Brilliant Sheep Herding Demonstration Using Border Collies

[@errhka]

There's something very satisfying about this on a deep personal level. The animals having such a purpose and the tradition of such an art - that's something that you don't find too often nowadays

[@SirMo]

Indeed. I bet the sheep and the dogs are living a happy life.

[@dm3402]

sheep are getting smart too, understanding the signals the dogs get. Dog's have the best job, they get to chase stuff and get paid for it too!

[@landonconner5694]

I can't really speak about social interaction regarding the modern day, but you'd find that there would be as much art in other industries.

[@neochris2]

To think that the slow domestication of these species took milleniums, but it got to a point where man's whistling controls his source of food. An incredible symbiosis between man and animals, an expression of his extended phenotype in a different species. It provoques some very deep thoughts.

[@BigDaddyWes]

Amazing what centuries of breeding animals for specific traits will do.

[@brady4684]

They way he just quietly says “that’ll do bes” from like 300 yards out and it just immediately follows his command is incredible

[@beefcake1876]

bruh sometimes I swear people are shouting at dogs and they just pretend not to listen lmao these dogs are very well trained

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa790]

@@beefcake1876 The dogs occasionally did disobey. He even comments on it.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa790]

*Bess

[@brady4684]

@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa790 oh my god so there’s one more s.. frig off

[@inkslingerdrew]

the only delay was in the amount of time it took for sound to travel that far lol

[@jillstewartPRADStewComm]

This was one of our favorite stops in Ireland. Smart dogs, entertaining trainer. And the sheep, well, the sheep were themselves.

[@kevinstewart449]

He is a character, eh.

[@wm_9640]

I saw this exact demonstration in Ireland too! It was awesome

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

The sheep are honestly thrilled to have the border collie there as they do not (as long as they have a typically well-behaved and trained collie) *really* believe the collie will kill them unless something dramatic happens. They know the border collie is there to protect and guide them. They trust the collies. The sheep are “smiling” just as this man notes as they are also in a situation for which they’ve been prepared by many centuries of training and domestication. It’s beautiful to see them work together in such beautiful harmony.

[@johnnydtractive]

@@kevinstewart449 Are you Canadian? Just checking eh.

[@eg-draw]

and the sheep were cute haha

[@bobfitzgibbon6822]

Many years ago when I was about 10 years old we had a Collie and a pet rabbit. The rabbit was never able to leave our yard because the dog would not only herd it but also pick it up by the back of his neck and redeposit it in the middle of the yard. We never taught the dog how to do this. It is an instinct they are born with. Now, some 70 years later, I can still see it like it was yesterday. My wife and I visited Ireland about 3 years ago and were treated to a similar display of herding dogs. It was the highlight of our trip.

[@karenjohnson5634]

I bet that was so cute to watch!!!

[@jakenbake9878]

What a great story. I’d love to go see this live someday

[@reneetherese1963]

What a beautiful memory!

[@epr8974]

What a perfect team. I also really liked the calm way this man did his work. It was especially noticeable towards the end when the man from the audience was asking about the dogs' age. He wasn't done with his commands. So he simply completed them until he had reached a point where he could interrupt and then answered the question.

[@lottnio8207]

Aren't you calm when you do your work? That is quite normal..

[@SuperGGLOL]

@@lottnio8207 it’s normal to save a child right? So we shouldn’t give praise to the person who saved the child. Because it’s oh so normal.

[@arbitrarylib]

i caught that too

[@Rachel-ub3nw]

When the man explains what he's doing, I swear it has the same as effect as David Attenborough. I just want to keep watching the dogs and listening to the man. Brilliant

[@mywalterego9248]

One of the best working dog demos I've seen on KZbin. Absolutely spectacular handling by the shepherd. As he said, the dogs do it instinctually, but it takes a good leader to make it "work".

[@comesahorseman]

I've been a veterinary technician for over 30 years; and, I admit that my highest respect is reserved for sporting and working dogs that have a job to do, enjoy doing it, and are good at it. The best dogs have an almost spiritual relationship with their owners.

[@GrosserAndrew5000]

Impressive how the dog understands and knows how to conduct them, and the sheep also know how to go about it. And people will say they are "irrational" animals.

[@mudchair16]

That's because it's true. Following a few commands isn't evidence of an ability to reason.

[@ihsahnakerfeldt9280]

The dogs are incredibly smart but the sheep are operating on basically nothing more than fear (and obviously what it takes to recognize a predator).

[@deff5563]

@@ihsahnakerfeldt9280most likely they will interact their whole lives, every day with the dogs. clearly the regognize that they wont get hurt.

