficult, we all learn differently it's wonderful you have a few choices. Check out some clinics too if available.
I have always seen the long lines used on the dogs for better control if need be.
I agree with Bob when he says "use the instincts and drives to your advantage and don't knock them out of the dog." It is a lot easier working with them than against them.
It does seem in some parts of the session you taped that your dog is focusing more on you than the sheep.

Thanks for the help everyone. I agree the hardest part is training myself. You all here and doing a great job at helping me!! Thanks so much. I'll be applying all your advice on Saturday morning when we get out to herding again!