Herding Dogs - Can You Unlock Your Dog's Secret Power?

Does your herding breed dog have a secret power that they're hiding from you? In this episode we'll talk about herding dogs, and how you may have a working dog curled up beside you on the couch right now!
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#herdingdogs #herdingdogbreeds #herdingdogtraining

[@TrijnieWanders]

My untrained Belgian Tervueren herded a large group of geese once. By accident. It's like he had herded all his life. So incredible to see him rounding them up.

[@Growl_art]

Same thing happend to me with mine. My 1 year old terv just ran off when we were at the stable, however there were a flock of pigs that had ran off from their pen and he rounded them up without any problem, and he even continued when they bit back something the farmowner's bordercollies never did because they usually backed out when the pigs bit back. (She is a BC breeder) She was originally the one to tell me to just let him do his thing instead of me removing him. So he helped her get the pigs back in through the fence. Which was amazing and very fun to see.

[@Gungho1a]

My old Rottweiler used to herd our cats. In her mind, her 'job' was to round them up and bring them in at dusk. Not something we taught her, just something she thought up herself.

[@McCannDogs]

It's pretty cool to see them flip on their "working switch" isn't it? Thanks for watching! ~Ken

[@Gungho1a]

McCann Dog Training Even funnier watching her herd and nudge my wife to the treat cupboard, then sit at her feet with the happy face.

[@AshGreen359]

In trying to get my rottie to help me bring the sheep in at night. She's still a pup, she'll get them going in the right direction, then in the wrong direction

[@teresabarnes-matych]

I lost my 16+ Aussie ~3 mos ago. I just picked a new one and get her in 4 weeks. So excited and already in love! Thank you!

[@McCannDogs]

That’s exciting, Teresa! They’re a really fun breed to train. Enjoy the process! Happy Training ~Ken

[@kathleencrozier2584]

Would love to see a video like this for other breeds I.e. bird dogs, retrievers etc.

[@kathleencrozier2584]

I have two spaniels and always wonder about their instincts!

[@McCannDogs]

That’s an interesting idea, Kathleen! I’ll see if I can find an authority on some of those skills and I will let you know when I create something! Thanks for watching! ~Ken

[@phillipb1723]

Great video! I think herding is something that I'd like to try with my future dog(s), so I really enjoyed hearing Vicky's perspective about pet dogs trying out herding for the first time and the types of reactions she looks for to evaluate instinct. I watched some other videos of Bernese Mountain Dogs (my breed of choice) trying out herding for the first time, but there were no insights like this to tell me what the instructor was actually looking for when he/she was evaluating the dogs' reaction to the stock. This was right on point for what I was looking for at this stage. Thanks!

[@McCannDogs]

Thanks, Phillip! That is definitely something I wanted to help viewers understand. And I hope it will encourage other dog owners to get out and try this cool sport/task with their own dogs! Thanks for watching! ~Ken

[@Cheere]

Lovely dog all of them, take care

[@t70silversurfer]

this is a very informative and edifying Video! thank you so much for your time and dedication to putting this together for us to enjoy

[@janeosborne165]

I learned so much from Vickie. Thanks for this video.

[@belleriley1483]

Thanks for posting what you are about and then providing information.People say they are about one thing and then you listen to them talk about their grama,what they had for lunch,blah ,blah, blah,12 minutes in they might get to the point,then show video of their kids or closet,or cat.Thanks for actually providing information ♥️

[@abbynormal8608]

And I just thought my border collie was trying to trip me and to harass the ducks.

[@tonytomato100]

My yorkie used to herd gease in the park as a puppy haha Herding instincts can come out in the funniest ways

[@my4leggedfriends261]

So interesting! Bee is doing amazing!

[@McCannDogs]

Thanks, Becky! Yes, Bee-Line is doing really well! Glad you enjoyed the video! ~Ken

[@kunotakeswalls3390]

My boxer does this lol. I take him with me for protection whenever I bring my son along to release the sheep and lamb. I’ve always wondered why he goes in circles around them almost like he’s leading them to their gate. I used to think that was just a playful trait of his. Now I know it’s because of his instinct.

[@dinakennedy9304]

this was so interesting! I have a heeler/border collie mix and she is constantly circling me, the cats, me again. Constantly. Now I get it!

