One of the most common problems I see when working with owners’ and their dogs is that the dog doesn’t understand how to control the “chase” impulse when approaching the stock. If you follow the International Sheepdog Society terminology, this is called the LIFT.

I like to teach all of my dogs how to adjust their pace when approaching, so that they understand how to read and treat their stock, even if doing so out of my sight or at a great distance.

Everything I do when training is geared towards eventually working at a distance and with my dog understanding the actual “job”. This job of moving stock means being mindful of using the right about of pace & force dependent on what’s needed to move. If the sheep are really light and flighty, the dog will need to be well off the stock, yet covering. If the sheep are facing the dog and moving heavier, then then dog might need to move forward with lots of authority and confidence, building trust with the sheep.

Here is a short lesson with young Ted. He is quite a forward moving dog, which I really like, but I want him to learn how to approach the stock thoughtfully.

The two methods I use for emphasizing how I want Ted to approach are:

1. Body Language - walking forward to apply pressure, walking through the sheep

2. Throwing a bag or stick on the ground IN FRONT of the dog

After the dog has LIFTED the stock, he should maintain and adjust his pace as needed. If the stock go running by me, then he hasn't slowed enough. If the sheep don't come straight to me, the dog hasn't covered and balanced fully. If the sheep stop on the way, the dog isn't applying enough pressure.

Key here: WATCH YOUR STOCK!

For more learning on this topic:

How to teach your dog to control it's "chase instinct - Part 1 Part 2

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