One of the most interesting parts of stock dog training is watching a dog’s very first introduction to sheep.

No two dogs are ever the same.

Some dogs naturally find balance right away. Some get excited and rush in. Some are thoughtful and cautious. And some simply need more time before they’re mentally ready to begin.

In this video, I’m sharing four different dogs during their first exposure to sheep and talking through some of the things I watch for during these early sessions.

Meet Kayta, Max, Ted & Sam1

I’ll also walk through some important points about correctly introducing dogs to sheep without adding unnecessary pressure or creating bad habits early on.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that early sessions tell you a lot — but they don’t tell you everything. Some dogs start fast and need help slowing down. Some take longer to develop. Some surprise you months or even years later.

That’s part of what makes training stock dogs so interesting.

If you’re starting a young dog of your own, I hope this gives you a realistic look at what early training sessions can look like and helps you better understand what to watch for during those first experiences on livestock.

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