For many years, I started training my young dogs in the fenced corner of a field. I didn’t have any fancy round pens, arenas, or even panels to make pens. I used a long line and tried my best to get the dog to balance, so that I could hold the sheep. If I was lucky, I could use an older, trained dog to cover the open side and give me a chance to get the young dog around the sheep.

This technique works, but there is a lot more running for the sheep (usually trying to take off) and me (trying to gather the sheep back up!). It also adds quite a bit of time onto a training session because gathering the sheep back up. There is also the problem of physically getting a keen dog around the stock, when the stock is splitting up and running!

I would try to keep some quiet (knee-knocker) sheep around, that would look to me for safety and this greatly helped with getting the dog started and avoided lots of chasing.

Over the past 10 years, we have done plenty of perimeter fencing (wire farm fence & electric) to keep the sheep safe and predators such as bears, coyotes, and dogs out. We also use livestock guardian dogs that keep our flock safe.

Now for training, we have slowly added a fenced “arena” that is 90 ft x 175 ft and a small field that is about 1 acre. I splurged on some portable panels and gates that I use all year for various applications. I can set up a round pen or divider in a flash! I also purchased a small handling system that makes trimming and vaccinating SO much easier. It’s also great practice for the dogs.

This past month, we have built holding pens that open to both the small field and the arena. This will really save both time and my sheep during clinics. On the corner of my trial field, there will also be a full holding system for letting out the sheep for the individual runs. YES! I am so excited.

Having a safe, secure area for training really goes a long way to protecting the stock from excessive stress. It also makes the process much easier on the dog and handler.

I would recommend reviewing your training area and ensuring it’s safe from fallen wire, boards, and other sharp objects.

What can you adapt in your training area to help your dog be successful?

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