Herding dogs are known for their brains. Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and related breeds are consistently ranked among “most intelligent dogs" lists!
But that natural intellect doesn't always make herding dogs simple to train. In fact, many guardians of these brilliant breeds say their companions are too smart for their own good. (Maybe even cleverer than the human end of the leash.)
We've got you covered. Here’s what you need to know to train your own herder. Whether you just brought home a new puppy or are working with an adult dog, the right teaching methods and background knowledge can help you build a strong relationship.
Let’s dive — or should we say, drive? (Thanks for laughing, cattle dog owners) — in!
While every dog is an individual, here’s a look at the most typical problem behaviors reported by owners of herding breeds.
Some herding dogs become obsessed with movement, even resorting to chasing things like shadows or small light reflections around the house. It’s imperative that you mix up your herding breed’s daily activities so they never get too much stimulation from fixating on motion. Incorporate mental exercise and enrichment, like puzzle feeding toys or obedience training. Help your dog feel calm without constantly scanning the environment.
Avoid these activities with your herding dog:
Herding breeds are prone to noise sensitivity just like they’re predisposed to pay attention to subtle movements. It’s common for these dogs to be nervous around traffic or even “everyday” sounds like the footsteps of your neighbor across the hall.
What’s more? Many herding breeds were also developed to be protective of their property. This means they’re extra likely to be sensitive to sounds that might predict a stranger entering their territory.
If this is your dog, don’t fret. It’s normal! By pairing scary sounds with delicious treats or favorite toys (a process called counterconditioning) you can help your herding dog feel better about the world around them. You’ll also see success from taking a few deep breaths and making sure you yourself stay calm around startling noises. Remember that your dog pays a lot of attention to the way you react!
Many people who adopt a herding breed are surprised when their dog starts going after their ankles or shins — even worse when it's the legs of guests, children, or other animals in the home. This can be startling. No one wants to think about their dog biting someone! But nipping in this context is incredibly natural behavior. It also ties into the reactivity we mentioned above. Some herding dogs are reactive to fast-moving objects purely out of herding drive, even if they aren’t fearful.
Most herding dog nipping can be controlled by providing appropriate outlets for your dog to satisfy their natural desires and carefully managing difficult situations. It’s generally recommended that no dog be left alone around young children — and this is especially important for breeds that have a predisposition to mouthy behavior or herding kids.
Common ways spatial sensitivity plays out in pet herding dogs:
If your herding dog isn’t particularly food motivated, you can try a few different things:
What does that mean for training your herding dog? First and foremost, you have to accept who your pup is! It’s unfair to ask your herding breed to ever completely suppress their instinctive behaviors and drives. You might have different challenges with your Border Collie or Corgi or Shepherd than your neighbor has with their own breed — and that’s okay. When you understand where your dog’s behavior is coming from, it’s easier to practice empathy and bring more patience to your training sessions.
This is the trainer that reviewed this article:
Marnie Montgomery
PMCT4, CPDT-KA
Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Fear-Free Certified Professional
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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