Herding Instinct Testing
What is a Herding Instinct Test?
A Herding instinct test is when a stock dog handler or trainer takes a herding dog to livestock for the first time in order to assess the dog’s natural herding instinct. Herding instinct tests are usually performed in a small area such as a round pen and are very loosely structured. As long as the dog isn’t harming the livestock, let them work! These brief glimpses at the dog’s natural ability help the trainer decide if the dog has the potential to learn the skills needed to become a successful stockdog.
Many pet owners own a dog that is a herding breed or herding breed mix. Many of these owners are curious to see if their dog still has their herding instincts intact and if herding is something that they and their dog can do. A herding instinct test is the perfect place to start!
What to expect from your herding instinct test:
Tests are held in the round pen using sheep that are non-confrontational, somewhat familiar with being worked by a dog, and that offer a lot of movement without being overly flighty or skittish. I begin with taking the dog in on lead and walking it around the fence line. This helps to create a trusting relationship between the me and the dog, and allows the me to assess the dog’s initial response to the livestock. Some especially keen dogs will go after livestock in an aggressive manner so starting on leash is for the safety of all involved. If the dog is responding well, the I will remove the leash, and get into a position to create success for the dog. Please note that the instinct to herd comes from the canine instinct to hunt. Wolves in the wild work together to “herd” prey to the highest ranking member of the pack on the hunt. The highest ranking member will make the kill. The dogs that exhibit herding instinct are initiating the “bring the prey to the leader” instinct. In the excitement they may sometimes go for a bite. This is why I always take new dogs to stock on a lead and also why establishing rules and boundaries at home is essential to helping your dog understand his/her role in the field.
When performing an instinct test, I am looking at the following criteria:
interest (the dog’s sustained interest in controlling livestock movement)
biddability (the dog’s willingness to take direction from the handler)
Responsiveness (how quickly the dog reacts to the handler or the stock’s pressure)
stock sense (the dog’s ability to read the stock).
If the dog shows potential in each of these areas, he can likely be trained to work stock. It would be at this point that I could refer you to an appropriate stock dog trainer or clinician to guide you on your path to learning the art of training a herding dog. It is a tough but very rewarding skill!
What to bring:
Please ensure your bring
flat buckle collar
leash 8-12ft in length
a crate or some way to safely contain the dog. Crate is heavily preferred
fresh water
a pair of close toed shoes you don’t mind getting dirty!
Prior to your session and immediately after your session, you will be putting your dog in the crate or out of sight of the stock. This is so they can dwell on the good things they have learned and experienced. If you keep the dog in view of the stock they never get the chance to settle and will mentally exhaust themselves quite quickly, inhibiting their learning. For more experienced dogs this isn’t necessary but for new keen dogs it is essential in my experience!
Herding Instinct Test Form
Please fill out the form below to be added to the list. You will receive a confirmation email by me within 1-2 business days to work out a time and day.