Training resources
We train our own dogs. We have gathered some very handy training techniques over the past 12 years of owning, working and trialling Border Collies. We have been fortunate to attend and host dog handling schools with very talented dog handlers like Shaun McGuigan, Greg Prince and Steve Biles.
We hosted our second Greg Prince working dog and handler school in May 2016 - 6 years after the first one we hosted. It was great to be able to connect and re-focus our training to Greg's program and have uploaded some pics here.
If you are new to border collies, or any breed of herding dogs for that matter, please do your research. Herding dogs are supposed to bring the stock to you, not drive stock with you at the back of the mob. You should be on the opposite side of the stock and move in the direction you want the stock to go.... the dogs should do the rest, and naturally bring the stock to you. We encourage you to access as much working dog training material as you can, find the best methods to suit you and your dog and attend working dog schools/clinics to learn how to handle a herding dog. You can have the best dog in the world, but you has his handler don't know what he or you are doing, then he will not reach his full potential for you.
We go to clinics and schools with an open mind, to try to learn as much as we can from the best in the business! If we get just one thing to help us it has been worthwhile... and it's always worthwhile to get together with other dog minded people to share stories and experiences.
We have learned a number of important lessons along the way so far:
There are also many great resources available - books, DVDs, videos and people to help along the way. Below are some links and resources that we have found useful in understanding dog behaviour, training a stock working dog and cattle dog trialling.
We hosted our second Greg Prince working dog and handler school in May 2016 - 6 years after the first one we hosted. It was great to be able to connect and re-focus our training to Greg's program and have uploaded some pics here.
If you are new to border collies, or any breed of herding dogs for that matter, please do your research. Herding dogs are supposed to bring the stock to you, not drive stock with you at the back of the mob. You should be on the opposite side of the stock and move in the direction you want the stock to go.... the dogs should do the rest, and naturally bring the stock to you. We encourage you to access as much working dog training material as you can, find the best methods to suit you and your dog and attend working dog schools/clinics to learn how to handle a herding dog. You can have the best dog in the world, but you has his handler don't know what he or you are doing, then he will not reach his full potential for you.
We go to clinics and schools with an open mind, to try to learn as much as we can from the best in the business! If we get just one thing to help us it has been worthwhile... and it's always worthwhile to get together with other dog minded people to share stories and experiences.
We have learned a number of important lessons along the way so far:
- you can't rush a pup (or person) that isn't ready or confident
- every pup (and person) is different and learns at its own pace
- some things work for one, and not for others
- never train in a bad mood!
- enjoy your dogs and their different personalities
There are also many great resources available - books, DVDs, videos and people to help along the way. Below are some links and resources that we have found useful in understanding dog behaviour, training a stock working dog and cattle dog trialling.
Resources that have helped us
Memberships
Cathie is a member of the Queensland Working Cattle Dog Trail Association Inc.
Books
"Herding Dogs" Virgil S Holland
"Working Sheep Dogs" Tully Williams
"Training and working dogs" Scott Lithgow - Chapter 2 "A rationale for rearing procedures" and the relevant appendix is particularly helpful if you are rearing puppies and understanding their brain development stages
"Lessons from a Stock Dog - A training guide" Bruce Fogt
DVDs and Videos
"Training the working stockdog" series with Elvin Kopp
"Pup pen to paddock" , Lloyd Smith NZ - https://puppentopaddock.co.nz/
Doghouse training series with Ian O'Connell - https://farmdogtraining.com.au/
"The Natural Way © - Neth Hill Border Collies " , Julie Hill, Neth Hill Border Collies - https://nethhillbordercollies.co.uk/the-natural-way-copy.html
Podcasts / YouTube
Dog Torque (www.dogtorque.com)
SheSheperds (Laura Hinnekens) (SheShepherds - YouTube)
Cathie is a member of the Queensland Working Cattle Dog Trail Association Inc.
Books
"Herding Dogs" Virgil S Holland
"Working Sheep Dogs" Tully Williams
"Training and working dogs" Scott Lithgow - Chapter 2 "A rationale for rearing procedures" and the relevant appendix is particularly helpful if you are rearing puppies and understanding their brain development stages
"Lessons from a Stock Dog - A training guide" Bruce Fogt
DVDs and Videos
"Training the working stockdog" series with Elvin Kopp
"Pup pen to paddock" , Lloyd Smith NZ - https://puppentopaddock.co.nz/
Doghouse training series with Ian O'Connell - https://farmdogtraining.com.au/
"The Natural Way © - Neth Hill Border Collies " , Julie Hill, Neth Hill Border Collies - https://nethhillbordercollies.co.uk/the-natural-way-copy.html
Podcasts / YouTube
Dog Torque (www.dogtorque.com)
SheSheperds (Laura Hinnekens) (SheShepherds - YouTube)