Teaching your stock dog to have variable speeds, or "gears," can significantly enhance their performance in both practical & competitive settings.

Whether you're dealing with a dog that naturally enjoys a fast pace or one that prefers a more steady approach, learning to adjust their speed on command can make a world of difference on the dog’s ability to move livestock.

This blog post & video lesson will guide you through the essential steps to teach your stock dog how to speed up effectively.

Just as a car shifts through gears to adjust speed, your stock dog can learn to move faster or slow down with minimal commands. This ability to control pace gives the dog a tactical advantage when managing sheep and other livestock, allowing you to handle a range of situations more effectively.

For example, if I am working a looser-eyed dog with a little less push, I may use the speed up whistle when working really heavy sheep. It’s a really handy tool!

Before you begin training, take a moment to assess your dog's natural pace. Some dogs are naturally fast and enjoy moving quickly, while others are more steady and deliberate. It's important to recognize these tendencies so you can tailor your training approach to your dog's needs.

I actually teach “gears” to all of my dogs regardless of their natural inclination.

When starting this exercise, don't worry if things appear messy initially. Allow your dog the freedom to move without strict constraints. Focus on encouraging movement and excitement rather than getting everything perfect at the start. This stage is about letting your dog understand what you want and naturally adjust to the excitement of moving freely forward.

Introducing a whistle command can be a game-changer. Your whistle allows for rapid communication with your dog, making it possible to initiate speed changes quickly and efficiently. Whistle commands are handy during situations that require immediate response, such as handling heavy sheep or when working with a looser-eyed dog needing to penetrate the flight zone.

By understanding and implementing the concept of "gears," you’re significantly enhancing your dog’s ability to manage livestock.

Don’t forget to watch Part 1 of our series, "How to Develop Pace in Your Young Stock Dog: Teach Your Dog to Slow Down," to build a strong foundation.

Stay tuned for more expert tips and techniques to elevate your dog training skills and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to dive into our training techniques.

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