[@SacredArcana]

My puppy’s mother’s dad was an aussie Shepard so I see it in him even still. He is a Husky/Pit mix and he has a “rough” or assertive play to him that I realized was a herding instinct and he likes to run circles around me when he’s playing

[@Uncle_Tijikun]

Great video! In your professional opinion is herding something adult dogs can be trained to do? My bc has a very strong herding instinct, and we recently moved to a place where we could actually out his instincts to work

[@schwaghag7168]

I have an Australian Cattle Dog. There’s no way to underestimate his potential 😂

[@MrHappy3feet]

Seriously 😂 I just rescued one and he’s a handful. He’s so much fun tho I already love him alot I’ve been trying to incorporate herding things into his life and researching about them

[@gritsteel3225]

@@MrHappy3feet Australian cattle dog is not a herding dog...

[@poppedcorn652]

@@gritsteel3225 it most definitely is, did you bother to watch the video? Or even do a simple Google search of this breed?

[@gritsteel3225]

@@poppedcorn652 I’ll prove it to you! Show me a cattle dog work like a true herder, like a Kelpie or Border Collies, then I’ll agree with you. Till then, I’ll call a cattle dog a drover, not a herder. I hope you’ve watched enough videos to know the difference...

[@poppedcorn652]

@@gritsteel3225 ok, I get it, you’re talking semantics here

[@danpadgett3383]

I have a hanging tree puppy they aren’t recognized by akc yet but she’s a super duper herder when it comes to kids she’s still young though

[@SimpleCrazyBOCs]

great video

[@Sandy33569]

I have a Mini American Shepherd and I know his brother has tried herding before (who is smaller than he is!) and I know local Aussie owners who have told me about herding events they do if I were interested in trying it out as well. Thinking of asking them about it sometime to try it out with my dog. :) Agility is my primary sport, but it's fascinating watching them do what the breed was originally bred to do!

[@McCannDogs]

You should definitely give it a try, Lilia! There are dogs of all sizes out at the farm that I train at. It’s so interesting to see them work! ~Ken

[@kazzy9000]

Fascinating insights from Vicky. I’d love to have heard her talk about the Finnish Lapphund’s behaviour and the reasons behind them. Kimi’s behaviour at times reminds me of a border collie, but FLs are bred to herd reindeer so very different skills from BCs. I’ve tried googling but can’t find the sort of insights Vicky is able to give. Such a knowledgable lady!

[@McCannDogs]

Viki didn’t touch on the Finnish Lapphund’s history during our chat. I can certainly ask her when I see her next, and I’ll pass along the information! ~Ken

[@kazzy9000]

That would be amazing, Ken. Thanks so much.

[@McCannDogs]

Hi Kazzy! I was with Viki, working sheep today and I asked about the history of the Finnish Lapphund. Viki mentioned that they were bred for “stock” and not sheep specifically. Their small size was preferred because they were used to move stock around a small space (whether it was a pen or a similarly enclosed area). They aren’t a “gathering dog” so they weren’t used to be sent out to bring the stock in from far afield, but instead they were used for close work. ~Ken

[@kazzy9000]

Thanks so much for asking her about them, Ken. It’s fascinating to look at his behaviour in terms of the “breeding intent”. Id never thought of that prior to your video. 😊

[@waynewang8216]

McCann Dog Training hello! What breed is the black dog with two yellow dot on his forehead in this video? I have the same breed but I have a hard time determine what breed it is.

[@edwardmuir7806]

Bang on there!! I have been learning about Bordercollies for about the last 4 years and now they are a very important part of our small farm!! I would recommend to anyone who has the same point of view as Vicky to check out Churchmount sheepdogs on KZbin!!! Great video!!!!! Thanks!!!

[@tarareid934]

Very interesting video. Do you have any recommendations on somewhere (relatively) local where we can give this a try?

[@McCannDogs]

Hi there, Tara! Send me a message at [e-mail] and I can send you some information about a local herding instructor! ~Ken

[@drivingwithchristina4301]

I have a border collie husky mix who would be an amazing header based on what this lady is saying. My dog heards and looks to heard constantly all animals and children. I would like to find a trainer who can take her on. I love her, but I feel that she deserves better she has amazing potential.

