"Taking the Work out of the Dog"

An interesting statement, but something that we should all be cognizant of. In training our dogs for trials, we often times spend all our time making sure the flanks are clean, the lift is correct, the outrun right, and the pace on the fetch/drive is just right. Those things are all very important, to be sure. Just as important, I believe is to not take the work out of the dog. What is meant by that, is by requiring many off balance stops, and not allowing the dog to cover, or repeatedly stopping our dog at the top before the lift, or not allowing any fair grips, we are taking the work out of the dog.

Believe it or not, good dogs are born with the ability to lift sheep all.by.themselves. Yep, it's true :) Good sheepdogs will grip when the conditions warrant it. Dogs who are repeatedly not allowed to cover, and whom are biddable will begin to hesitate before they cover, awaiting the command to do so. That is a crying shame. If nothing else, if my dog's learning memory was erased today, I want just a few things- always get your sheep, don't let them get away, and get the job done.


I think it's really important for dogs to be used in real work situations- where they have to feel their sheep, and act accordingly. Where they have to move the sheep no matter what, and without urging. The just simply have to do the work, without our interference. Isn't that what we like about them? Their inborn ability to get the job done?

I think many dogs out there who seem to lack in power, or cover, or work ethic (will to get the job done) are a result of not being given the opportunity to just do the work, and in doing so, building their confidence. If we are constantly blathering to our dogs, what does that say about us? Do we not trust them to do what they were born to? Just let them work.

Put some feed bins out and have the dog push them off. Send your dog in a field with sheep in several groups, and let him figure out that his outrun errors will cost him. Let him realize that he has it in him, and yes, you want him to use it. It will mean all the difference to the dog.