[@ellehcim2779]

They ARE irrational

[@xenn4985]

Literally nobody says that

[@nikolpatzer271]

By far one of the most underappreciated talents in the domestic animal kingdom...beautifully done :) thank you

[@MrVidrender]

Why thank you Mr. Wing. I really appreciate the kind words and am thrilled that so many folks enjoyed watching this video. I just recorded and edited... the awesome dogs did all the work :-)

[@wm_9640]

This is crazy to see online because when I went to Ireland I saw this exact demonstration!

[@gilgamesh7055]

Its like hes operating two drones with whistle signals. Amazing art.

[@Colonel3012]

Amazing......and whoever ran the camera has mad skills.

[@samh09]

The picture quality of the video is amazing. The camera work on the video is excellent. I tip my hat to the camera operator.

[@MarkA03264]

My wife and I just got back from Ireland and saw Brendan demonstrate. It was truly amazing.

[@wescampbell1768]

Joy and I watched him in person in 1996 as we were on a tour through Ireland. He looks much the same now this video. Brilliant demonstration most enjoyable. Remembered for a life time.

[@salmacaraig4413]

This is the coolest shit I've seen all week

[@goonigoogoo5868]

it is not "shit."

[@resmarted]

whats been going on since then

[@voodoo1244]

Honestly. The way the dogs follow commands based on sound is amazing. They even pounce down when waiting for a command

[@Nik-lf4rw]

@@voodoo1244 indeed very amazing dog the owner should be very proud, i hope his kins are as smart!

[@Angus_Gibson]

The charm of the Irish never fails to make me smile! :)

[@Trenasist]

Now this is what collies are bread for... Not to stroll around in a little 3x3 meter backyard, then getting punished for tearing up the garden

[@revetan9076]

Frr!!

[@gryffindorheart3225]

They seriously love it to. I knew a border collie who desperately wanted to be trained doing something that when I used to do dog daycare he would literally run in a giant circle non stop all day only to rest for food and water. He would run so much sometimes, he would actually bust his pads and we would have to ointment them and let him rest. These dogs literally love this.

[@lauraaston7708]

So when people shout their dogs from a distance, or say “they can’t hear me” we know all know that’s BS. Haha. They can hear you they’re just not listening to you, big difference! Shows people how giving a dog a job (something to do with their minds as well as their bodies), giving them direction, teaching them things, and sharing instinctual experiences, is a very important part of what creates that incredible relationship between human and dog, and makes them actually want to listen to you. Fricking beautiful!

[@MrVidrender]

Hey, MrKitkat. Thank you for your kind words. I videotaped this clip in Kerry, Ireland in August of 2011. I agree with you, Brendan is truly a master and put on an outstanding show!.

[@calummckeogh1813]

Ha Brendan, one of the most irish names ever

[@ZakRios333]

Crazy how our border collie here will herd the neighbors chickens and he’s never been trained in his life to do so. Awesome instinct

[@SeanP7195]

I grew up in big cities, worked for awful corporate monsters, thought I was living the life we should. One day while on vacation in the Highlands I saw herders and was like man, this is how we should be living.

[@aaronreynolds1493]

In a way this is how we are living, most of us sheep, some border collie herders and others Shepherds

[@markc1234golf]

That was absolutely stunning thank you SO MUCH for uploading this gorgeous display what amazed me the most was the demonstration of the dog's hearing capabilities right at the end. THANK YOU !!! And that lovely irish accent made it even more special :)

[@MrVidrender]

My pleasure, machc1234golf! Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@stoutdog56]

The sheep are going WTF! Why are you doing this to us today? What did we do to deserve this? The dogs are incredible. I really like the breed.

[@dado-7775]

hahahh, very true :)

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

While visiting in Brecon,Wales during Graduate School, we were invited to a County Fair, the main event being Championship Sheepdog Trials . We had never seen such maneuvering in our lives...it was awesome...complete silence until each wonderful dog penned the sheep. Then, great clamor of clapping, yelling, etc. Just an amazing experience, especially for two urban Yanks! This is so amazing too..the shepherd's patient teaching and the dogs' intelligence. ❤ Thanks for the memories!

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

And I now have monster Bearded Collie puppy who herds me...it is hilarious!

[@MissYouPete]

What a remarkable example of synergy between wonderful dogs and their master. Certainly the breed makes a difference, just as certain is that Brendan Ferris is a masterful dog handler. Bravo Brendan!

[@belinhafernandes]

It's wonderful to see men and animals working together as a team. These dogs are fabulous! Thank you for sharing! I am Portuguese. Would love to watch this live.