[@claireabbott6112]

This was posted some time ago - I would like your thoughts about my German Shepherd. We do Obedience, freestyle heelwork to music and flyball. We haven't met any sheep but displays what I believe to be herding behavior to the cows on our walk. This is through a fence so difficult to tell. The cows are pretty laid back and 3-4 will come to say hello. My dog will go up initially say hello - then jump to one side of the group barking before jumping to the other side of the group barking. He can't seem to help himself. He will come back when called, but he has a look of pure pleasure on his face - so I don't think its aggression. Do you think I should try him with herding?

[@carlislebailey8902]

I have got Australian shepherd X border collie 10 weeks old and he is herding all other dogs !

[@loulou1248]

I got an 9months old Aussie for my poultry. And I just had new birds run away and I couldn’t get them back home. An decided I should teach him to herd them. He definitely has potential but I need to learn how to train him. Bc I don’t wanna pay someone to. I wanna go through the process with him

[@sineadbeel1917]

Hello, my dog who is kelpie mix saw stock for the first time today. Sadly instead of hearding she singled the one out which appears to be more hunting behaviour. Do you believe it's worth continuing with her? Or are her kelpie instincts not strong enough?

[@KikyoPlay1]

How do you train a dog to herd. I have an aussie rattie mix. And he tried to herd my daughter. he has the traits but how do I train him to be like go get her and get her to come back? (She's 18 months and like most toddlers doesn't listen. And had no danger sense)

[@myaromero9164]

So we recently learned our German Shepherd likes herding our goats but we’re not really sure how he should be doing it. What we’re German Shepherds bred to do while herding? I also know you might not get it but it’s worth a try

[@CrystalTheAnimalLover]

Love it bee did great and mac is great thanks for sharing

[@McCannDogs]

Thanks, Crystal! Yes, I’m pretty proud of both of them. And I’m excited to watch Bee-Line develop over the next few months! ~Ken

[@CrystalTheAnimalLover]

McCann Dogs you're welcome aw nice ya cant wait to see more of her doing this

[@joigess1]

Hello, do you have any tips for me if i am trying to train my border collie, we herd sheeps on horses and by dog is always trying to herd me and my horse but and when i tell here to do something she just lay down :/ she is 2 years old and is from a well trained herd dogs that just have radio on them and go up to the mountain above the farm and herd the sheeps down :) thank you for your channes i just love it :D

[@madisonwinters269]

funny you mention the stare ive done quite a bit of learning about herding breeds... and i find that my one aussie has quite the stare and intense look....

[@McCannDogs]

It’s pretty cool to see that “eye” move all of those sheep. It must seem quite intimidating! ~Ken

[@nerdiag2240]

Add Australian Kelpie to the list 😉

[@eleanorclub]

This was so informative! Thank you. I learned a lot.

[@r.a.fiallos234]

Any places like these in California where you can take your dogs for fun training?

[@taylordani11]

I have a Red Heeler/Great Pyrenees mix and goats. I'm trying to channel her inner Pyrenees instead of nipping the heels.

[@vinnie8662]

Umm…. Can my boxer learn to herd chickens??? I really want her to be able to help out/ herd my chickens but I don’t really know if that’s possible or where to start with training her.

[@katiegreen5759]

I am wondering. She said the animal needs to be their reward. So should we not do normal obedience training using food and such? We are about to get a border collie specifically to herd our goats and sheep and want to know how to get started. She will be only 8 weeks old when we get her.

[@downeastjd1711]

I don't underestimate mine's potential. He's smarter than every animal in my house, myself included. He's a border collie/austrailian shepher X Heeler/Hangin Tree. He's intense, but calm and extremely friendly. Unfortunately for him, the pastures where we live are full of blueberries, not stock. I keep him as busy as I can, and make sure to get him, a minimum, of 2 hours/day of an intense physical/mental workout. He's gonna be an amazing companion.

[@madisonwinters269]

id love to give herding a try especial to see if there is any difference between my two one came from a farm the other came from showing lines... however nearest place i believe is 2 and a half hours away but im not sure they do little intros

[@McCannDogs]

It would be worth your time to do an internet search for an “instinct test”, and see if there is anyone you could take your Aussies to! ~Ken

[@carterg4403]

My dog is a mix border collie and lab and pit bull and a rotte

[@eli-ip5vt]

How would an aussiedoodle do at herding?

