If you’ve ever trained two different dogs using the same exercise — and gotten completely different results — you’re not alone.

And it’s probably not the exercise.

It’s the dog.

In my own training, one of the most important things I watch for isn’t just what the dog is doing… it’s how they respond to pressure.

Do they back off?

Do they push harder?

Do they lock up?

Those reactions tell you what to build — and what to protect.

In this post (and the video below), I’m going to walk through three common types of stock dogs, and how your training priorities should shift with each one.

🎥 Watch the Video

Not Every Dog Is the Same

Before we break this down, it’s important to say:

Most dogs are not just one type.

They’re usually a blend.

This isn’t about labeling your dog — it’s about recognizing tendencies so you can choose exercises that build what’s missing and protect what’s already there.

Usually, one tendency shows up more strongly.

That’s what you train for.

Type 1: Loose-Eyed / Sensitive Dogs

These dogs tend to have a softer presence on sheep.

They flank easily and are often very responsive, but they may avoid real contact on the lift.

Because they’re easy to move and easy to control, it’s common to accidentally take too much pressure off them in training.

What to focus on:

• Building confidence to walk in

• Encouraging responsibility on the lift

• Using natural work to develop push

• Creating independence near stock

The goal is to help the dog learn to calmly hold pressure — not avoid it.

Type 2: Forward Dogs

Forward dogs bring more natural pressure to the work, but they don’t all show up the same way.

A) Young + Pushy Forward Dogs

These dogs are often driven by excitement.

They rush the lift, chase movement, and can feel chaotic early on.

What to focus on:

• Developing a self-regulated lift

• Clean off-balance flanks at close range

• Establishing a solid stop early

Confirming obedience before adding distance to the work.

If you add distance too soon, you simply increase the chaos.

B) Mature + Hard-Driving Forward Dogs

These dogs have often built strong habits of pushing too hard.

At this stage, they don’t naturally regulate themselves.

What to focus on:

• Managing pressure before advancing

• Using the stop to interrupt

• Creating space between dog and sheep

• Rebuilding responsibility on the lift

• Breaking patterns before progressing

Type 3: Strong-Eye Dogs

Strong-eye dogs tend to lock onto sheep and build tension.

They may stall on the lift, cause sheep to face them, and create pressure that eventually leads to an explosive moment.

This isn’t a lack of control — it’s a lack of flow.

What to focus on:

• Encouraging movement (often with more sheep)

• Teaching free flow before control

• Using stop → release → forward patterns

• Working on varied sheep types

Movement is key for these dogs.

The goal is to reduce fixation and create rhythm.

How to Identify Your Dog

When things start to fall apart in your training, ask yourself:

What direction does my dog go?

• Do they back off pressure?

• Do they push too hard?

• Do they lock up and hold pressure?

Most dogs are a blend — but usually one tendency stands out.

That’s where your training focus should go.

Final Thoughts

Most training problems aren’t random.

They come from applying the right exercise to the wrong dog — or at the wrong time.

When you start recognizing your dog’s tendencies, your sessions become more intentional.

And that’s when progress starts to feel steady instead of confusing.

If you’d like help putting this into practice, you can explore more inside my training program, where I walk through how to plan sessions based on the dog in front of you.

🔗 Related Resource

Why Is Your Sheepdog Stuck? Strong Side vs. Loose Side

Need some fresh ideas for training with your High-Energy, High-Drive dog?

Join us today for a FREE Masterclass

REGISTER HERE