Archival copy. For current version, see: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/4-h123l A Guide to the $1.50 Livestock-working B. Henny

elcome to the Selecting Your fascinating world Wof the livestock- Employee . This publication If you select and train contains four sections: your working dog as carefully ¥ Selecting the working dog, as you would hire and train a including review of the manager for your farm, you common working breeds can have a very valuable four- legged employee that does the ¥ Basic training methods work of four people and and tips becomes your best and most ¥ The International faithful friend. Whether you select honest. List your Rules with course pattern and train the dog yourself, or traits, such as ¥ A list of resources including instruct a 4-H member, we can’t temper, patience, and breed associations overemphasize the importance of the type of discipline you use. studying all aspects of training Don’t be afraid or too vain to ask It’s intended as a reference before you begin. your spouse, parents, or leader if guide, not a training manual. The first thing to consider is the list accurately reflects your “Training a working dog is not choosing the working breed most personality. Then study the breeds child’s play. It is serious business, suited to your personality and and make a selection that suits you. requiring patience, perseverance, situation. Each working breed has The following is a review of the and knowledge of what you want common personality traits and a most common working breeds and your dog to learn. You must not primary purpose for which it was some helpful hints on the “non- expect the dog to learn it all in a bred. You should select an adapt- instinct” dog. week or month or any set time. It is able breed. Prime examples of a constant learning process.” improper selection include the Border This excerpt from Pope dairy farmer who works Border and their sleek Robertson’s excellent training anextremely aggressive dog that working style were described as manual, Anybody Can Do It, aggravates the dairy cows, which early as the 1500s; however, it illustrates the realities for results in a decrease of their milk was not until October 8, 1973, in 4-H members, or anyone else, supply, or the beef rancher who Bala, North Wales, that the first considering the challenge of works a meek and mild dog that documented was training a working dog. lacks the power to move cattle, Experienced handlers, highly causing inefficiency and loss of recommended by their peers, wrote Bonnie Henny, Brooks, Oregon; with valuable time. These situations all the resource materials listed in assistance from Alan Snider, former occur often. this publication. Each author has his Extension specialist, 4-H youth When examining your development, Oregon State University; or her own method, each with its personality, be objective and and the 4-H Development Committee own merit. for the Dog Program. Illustrations by Nancy Lorain, Brooks, Oregon

4-H 123L Reprinted August 2003 1 Archival copy. For current version, see: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/4-h123l

held. Ten competed before bite. It moves livestock with a A reputable breeder is well- several hundred spectators, and the direct, businesslike attitude. versed on the bloodlines and will winner was a Scotch-bred dog. The variation in the power level guarantee the pup has the instinct This dog originated near the border of the “eye” and the strength of to work. Many Border Collies of Scotland and England, and is personality allow the breed to work annually are purchased from Great now known worldwide as the any type of animal; however, it Britain, and many American-born . works best with herding-instinct puppies have imported parents. Border Collies are primarily animals (such as sheep). This This does not imply that American- black and white with occasional ability to work any animal is well bred dogs are inferior or that tinges of brown or red. They have documented by Arthur Allen in his imported dogs are better; however, either a long (rough) coat or a short book, A Lifetime with the Working bear in mind your needs and select (smooth) coat, stand approximately Collie, Their Training and History, the type of Border Collie best 16 to 26 inches in height, and in which he describes two Border suited for your situation. This will weigh approximately 40 pounds. Collies working a mountain lion allow you to obtain a good work- The Border Collie is bred for into a truck. ing dog more easily. intelligence, instinct, working style, The Border Collie is quick to and “eye”; not for color, coat, nor learn and easy to train. It can size. understand up to 60 commands of The Australian Shepherd The most striking characteristic both whistle and voice, and is originated in the Basque region on of the Border Collie is the “eye,” extremely affectionate to its the border between France and the dog’s power to control live- handler. It’s considered the most Spain. It worked for the Basque stock with its eager watchful eyes intelligent of breeds. It’s the most shepherd for many generations, while it crouches on the ground popular breed of dog working and may have immigrated to North with legs gathered under it for sheep and cattle at trials in the America with the Spanish settlers immediate action. Border Collies United States and Great Britain. in the early 1800s. use “eye” to establish authority and The Border Collie is born with the There is evidence the Australian control without overrunning the instinct to work. It’s very good in Shepherd was imported to Austra- livestock being worked. The “eye” obedience trials, but can become a lia from Spain with Merino sheep. is hereditary. Within the breed, handful if not given enough work In Australia, it was crossed with dogs will show many levels of to expend its energy. The breed English herding dogs to improve “eye” power, from very weak to generally thrives on large livestock its herding ability, and then im- very strong. “Eye” power is unique farms. ported to North America, where it to the Border Collie and does not In selecting a Border Collie, look had remained a purebred for many carry over well genetically when a for a dog that has good working generations. dog is crossbred. parents, medium-eye control, good In top working dogs, “eye” and power (neither flighty nor shy when “power” are complementary traits working), and that is friendly to its that allow the dog to show no fear. handler. It’s very helpful to know the Border Collies use their eyes as an bloodlines of the Border Collie, as enforcer and are able to communi- style of work, level of “eye,” and cate their courage to livestock instinct are hereditary. Purchasing a without using roughness. This puppy is the least expensive means breed is not inclined to jump in and of acquiring the Border Collie. You can feel confident the pup will have the instinct to work if you’re well aware of the bloodlines.