[@TheMarijule]

Everytime there is a sheep presentation: Sheep: man.. we are doing this again. This is really tiring..

[@margiewatson6081]

Relaxed and effective demonstration - enjoyed the gentle humour as much as the masterly cooperation.

[@delicious619]

I saw this on a stop on a bus tour with my wife a few months ago. Absolutely amazing show!

[@celticstephenhill]

Bloody brilliant sir! I'm always so amazed to see well trained working dogs...and Sheppard's are always at the top of the list.

[@barabi51]

Amazing, and thanks for posting this--the dogs are wonderfully trained, and the shepherd appears to be a natural teacher able to explain clearly what he is doing as he directs the dogs with voice and whistle.

[@dianab921]

Utterly amazing. It is truly astonishing what dogs can do.

[@kuips131]

I can really admire how much control he has of his dogs. Brilliant indeed

[@dragonryderslair]

That will do Bes. Absolutely beautiful. That will do indeed!

[@wm_9640]

I went to that!! I recently went to Ireland and saw this exact demonstration. It was apart of the Ring of Kerry tour. It was awesome to see

[@bcmom5]

The whole thing was awesome but that last part with the hearing level was outstanding! I wouldn't trade my Border Collies for anything. :D

[@fr3aky0u]

border collies are more productive than some people:D

[@johnjlanejr]

fr3aky0u border collie are more productive than MOST people...

[@linasayshush]

Definitely more productive than me, who is watching the dog herding sheep when I should be working.

[@sinaloa367]

A Border Collie is more productive than ANY person. It would take SIX people to do the work of ONE dog.

[@sittingbackandwatchingital3845]

John Lane no

[@haroldbahls5431]

Do you know this first hand.?

[@linasayshush]

Could border collies herd children? Asking for a friend.

[@stoutdog56]

Oh yeah! They can heard anything that fears them.

[@sandimiller2335]

My partners border collie will nudge the kids if we call their name. Or if I call Storm, another dog of his, Mac will run over to herd her too. His name is Mackoosia and he's very smart. He's a tri colour border collie. Storm is a Australian Shepherd. They're both were rescues at one year of age that were going to be put down. Mac because his owner was tired of him now that he wasn't a puppy any longer and Storms owner was gong to put her down because she was over size for her breed. Those two people should be put down for being poor excuses of human beings. Mac and Storm are now 11 years old, happy with their human daddy and loved by all who know them.

[@Randomodnar]

Yes, but theres a potential of nipping unless trained hardcore

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Herding professors is the biggest challenge of all - know from personal experience. Herding cats is nothing compared to herding professors...

[@Tailss1]

@@sandimiller2335 Some people shouldn't own dogs.

[@moonshinefe]

Wow, I'm from the city and I've never seen anything like this. Very amazing dogs Mr. Hinson, thanks or the demonstration

[@cbC-uo2qy]

This is amazing. Total sense of duty and responsibility. They love what they do. Love dogs.

[@mariadaugbjerg6141]

It is always very fascinating to watch border collies working ( and the farmer too ) . Very intelligent dogs indeed , and i have heard that border collies is the most intelligent dog breed .

[@elcordinho2202]

Such a pleasure to see some positive stuff once in a while! Great relationship man - dog! The ending was phenomenal :)

[@carle8608]

I had seen this demonstration live in 2019. The trainer and dogs were truly amazing. And what better setting to see this demonstration than beautiful Ireland.

[@sanitarycockroach9038]

Whenever I see a dog with such an intent body posture and expression, I can tell it is doing something it finds fulfilling and/or fun. Such a wholesome cooperative relationship.

[@rodneywroten2994]

first time to ever see well trained dogs work as your hands. very awesome

[@MOOtf2]

3:03 Shows us that no matter where you go, there will always be an interrupting ringtone going off in the audience.

[@Frillar]

You just know this was a relationship built up over many, many generations. once upon a time these dogs were wolves, and through generation upon generation of very careful relationship and husbandry these wolves became astute colleagues and assistants. It's remarkable and amazing.

[@jennamomenna5750]

That dog that was having so much fun chasing the sheep around and didn't want to lay down was so cute. She now must be a 13 year old dog or more. Hope she's lively and can run around in the fields still.

[@ih8chz]

I cannot believe she heard you say "that'll do, bess" absolutely incredible what these animals are capable of.

[@amouramarie]

Kinda makes you think about how often your own dog is pretending not to hear you yelling from 40 feet away :p

[@sianchild]

Wonderful Kerry accent and fabulous collies!