[@JinK9dogtrainingacademy]

Where can I learn herding training. I am from India and now in Bristol. I have been into dog training for the last 6 years but never got an opportunity to learn hearing. Can anyone help me with? Thank you

[@nolarc1640]

Another great hearding dog is the English Shepherd

[@Samantha-Who-Writes]

My dog is a GoldenDoodle (Retriever - Golden * Poodle - Standard)

[@ffbarnette]

So I have a pitbull mix. Sometimes if I get playful with her (moving back and forth eradiclly) she will get the idea of putting her mouth on my ankle sort of like she is trying to herd me. This is not a desirable trait for me even though she is not biting me, kids wont understand the difference. Do you have any suggestions on stopping this. I have watched many a video on puppy biting but I dont believe that's what this is.

[@McCannDogs]

Hi there! Having a line or leash on your dog as you're working through this is going to be important. being able to redirect her without having to put your hands on her will give you much better timing. Something you will find useful to stop this behavior is to use a "leave it" command. Here is a link to that training video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnW8q4Wdm5imhas Happy Training! ~Ken

[@Marc8190]

When you describe the dogs wanting to run at the sheep and chase them, that is where my American shepherd is. She knows that the objective is to chase the sheep into the pen, but she runs viciously at them. Im trying to calm her down during the training, that is where I'm having difficulty. Any tips?

[@jp410]

What can you recommend as a secondary option to allow a herding breed dog to connect with its herding instincts, if stock isn't available? Any activities or games? Thank you.

[@downeastjd1711]

The hard part about raising a working dog, as a pet, is they need to be kept busy, mentally and physically. A mental workout is as good, or better, than a physical one. Stay and leave it are great ways to tire them out, without running them. They don't, naturally, want to do either. They're smart enough to learn a name for each of their toys. Teach that, and randomly hide them or ask to go find a specific one. Is your dog controllable off-leash? If not, get a 25-30' training lead and work towards a leash-free life. You can teach recall inside your home. When you get a chance to sneak away, hide and call your dog. When they find you, they get paid. It gets them used to having to locate you (useful in big, open spaces). Get creative, find ways to work their "jobs" into your daily routine. You'll have a do-all, go anywhere companion. I've had my first for almost 13 years, and we have a 9 month old. They make you work harder, but there more fun than easier-going breeds.

[@rheighnavanhooser2451]

How do I keep my Australian Cattle Dog from herding other dogs? I don't have a farm for her to herd cattle and things like that. She's 6 months old

[@evedosestuff6851]

Training my lab to heard my guinea. Pigs and cows

[@flacopelon3663]

How do I start

[@Hunter_Does_Stuff]

I remember ounce my Australian shepherd tried to herd my cat lol. She’d circle her and get down and chase them lol. And I’d roll a basket ball and she’d try to herd it.

[@eb5648]

Gosh I have so many questions well about Australian Shepherds, one are they good family dogs, two are they good herding dogs, three will they hurt birds like turkies or chickens four will they be good guard dogs five do they have any health problems six do they bark a lot and seven will they make good hunting dogs and that's about it lol

[@laurabernay]

Even though I live in Australia we live 5 mins. from the CBD, a lake behind the house only offers ducks for my Sheltie to round up. As it’s a Conservation Wildlife Park I have to teach her NOT to round up! Will my 5 mo. old Sheltie live a miserable life without sheep to round up??🥺

[@HudsonValleyDogTrainer]

I believe that all moustache-twirling is done by Terriers ;-)

[@McCannDogs]

Our mixed breed, Funkee Monkee is part Terrier. And I can’t disagree with you, Misa😉 ~Ken

[@HudsonValleyDogTrainer]

McCann Dogs this is a *great* video. So much great info!

[@McCannDogs]

Thanks, Misa! I’m glad you enjoyed it! If you have friends who have herding breed dogs, be sure to share it with them. I stumbled into herding after hearing a little about it from a friend who had a Border Collie. When I started researching for this video I was amazed at the different breeds that were created for herding. I’d love for people to experience the same joy I did when I first saw my Border Collie, Rad, on sheep for the first time! And I hope this video motivates people with these breeds to give herding a try. Thanks for watching! ~Ken

[@abbynormal8608]

I was told by a trainer that he is born to herd but I can’t afford to buy sheep .

