Although I am not a dog trainer, I have learned a lot about dogs over the years. Before I had dogs, I admit, I was no more knowledgeable than most people. I also saw dogs not because of the work they were bred for, but because of the feelings they provoked in me. Labradors and golden retrievers have always made me want to go up to them and hug them. I have long been intrigued by the Doberman’s gaze and wonder what he is thinking. Standard Poodles have long reminded me of the most stately, elegant and sophisticated actress of the 1920s. German Shepherds just intrigued me; smart, loyal, brave and beautiful, I could look at them for hours. Greyhounds and Salukis were pure poetry in motion and I couldn’t help but think of many small breeds as a bit hyperactive for my liking. There was one exception to this. For a long time I have had a love affair with the Pug. I didn’t understand (until I did some research) why he was breathing so heavily and snoring, but I found him cute beyond words!
These were my impressions of the dogs. Without understanding why the Doberman can win any staring contest with a human, why Goldens are sweet and affectionate with the energy of five cheetahs, or why Terriers, especially Jack Russells, can run circles around anyone, they just I saw the dogs for the characteristics. exhibited, not the work for which they were bred.
This naivete on my part was not only understandable but easily forgiven. I didn’t have any dogs and I had the luxury of seeing them like this.
Now that I have dogs and have spent tireless hours reading about not only breeds (most if not all), but also health conditions, their history and relationships with humans, etc., I am frequently asked by friends and family to help them. understand why your dog does this or that.
Sometimes their questions lead me to wonder if they did any research before choosing the race they did. I am often curious as to whether most people have any understanding of dogs in general. I am often left with the conclusion that the answer to each is no. Dogs are not human, and yet with all the evidence available to validate this claim, people continue to treat them as if they are. But this article is not about the training, or perhaps the lack of it and the obvious need for it, but about a question I was asked by a good friend who was really puzzled by her dog, which she named Aussie.
It seems that the Aussie, which is an Australian Kelpie, has this rather strange behavior. When my friend lets her out, her Aussie runs around in circles and my friend informed me “she tries to corner us all. She drives us crazy! Why do you think she does this?” This is the email I sent you.
Who is this dog and why is he trying to herd the family?
As with most dog breeds these days, chances are if you met the Aussie, the Australian kelpie, you wouldn’t think much of it. Aside from agreeing that it’s aesthetically pleasing or, in layman’s terms, “pretty,” it seems as if you’ve chosen a dog without knowing what he was bred for. Your Kelpie is just one of a dozen dogs that are known as ‘herding dogs’, also known as ‘working dogs’ or ‘cattle dogs’.
Although sheepdogs are charming and lovable family pets, they really shine when given a task. Take the Australian for example. While he would do wonderfully in athletic dog competitions, he is best on the farm where he can help herd cattle, sheep, or poultry.
herding dog duties
Aussie duties on the farm would range from tending to helping herd cattle.
Hooker
Some smaller breeds of herding dogs, such as Corgis, operate by biting by pushing on the ankles of their pack to move them. Heelers run along or even weave in and out of a pack when it moves.
Header
Headlines use a technique called ‘the strong eye’. They stare at a pack to control its movement, either to stop it or rally it. The best known head breed is the Border Collie.
Aussie, as well as some other herding breeds, has a less formidable look and is not as fast and agile. He uses a combination of pitch and heel techniques to protect and guide his herd.
orders
Aussie is very active, highly intelligent and has an incredible vocabulary, which is larger than the average dog. There is a set of commands specific to herding that the Aussie is responsible for knowing. There are some obvious ones, like “wait”, “stable” and “that will do”. There are also some less obvious commands. “Look behind” means the Aussie lost an animal and needs to go find it and get it back. “Share” means that the Aussie must gather her animals into a group. “Bye” or “Pass” means to turn the animals around clockwise. “Away” or “Away from me” means going around them in a counterclockwise direction. “There” means to move the herd through a small space.
Sheepdogs in competition
As a herding dog, the Aussie could take part in what is called a ‘sheepdog trial’. A sheepdog trial is a herding competition. The dogs lead their animals through obstacle courses. They are timed and judged on their performance. Although not as popular in the states, sheepdog trials are prominent in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.
Have a sheepdog as a pet
Aussie is affectionate and protective, and everything a family dog should be. However, it is not fair that she ignores that she is more. Herding dogs have been bred to overpower their instinct to treat other animals as prey. At the same time, they have been bred to use their hunting instincts and natural talents to herd animals.
Most likely, the Aussie could bite someone’s ankle or find themselves underfoot. She will have to be trained not to do these things, as it will be her tendency to try to herd her family, which you have already discovered. Also, herding dogs need more exercise than most dogs to stay happy and healthy. Aussie, although she is happiest on a farm, is a unique, beautiful and useful pet, but in return, you must be aware of her special needs and do your best to meet them in a truly ‘headed’ way.