Problems with stock

[Guest sevenlinksranch]

We are new to training and are having problems with our sheep staying right up against the fence in the round pen. I've tried getting between the stock and the fence, but with the dog there in the pen, they refuse to move off the fence. The sheep are young, but have been herded by experienced dogs in a larger area. Any ideas about how to get the sheep to migrate to the middle of the pen?

[Guest Lori]

Your problem is common. Sheep realize quickly that the best way to avoid dealing with a youngster is to huddle up in corner or against the fence, usually butts out, and try to avoid participating in the training "experience".

 

You may want to consider buying or borrowing a few very dog broke sheep who are inclined to come to people. You prob. won't use them for long, but a few dog broke puppy sheep can be a big help when you are just starting out. Once your dog is comfortable balancing the puppy sheep and taking them off a fence & out of corners, you'll be happy graduate to your other sheep for more of a challenge.

 

In the interim, you can try taking your pup by the collar and "leading" it along the fence to encourage the sheep to move. Some pups don't mind this at all. If your pup seems very anxious about doing this, don't push it. Also, if you have another dog, you can try tying it to the outside of the fence in the area that the sheep are clinging to the fence which may prevent them from sticking in that particular area.

 

Hope this helps.

[Guest sevenlinksranch]

I think the dog will be fine going behind the sheep. She doesn't seem to be too scared of them. We'll try your suggestions and let you know. Thanks!!