[@naiarerich2926]

So much talent!!! Both the shepherd and the dogs, such a remarkable team work!!! 😍😍😍 It's 2019 and I wonder how they're doing now 💛💛💛

[@pilsonandrew]

I was never really intersted in vising Ireland until I watched this fascinating video... Thank you SO MUCH for posting.

[@simonadams]

these are a Scottish breed of dog, a Scottish breed of sheep, being used to make wool for a Scottish material, tweed, so is it Ireland you want to visit?

[@GIGroundNPound]

I have always been fascinated with seeing working/hunting dogs do what they do best after being trained by a loving and committed person. There is something special between that mutually beneficial bond, and seeing a dog's unrelenting desire to work and please just solidifies that, at least in many ways, we simply don't deserve dogs. Wonderful video!

[@floydcouncil1690]

The intelligence of these dogs is absolutely stunning.

[@MrBlutarskyZeroPointZero]

Of course they are BC's... they are the most intelligent of all breeds... Toby the first BC who kept me company lived to be 17... Flipflop, the second is only three years old.. he is incredibly bright and agile... I pray he keeps me company as long as Toby did... Wonderful camera work, Thanks for posting!!!

[@johnd5398]

My Border collie mix is 10.. I hope she has many happy years left, as well.

[@bearsnevergiveup]

This is so beautiful. I must reconsider my life's priorities.

[@GEM4sta]

If my dog lost 40 pounds, he could maybe be one of the sheep.

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Too funny!

[@cavendish009]

It really is magic to watch - almost like a dance ! Beautiful.

[@slo3442]

Very happy to say I was able to see this in real life during my trip to Ireland last week, awesome dogs

[@iliet5120]

I hope this will never stop. This is beautiful.

[@aubreytreves]

Such beautiful, extraordinarily smart dogs.

[@marfdasko]

I saw Brendan and his dogs in person last summer. Great demonstration, very informative.

[@laineywright2696]

I loved watching the dogs work with the grace of a ballerina and silent determination of a ninja warrior they eagerly worked. By far, the best video I have seen all month of KZbin.

[@ihsahnakerfeldt9280]

It's awe inspiring really. Border Collies walk like cats on a hunt.

[@amitchell2009]

Basically mumbled, “That’ll do, Bess” dog starts trotting back “Drops mic* Now who’s the bloke who tried to ask me a question during my presentation?

[@crex-pd1vv]

thank you for the laugh

[@andrewmitchell5807]

No way

[@andrewmitchell5807]

Did I comment this?

[@andrewmitchell5807]

We have the same name

[@amitchell2009]

Andrew Mitchell it’s a good name, my guy. I was confused there for a second haha

[@puddingcat25]

The intro was fabulous

[@Vespyr_]

Can't believe there's a sheep center. Talk about knowing what to be proud in. Very cool.

[@tadhgflaherty2943]

I never get tired of watching this demo. It's spellbinding.

[@ijiwbnerjvhbohjweuirbjh1629]

My of my favourite videos on youtube to this day

[@sbaker4920]

Besides the dogs which I love, I also love the Irish accent. Having a gran born in Belfast, this brings tears to my eyes.

[@BenC434]

Great video and demonstration! Who ever was filming did an amazing job!

[@doublezmtnman]

As an owner of a working border collie I can honestly say these are the most amazing dogs. Its amazing how deeply imprinted the instinct to move livestock is in this breed. From my own experience with my dog they are truly happiest when working livestock. But if you have a dog with that strong of a drive it can be a problem if you dont have an outlet for the dog to express that drive. Sometimes it can be redirected into other activities such as frisbee or obstacle courses but not always. My dog for example has no desire to fetch a ball or frisbee but when i start to put on my muck boots she knows i am going to the barn and she is excited beyond belief and would choose working stock over eating a steak everytime.

[@jenniferschmitzer299]

my mum bred borders (checking bloodlines etc.. i remember her going through the paperwork) but my most favourite absolute favourite pup was Jess. She was the best. I miss her even after all these years. She would turn on a two cent coin for me and she was only not even 8 weeks. I absolutely cried when she was sold .. to some farmer out west nsw i think.

[@delmariecrandall9229]

I miss my sheep and collie. I retired due to husband's ill health. I loved my work with the herd. From small Alberta, Canada farm

[@Siblysm]

Sheeps also know their job !

[@joeblow578]

I think you are right! They have learned the signals that the dogs give.

[@anniesamuel4787]

The sheep definitely know what the whistling is about! I'd love to see these dogs on 100 fresh sheep with no whistle!