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The Australian Shepherd can with all working breeds, selection Dogs often become self-appointed be identified by its natural or should be based on bloodlines and guardians of their owners’ herds docked bobtail. Males stand 20 to working style of the parents. The and property. 23 inches tall; females 18 to Aussie does not have the control- 21 inches. Average weight is ling “eye,” but does have strong 40 pounds. The Aussie (common working instinct. The Australian Kelpie is a lithe, nickname) may be blue Merle, red extremely active, and intelligent Merle, liver Merle, red, liver, or dog with tireless gait and a strong black. Merle is described as any The Australian Cattle Dog was instinct to work. It’s sometimes coloration with flecks of another developed in Australia exclusively referred to as a “desert Border color in it. Eyes are almond-shaped for working cattle in heavy brush Collie.” It’s a short-coated, prick- and may be any color. (Dogs with or confinement. The breed is used eared dog that revels in difficult one blue and one brown eye are in America to work cattle, hogs, terrain. The Australian Kelpie was common.) and horses. Its primary style is established specifically for desert The Aussie is a well-balanced “heeling,” defined as driving the or tough terrain where it could dog of medium size and bone. It’s animal by biting low on the heels. “ huge areas under extreme attentive and animated, and shows The Australian Cattle Dog (also conditions, often having to do strength and stamina combined called the Blue Heeler) weighs without water for hours on end.” with unusual agility. The dog approximately 33 pounds; males It can be black, black and tan, red, should be slightly longer than it is are 18 to 20 inches in height, while red and tan, fawn-chocolate, or tall. The coat should be of medium females are 17 to 19 inches. It may smoke-blue. Males are 18 to texture, straight to slightly wavy, be blue-mottled, with or without 20 inches in height; females 17 to weather-resistant, and of moderate black, or red-speckled with darker 19 inches. The Kelpie weighs about length with an undercoat. The red markings on the head. A blue- 25 to 30 pounds. This breed is very Australian Shepherd is intelligent, headed dog may be marked with sturdy and strong, but light boned. primarily a working dog, an black and tan, with tan legs. The Kelpie usually is found to have exceptional companion, versatile, The Australian Cattle Dog has a great endurance and energy and and easily trained. moderately short coat, straight and excellent working instincts. It works The Australian Shepherd is medium textured, with a short, in an upright (standing) position, not commonly known as a general-use dense under coat. It’s a bold, flattened to the ground, and has a farm dog. It adapts well to small strong, well-muscled dog that can mild amount of controlling “eye.” farms with limited work. As withstand harsh conditions. A In the United States, well- recognized American Kennel trained Kelpies adapt to large herds breed, it has specific standards for of any type of livestock. Handlers size, color, coat, and marketing. must be aware of the Kelpies’ The breed usually is very aggres- speed and endurance when select- sive and strong-minded, and has ing the breed. Sometimes with been bred to withstand a kick from small flocks, the dog tends to run cattle without backing off. A well- circles around the flock, primarily trained Australian Cattle Dog because it was developed to work works effectively in stockyards and very large herds of sheep. rough country. It can be difficult to The Kelpie originated in Austra- handle with sheep, dairy, or lia in the mid-1880s, when three poultry, and takes patience to train. pairs of black and tan “working The Australian Cattle Dog is well- known for its loyalty and protec- tive instinct. Australian Cattle

