Bounce Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 I am looking for some advice on getting Bounce to drive the sheep away from their pen. He will go out and gather them up and bring them to me quite nicely But he is happiest when he can hold them against something and stare at them. Yesterday in frustration I had the kids release one of the yappers from the house and he nipped their heels until they moved off. All the while Bounce was trying to hold them still. Bounce will "off' and "down" when I tell him but those commands don't get the sheep moving. What commands and techniques will move sheep away from the pen? My Yorkie is happy to provide his sheep-abuse service any time but thats not quite what I'm trying for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bounce Posted April 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Edited to add that I did read the other post about gripping and learned quite a bit. My problem is convincing Bounce that there is more to life than staring at sheep all day. How can I handle him better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyO Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Not quite sure I understand the situation. Are the sheep up against a fenceline (pen) and Bounce is holding them to it and won't release them? When he goes out and gathers them up and brings them to you-is he bringing them off the pen or from an open space? What age and level of training is Bounce at? Nancy O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelli 1 Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Sounds like you need to find yourself a good trainer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bounce Posted April 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Usually Bounce goes out and brings the sheep in from the field. Yesterday I needed the sheep moved from one field to another since we were going to open the gates and bring a vehicle through. Bounce just took the sheep to a fence and held them. I could not convince him to move the sheep along. Bounce just past 2 and has been working goats. Once I got sheep, it was like a lightbulb flashed on for Bounce. We also work a small flock of ducks for variety. There is a trainer about 2 hours from her but she does AKC style herding for titles. There is possibly another trainer in Ottawa (about 5 hours each way) but with my livestock and teenagers schedules it would be difficult for me to get there. I rely on this site and Littlehats to help me muddle through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Rural Route Videos has a good video on starting a BC. It is called "Starting Your Border Collie on Sheep Cattle or Ducks". I found it pretty helpful. They have a website, so you should be able Google and find it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kajarrel Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 I could not convince him to move the sheep along.I would simply take the dog by the collar and go with him between the fence and the sheep. When the sheep lift off the fence, start backing up away from the fence (and dog). This is not atypical behavior for an inexperienced/young dog. Generally, after several times of helping them they'll bring the sheep off the fence themselves. Don't forget to reward them by letting them work the sheep after they bring them off the fence. Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miztiki Posted April 12, 2005 Report Share Posted April 12, 2005 Here's the website: Starting Border Collies on Cattle, Sheep or Ducks Thanks for suggesting this video Maralynn, I just ordered it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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