[@Arlondia]

It's the dog they react on. If you used wild ones, the result would be the same, only they would be faster and more scared of people

[@dm3402]

Anne Nanou I'd say they are just responding in normal ways to the dog but I can also sense they know it's nothing bad , as the sheep are super duper calm.

[@tobon619]

since they know their job, the sheeps, can they organized? like a union? for health care?

[@goprolife5751]

Great video showing the smartest dogs on the planet. My 4 month old Blue Merle amazes me how quick he learns and how much he wants to please me. They are a special breed . Thanks Brendan , I could watch this every morning to start out a great day.

[@Platypi007]

It's amazing that we have taken wolves and domesticated them, and used some of their natural instincts to breed work dogs that can do this kind of thing. The way they move the sheep is exactly how pack animals will harass a herd in order to wear them down and separate out their prey to make a kill, only the behavior has been modified with breeding and training to be useful to shepherds. Simply amazing!

[@Willseph]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_the_domestic_dog#Dog_and_human_convergent_evolution It's even more amazing than that, there is good reason to believe that humans adopted some of the behaviors of wolves, which are notable for their extreme dedication to their nuclear family. Alpha males are actually just fathers, who mate for life with the alpha female, and the pack consists of their children. It is partially for these reasons that wolves also share meat and work together better than almost any other predator. Most primates are comparatively promiscuous, so it would make sense that humans evolved to better understand how loyalty and teamwork can benefit the entire group due to their interaction with canids. Keep in mind that dogs were easily the first domesticated animal, over 15000 years ago. Truly man's best friend

[@dharris5364]

@@Willseph What a shame felines and humans destroyed wolf populations.

[@rainblaze.]

It goes way beyond that even . It was a symbiotic relationship, so much so we have each had an effect the each others evolution. Its fair to say we would not be the humans we are if it was not for our relationship with dogs. They made hunting easier so allowing consevation of much rationed energy in the hunter gatherer tribes and allowed grater access to resoures which enabled both our brains to evolve and grow while also utilising and enableing both our cognitive abilities through the shared nutrients and safety which each brought to the other. Also fun, but telling factoid, dogs have the ability to understand what me mean when we point to somthing, this is an ability that not even other primates have.

[@andrewoyuga2346]

Just wondering why someone would dislike such a nice clip...

[@drsinixt9269]

Abolutly amazing. What a showcase of stunning training. Those dogs must be super happy doing their work.

[@s.lynnmccullough4905]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful and informative demo!

[@beefcake1876]

"imagine if everyone in the country was that anxious to work" that had me lmao

[@dicesof8]

I have been to this center (1999). It was awesome!

[@hotlips3923]

Amazing connection between all of them, the dogs, the sheep and the human! Very cool!

[@WilHenDavis]

Beautiful! …perfect understanding between man & dog! Thanks for sharing!

[@sharonfisher252]

This was an absolute joy to watch.

[@Valerie_Dawn]

That is absolutely amazing. Beautiful dogs.

[@bentelog2823]

so impressive, and the dog accuracy to follow command is so sharp.

[@graemeforssberg3986]

We visited this farm when in Ireland a couple of years ago. Very good demonstration but maybe the sheep were thinking "I'm getting a bit tired of this same routine"

[@Domorrigana]

14:15 "that'll do, Bess" most incredible moment, when the camera pans out it really hits you.

[@petterblakk]

When I'm going to like this video, which I will, I would first like to say how great it is and i appriciate it a lot.

[@nibbit1969]

Best explaining ever! what a relaxing and entertaining video! The dogs love it!!!!

[@haroldbahls5431]

I didn't train my border collie he trained me I think he was a Mensa

[@carolk6002]

Probably true. I was such a novice when I got my border and sometimes I just had to trust him. That dog LOVED to work sheep!

[@nattaswahn]

So awsome!!! Everyone should se the part in the end about a dogs hearing and his come back comand! So awsome!!

[@carolemuenzer5490]

Love the way he has complete control of his dogs and what a great sense of humour

[@patrickmoran1528]

Excellent video,thoroughly enjoyable, no dog like the border collie

[@20PINKluvr]

I love his humor.

[@Hendriknetherlands]

I saw a Border Colly doing his work today on an expo for sheep in Bellac when they unloaded sheep from a truck. My eyes god wet, how remarkable these dogs are, AMAZING.

[@gaylewatson818]

He and his dogs do an awesome job. Lots of natural instinct there but a darn good trainer too 1

[@dazzylives7452]

A mutual working relationship of trust and understanding across 3 difference species. It's such a fascinating thing to see, life is amazing.