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collies” were imported from Great It’s thought that some of the first those we’ve discussed, are being Britain. The intermixing of the ancestors of the breed were bred for conformation shows and not strain helped stabilize the breed. brought from Poland in 1514 by exclusively for working ability. This At the time the black and tan traders coming to Scotland to trade will affect the natural working “working collies” were imported to grain for Scottish sheep. The instinct of the dog. Australia, the Border Collie was records state that one of the Take time in selecting your dog! known as “the black-and-white, Scottish shepherds traded a ram Breeders will be patient if you are rough-coated “working Collie.” and ewe for a dog and two bitches. sincere and determined in your Please note: The Australian Beardies range in size from 20 selection process. Nothing can be Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog, and to 23 inches (at the shoulder) for more frustrating to a new owner or the Australian Shepherd are three males and 19 to 22 inches for the breeder than when a puppy is distinct breeds, each developed for females. Their color can vary from returned due to lack of understand- a specific and different purpose. black to silver and chocolate to ing about the breed purchased. Also, the Border Collie and the sandy, with or without white Within reason, any breed can be Australian Kelpie are included in markings. The topcoat is long, used to do minimum work around the Miscellaneous Class of the harsh, and flat, while the undercoat the farm with careful, strict train- American . is soft, furry, and dense. Bearded ing. Many breeds, such as the Collies are intelligent, affectionate, , originally were stable, untiring, and good with bred to herd livestock but may now The Bearded Collie is a children. have a very different purpose in medium-sized, long-coated dog As with all other working life and no working instinct left. that originated in the highlands of breeds, selection of a pup should When you train a dog with no Scotland where it was used for be made by looking for working instinct (remember, chasing is not herding sheep. These dogs were parents. The Beardies are popular instinct), it must be completely sent up into the hills where they in dog shows and as house com- trained to all obedience and worked independently as panions. The well-trained working directional commands prior to “huntaways” searching for lost or Beardie is not as easy to find as introducing it to livestock. hiding sheep, running and jumping the working breeds previously Two excellent training manuals, over hilly terrain while barking mentioned. The Bearded Collie is The Farmer’s Dog by John Holmes to move the sheep from under registered through the American and A Lifetime with the Working cover. They would then gather and has a specific set Collie, Their Training and History flock together and bring it in to of standards. by Arthur N. Allen, demonstrate the shepherd. There used to be training methods helpful with interbreeding between Beardies Other Breeds instinct and “non-instinct” dogs. (common nickname) and Border If you select your working dog Collies in Scotland, resulting in a from another working breed, such strain more closely resembling the as the Corgi, McNab, English Border Collie. The two strains of Shepherd, Sheltie, or Collie, study Beardies, Border strain (grey and each breed thoroughly for style of white) and the Highland strain work, availability of proven (brown and white), are indistinguish- working bloodlines, and the current able today due to inter-breeding. primary purpose for which the breed is being used. Be aware that many breeds, including

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Once non-instinct training has continually bolster its confidence. changing handlers again. These begun, the handler must confine When a dog has confidence in dogs, especially the Border Collie, the dog whenever it’s not being itself, it will have the power to are highly intelligent animals with supervised. Never allow the dog to move the animal wherever its very long memories. work on its own. The dog will not handler requests, and will know Throughout the life of your understand its purpose and can that its master will assist in a calm working dog, you must maintain cause a great deal of damage to the manner when difficulties arise. firm control. Because of their livestock. A well-trained, non- Power is two-staged; power to intelligence, working dogs will instinct dog will work quite move the animals is hereditary, but take matters into their own hands effectively in simple herding tasks, that power will not develop to its and ignore the handler if given the but will never develop the field potential unless the dog has chance. This becomes especially maneuverability of a working confidence. true during the teenage months, breed. usually from 6 months to 11⁄2 years. Studying the breeds of working Basic Training The younger dogs often are called dogs and their bloodlines as well as delinquents! The handler will start your personality and needs is the Methods and Tips with an eager pup, which will first step toward selection. A highlight in family life is accept and understand commands Next is an extremely important bringing home the new puppy. in a very short training time. All of factor, the environment of the dog Contrary to popular belief, family a sudden, the young dog will before and after purchase. A well- socialization is a very good start ignore the commands, especially socialized puppy with constant toward training a working dog. “come” and “sit,” and the handlers human companionship will show the Socialization bolsters confidence. will wonder if someone switched purchaser an honest picture of the Many professional handlers with dogs overnight. type of personality it may have at grown families farm out a young Don’t be alarmed; this is usually maturity. The pup or young dog pup (similar to the guide dog the time when the working instinct deprived of human companionship program) to a child to raise until it’s starts developing and the dog’s 1 may be shy and uninterested or approximately 1 ⁄2 years old. During legs begin to realize their full behave over-aggressively as a that time, the young dog will mobility. It’s a very trying time for result of its environment, never discover itself, learn basic obedience the handler, and requires patience giving a clue to its true personality. (“come,” “sit,” and how to behave), with firm training. Many experi- The purchaser must be aware of and mature. This early training enced handlers who maintain slow, both the environment the dog came makes it easier for the young dog to firm training eliminate or reduce from and the environment in which it accept the strenuous training re- the teenage stage. It’s important will be placed. If you purchase a shy quired to become a working dog. that dogs respond to the commands or uninterested dog that has working If a handler starts with a puppy, “come,” “sit,” and “that will do” bloodlines and place it in an environ- socializes it, and completely trains it (see “Common Commands,” ment of constant socialization and no to a mature working dog, the handler page 10) when you give them. competition with other dogs, it’s will find the dog much more dedi- Reinforce or retrain the commands likely to develop into an eager and cated and willing to work than the any time the dog does not respond. faithful working companion. handler who purchases a started dog The most common error in the Purchase a well-adjusted pup, or hires the training done. A dog field, or at trials, is that the dog give it constant affection, and with more than one owner during its does not respond to the first stop early years requires more time to command. This can cause havoc develop allegiance to its handler, and when working livestock. it will continue to worry about

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Do not discipline your dog a hardheaded dog will be able to Jealousy is common in the two-dog unless it completely understands withstand very difficult situations household. Because of the hen- the command and still does not without being intimidated. pecking order found in dogs, a respond. Firm control does not The 4-H sub-novice and novice younger dog entering the territory of mean physical discipline. Control is obedience can be very helpful and an older one can cause a great deal giving a command and working will not harm a working dog. It’s of strain between handler and dogs. with the dog until it executes the important to keep all training short Extra companionship, individually command immediately no matter (10Ð15 minutes per day) and fun. given, and patience usually will where the command is given—in Add tricks and lots of praise, not allow the dogs to live and work in the house or in a mud puddle. Each food. Be patient. Train one com- relative peace. dog must be disciplined according mand at a time and do not allow the Remember, you are training the to its personality. A soft, easy- dog to be bored. If you find the dog dog to be your employee and tempered dog will respond to a acting lazy or uninterested, stop friend. As an employer, the better slight tug on the choke chain or a training it for a week or two. It can you train your employee, the better firmly raised voice (not yelling) be helpful during a serious period of it will work. Thus, do not expect when discipline is needed. training to keep the dog tied and immediate results. Take time and Use physical discipline only on a allow it off the lead only for training, patience and your “friendship” will bold and aggressive, “hardheaded” followed by play time. This can last longer with less frustration! dog that understands the command, instill a “let’s get to work” attitude in A puppy should be allowed to but after being reprimanded once a dog not showing a strong dedica- become a mature dog before going by normal discipline, returns to tion or willingness to work. to work. Puppies with strong make the same severe mistake. Try to have the dog be a con- instinct can try to work as early as Physical force should be applied by stant companion, but when you’re 8 weeks, and should be given the human hand, never with a gone, confine the dog to prevent it ducks to move. Don’t allow the material object. Physical discipline from working on its own. If the puppy to work large livestock, as it rarely is used, but often misused. If dog is a family pet, designate one does not have the leg power, the dog is consistently making the person to train, feed, and care for confidence, instinct, or maturity to same mistake, return the dog to the it, especially during the initial handle the charging animals. You’ll leash and retrain the command. training period. Once the family find it much more difficult to train Many times, this reinforcement can dog is working, it normally will the pup to forget a bad experience be invaluable training. Sometimes, obey anyone in the family, but than to prevent the experience in it’s an indication the dog did not will perform best for the original the first place. Even when a dog is originally understand the com- handler. 2 years old, allow it to test any mand. The hardheaded dog is the Likewise, unless a situation and be prepared to assist most difficult to train. handler with two dogs can so the dog won’t lose confidence. However, once work them independently The handler’s knowledge of the well-trained, from each other as a livestock being worked is often a brace, each dog he or she forgotten necessity. You must owns should work alone. know how the livestock will react The handler must separately in any given situation, and when to train each dog, never allow- give assistance or correct your dog. ing the old dog to teach the young Successful handlers strive to one. A dog must take orders from understand at least half of what their the handler, not another dog. dogs know.

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Starting the dog on livestock These three books offer excel- If the dog is well bred and well you intend to work requires careful lent advice and each should be trained, you’ll be investing a lot of planning. Begin with easy and reviewed on its own merit. money in its purchase. You should free-moving stock in a confined Starting with a well-bred, be prepared to invest a lot of time but spacious pen, where you can working breed pup and training the and patience after the dog arrives have control of the situation at all dog yourself is the best investment at its new home, too. Remember, times and the dog can gain confi- toward a good working dog. Some your dog is your employee, and dence in its ability to work the handlers prefer to purchase a you do not expect a new employee stock as you command. Never use started or fully-trained working of the farm to work perfectly after pet stock such as bummer lambs, dog. If you purchase a started or a week on the job. Why should you because they tend to ignore any trained dog, selection is more expect that of a new dog? The dog dog and do not react as a normal critical, but often less research is must accept the new environment herd of stock would. required than when buying a and attach confidence and compan- We urge you to read the three puppy. ionship to the new handler. Be- top training manuals: Anybody Can Not only should you view the sides, the dog did not ask for the Do It; A Lifetime With The Working dog’s ability in a given situation, job; you took the dog away from Collie, Their Training and History; but if at all possible, visit a few its master. and A Farmer’s Dog. times with the breeder and dog Making a difficult decision is Anybody Can Do It describes prior to purchase. It’s common for something handlers often face. each step of training and assumes a professional handler purchasing a Sometimes, because of handler the dog to have a good working trained dog in Great Britain to error, improper breed selection, instinct. It is by far the best travel overseas and spend up to a incompatibility between dog and pictorial of each training step, but month with the original owner and handler, or between the dog’s the reader must read every word to the dog. This helps the trainer learn working ability and the job, a completely understand what the about the dog’s environment, its handler must decide how to author intends to say. It does not temperament, the original handlers, eliminate a family member (the waste words, and is considered to stage of training, and hereditary dog) and start over. This is be top of the line for training a factors. An imported dog comes extremely difficult if the dog is a Border Collie. with a tape of commands, both child’s pet, and it may be impos- A Lifetime with the Working whistle and voice, because the dog sible. Only the owner can know Collie, Their Training and History understands the command with the how to proceed. is written by one of the grandfa- accent used. If you purchase a dog If there is room to house more thers of the American Border from a different part of the country, than one dog, it may be practical Collie Breeders. It has excellent be aware of the original handler’s to purchase another. However, if training methods, different from accent, since you must imitate any the dog has killed or maliciously Anybody Can Do It, and very good accent in the commands to obtain attacked livestock, it must be history of some famous Border the correct response. destroyed, because there is no cure Collies along with some interesting and the behavior will happen tales of the author’s dogs. again. If you’re a 4-H leader, and A Farmer’s Dog is a much older you and the parents agree the dog publication than the others and can will go no further, decide on a be used in training all working united strategy to inform the breeds. It offers slightly different 4-H’er, who often will already training methods. have realized the problem.

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All three parties can then decide Sheep Dog Trials The Drive how to proceed. If, as a leader, you The Outrun The drive begins with driving are not sure how to proceed in the the sheep behind the handler and, In starting each run, the contes- training of a certain team of 4-H’er normally, behind the pen in a tants and their dogs shall take and dog, contact a professional straight or near straight line to position at a designated point near handler. The “Resources” section Gate 1, left gate; driving the sheep the pen—this position to be “fixed” (page 12) lists national and local through Gate 1 (away from han- position for all work until the clubs. Contact the club secretary, dler), then horizontally across the completion of the second gate and who will refer you to a local field to and through Gate 2, right preparation for the pen. With the handler. gate, in a straight or near straight sheep in place, and upon a signal This information is not intended line. Points can be deducted for from the Course Director, the run to discourage you from teaching or failure to completely send all sheep for each dog begins. On the outrun, training a working dog. However, through the gates (usually 1 point the dog may be directed to go even in the best circumstances, deducted for each sheep), for any either “right” or “left,” and each failure is possible. Unlike dog sheep coming back through the dog shall run a pear-shaped outrun obedience, where patience and gate after it has been attempted, or until beyond the sheep (approxi- time will allow any dog to learn for deviation from a straight or mately 10 to 11 o’clock position). basic obedience, not every dog can near-straight line during any part of Crossover, or disposition to be a working dog. Professional the drive. Scoring will stop at fetch crossover, shall cause deduction of handlers know that many dogs can if drive is not attempted. points at the judge’s discretion. be useful workers on the farm, but The drive ends when the sheep the excellent dog may come only The Lift are through Gate 2. Once the sheep once in a lifetime, if at all. have passed either gate, no reentry The introduction of dog to sheep The basic commands on pages is allowed. The contestant shall should be cautious and done 10Ð11 will work a handler through proceed to the pen. The dog is calmly, without frightening the an average working day, providing required to bring the sheep up for sheep. Properly done, the lift the handler is using a strong- penning. requires the dog to control the instinct dog that wants to work and sheep quietly and firmly, without please its handler. Always have The Pen unduly startling them, and move strong enforcement on the “stop” The pen is set not less than 10 off in a straight line with complete and “that will do” commands. This yards outside the driving field. The control. will allow you to correct any pen shall be anchored securely at situation before it can get too far The Fetch three points, but in such a way that out of control. the gate may open to the right or The fetch should be on a straight left, at the discretion of the handler. or near-straight line through the The opening corner of the pen shall fetch panels from the point of contact and lift to the handler. Swerving, zigzagging, wide and hard flanking, or other deviations from the near-straight line will cause loss of points. The nature of the work, conditions, and handling of the sheep are all considered. The fetch ends when the sheep are around the handler and in control.

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be the one nearest to Gate 2 on the driving field. A 6-foot cord shall be attached to the end of the opening gate. The handler is allowed to hold the cord to the end but not farther. The handler shall direct the dog to pen the sheep unassisted, and shall close the gate only when the sheep are completely inside the pen. Points may be deducted for excess movement during the pen attempt. No points are given for an unsuccessful attempt.

The Shed The shed shall be attempted only after a pen is completed. The handler opens the pen and moves the sheep out in the open field. The handler directs the dog to control the sheep in a designated area, and commands the dog to split and hold a determined number of sheep away from the flock. The judge will signal when the shed has been accepted. No points are given for attempting a shed. Each dog shall work its assigned sheep through the course in a determined time, and must be unassisted in any way by the handler, other than commands spoken or whistled. A dog working too aggressively, or too inattentively to maintain control of the sheep, shall lose points in any or all of the sections.

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Common Commands for the Livestock-working Dog

Come or come in The dog is to come to the handler

Lie down To lie on all four legs on the ground (not lying on side of body on ground). Also “sit” or “down” can be used in normal obedience work, but are too short for use in the field.

Stay To remain in the position the handler commanded until another command is given.

Stand To stop in an upright, standing position.

Heel Walk at either side of the handler in an orderly manner (usually left). That will do Command the dog to quit whatever it is doing and return to handler. (Very important command.)

Get back, get off, or back off Create a wide distance between dog and livestock being worked. Get around Send dog out to gather livestock (no specific direction is given). It is critical the dog circle wide away from the livestock, a minimum of 50 feet away at any point, until the dog is well behind and prepared to move up (use of flanking dog commands, given on the following page, is more effective. Bring them in (or bring ‘em in) Dog gathers and fetches the livestock to the handler without directional commands.

Walk up or walk in Move closer to the livestock in a straight line. This command should be trained only after the dog totally understands a wide outrun and get back command. (Often, dogs are too tight due to their eagerness to work, and the command is mostly used in a penning situation.)

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Flanking

The following commands are flanking (directional) commands along with some additional commands which allow you a great deal more maneuverability in the field and will prepare a path for trials. All these commands are explained in detail in Anybody Can Do It; A Lifetime with the Working Collie, Their Training and History; and The Farmer’s Dog. Each author uses a different training method but accomplishes the same type of command.

Away to me To send the dog counterclockwise or right (can be 360 or 10 degrees). Right To send the dog to its right, not the handler’s right. Similar to the “away to me” command (which is the preferred command). Note: Once these two commands are trained, the “get around” command is not necessary.

There The dog stops moving in the direction it was going and changes direction. It is not necessary for the dog to completely stop.

Steady, easy, or take it easy Commands the dog to settle down.

Look back, back around, or look Send the dog back around the field to look for additional livestock. Also, for sheep the handler can train the dog to tell the difference between livestock (cattle, sheep, or ducks in the same field) by name command. Up or hup To jump over normal stock fences. Does not matter how the dog accomplishes it (climbing or pushing with feet).

Get in the pickup Helpful when you have a busy day or the handler needs the dog to stay in a place out of the way for a long period of time without being tied. The command instructs the dog to stay in the pickup until requested to move. Whistle commands Are trained after voice commands are completely trained and understood. Whistle commands should be shrill and specific. You must be careful always to be distinctive and consistent when giving the whistle com- mand. To train a dog to whistle commands, give the whistle command followed by a voice command in repetitive fashion. Whistle commands are valuable in large or hilly fields where voice commands may not be heard. A “stop” whistle command (stand or lie down) often is more effective than voice, no matter the distance. Remember: Select the commands you intend to use, and always be consistent in training and daily work. If, when using directional commands, your dog goes in a different direction, never use hand signals. A livestock- working dog often is out of sight and should be listening to its handler, not looking at him or her.

11 Archival copy. For current version, see: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/4-h123l

The Bearded Collie, G.O. Willison. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Resources Foyle Ltd., London, England, 1971. P.O. Box 3790, Bryan, TX 77805- A Lifetime With the Working Collie, 8690. Their Training and History, Arthur *The Farmer’s Dog, John Holmes. N. Allen, 1979 (order from author: Popular Dogs Publishing Co. Ltd., North American Sheep Dog Society, Route 3, McLeansboro, IL 68259). London, 1986. Rossine Kirsch, Rt. 3 Box 107, Very good basic training manual for Good, basic training manual for all McCleansboro, IL62859. all working breeds. working breeds. Northwest Bearded Collie Club All About The Bearded Collie, Joyce The National Stock Dog Magazine, (www.nwbcc.org), Jackye Dunn, Collis. Michael Joseph Publ., 1987. P.O. Box 402, Butler, IN 46721. 5009 N. 15th Street, Tacoma, WA 98406. Anybody Can Do It, Pope Robertson. *The Sheep Dog: Its Work and Rovar Publications, 1979. Training, Tim Longton and Edward Oregon Sheep Dog Society (http:// Best training manual on the market, Hart. David & Charles, 1977. www.osds.org), Donna Grimes, especially for the strong instinct P.O. Box 679, Athena, OR 97813. breed, e.g., Border Collie and Good training manual; better for the Australian Kelpie. experienced Border Collie handler. The Bearded Collie Club of America (http://bcca.us), Jeff Ipser, 18956 Beardie Basics, Barbara Rieseberg Working Sheep Dog News, 5 Vale Thorpe Road, Auburn, OH 44023. and B.J. McKinney. Alpine Publi- Crescent, Bishop Wilton, York, cations, 1978. England YO42 1SU (http:// The Working Kelpie Council of Austra- members.lycos.co.uk/ lia Inc. (http://www.wkc.org.au), *Border Collies: An Owner’s Com- workingsheepdog/index.html). P.O. Box 306, Castle Hill, NSW 1765 Australia. panion, Iris Combe. The Crowood Coverage of the working Border Press, 1993. Collie and other sheepdog breeds History of the Border Collie. throughout the world.

4-H Score Sheets for the Working Dog Project. Available from 4-H county Organizations * Items available from Diamond Farm Extension faculty. American Border Collie Association, Book Publishers, Division Yesteryear Inc., Patty Rogers, 82 Rogers Road, Toys & Books Inc., P.O. Box 537, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607. “Guidelines for Trials” Oregon Sheep Perkinston, MS 39573-8843. Dog Society, P.O. Box 679, Athena, OR 97813. American-International Border Collie Registry, Inc. (http://www.aibc- *Sheepdogs, My Faithful Friends, Eric registry.org), P.O. Box 274, Halsall. Diamond Farm Book Chappell Hill, TX 77426. Publishers, 1980. Australian Cattle Dog Club of Complete history of the Border America (http://www.acdca.org/), Collie in Great Britian. Pam Mansfold, 5041 Britton Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32210-8648.

This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety for noncommercial purposes. Produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials—without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reprinted August 2003 12