[@s.j.c.4943]

Buy ducks. Have kids? Use them

[@scatteredseedsofhappiness3285]

My Border Collie is only 2 months old, my chickens escaped a few days ago and he helped us gather them, he was amazing! So surprised that he knew what to do! Love him to pieces!

[@Thedevbtc9900]

i want to come and visit but im so far from here

[@CyborgNinja7]

What breed are the two dogs in this video?

[@gideonsimmons8015]

I have an aulstralian cattledog red heeler and aulstralian shepherd mix called a texas heeler

[@heyitsme3464]

Can husky’s heard ?

[@conveezy]

What is politically incorrect about saying Shepard?

[@conmac562]

Matthew Conville it’s shepHERD not shepARD

[@conveezy]

@@conmac562 thanks, for the clarification, I'm going to have a stern talking to my auto correct. Still not politically incorrect.

[@janetteash8155]

I believe the politically incorrect reference is to the fact a "shepherd" is a male term whereas a female would be called a "shepherdess"

[@monkiram]

@@janetteash8155 Isn't shepherd kind of a gender-neutral term like how we refer to all people who act as "actors" even though there is a female-specific word? You might be right that that's what she meant though

[@jesusadventurervargaspropu4510]

What breed dog were you holding at the end of the video?

[@J1mInOH]

They were facing the other way, but I believe both were Border Collies. I’ve always had rough coats since 8th grade, now mid 50’s, so a lot of them, but now have my first smooth coat like these two appeared to be.

[@madisonwinters269]

i have 2 australian shepherds

[@McCannDogs]

You should definitely give herding a try, Madison! ~Ken

[@nikoplangger]

The real question is why are sheperts politicly incorect?

[@BappinsTricks]

"Not to be politically incorrect, but shepards." 😂😂😂 I'm dying over here rn. 😭 imma have to Google who the word "Shepard" would offend.

[@loulou1248]

My Aussie don’t take treats and he doesn’t play with toys so I have no idea how to train him without those for rewards

[@kellerayra7363]

I have a wonderful super bonded border collie. I have called him to wait!! Then recalled him. when he was quite a distance leaping after a deer he scared out of the brush. I took him on to to this football field where we use for a place to play ball maybe do a little loose obedience stuff. I let him out he had no interest in the geese he just wanted his ball (which was at home) or direction from me. Is that what I can expect from an instinct test. Is him getting out there and him looking to me in there? Is seven too old to test?

[@justinbarnard8749]

With all that obedience the dog might be hesitant to do anything it understands to be undesirable. Its a good base to train anything from and let the dog know in the situation it is ok behavior. Sitiational like playing tug when there is a tug toy or

[@alexmarshall2442]

im not sure if i saw kelpies

[@doctorlove3536]

I wanna train my Mutt to herd

[@Drug_Fueled_Nightmare]

Its funny because our cattle dog basically herds our cats 😂

[@ernieproductions7354]

I have an Belgian Malinois, he killed a goat once by critically injuring it

[@AshGreen359]

I just want to teach my Rottweiler to drive my sheep towards the barn.

[@BruceWayne-us3kw]

My dog tried rounding up my mom’s horses.

[@fredmertz3837]

My rough and smooth collies can do anything a Border Collie USBCHA Open dog can do. My rough collie girl had some eye. Too much eye isnt a good thing. My collies are allowed to work USBCHA Open trials. Largest USBCHA Open sanctioned herding trial here in VA wouldnt happen w/o my smooth collie boy working pens and set out.

[@adnankulin9154]

Croatian Sheepdog. Google, watch. You are welcome

[@oldperson2112]

What is political about shepherds??

[@myrrhavm]

Calling shepherds shepherds is politically incorrect? What are they? Cattle engineers? But then that’s insulting to the cattle. Funny thing is, just the other day, PETA came out with a list of what alternatives to call people instead of using animal terms as not to insult the animals. You’re not to call a filthy person a pig. Or a cheat a snake. What is becoming of our world?

[@trumplostlol3007]

This is human gene selection. Those who do not obey commands will be abandoned. That's why we end up with some breeds like Australian shepherds. And modern trainers are telling us not to shout at Aussies which shows a complete lack of understanding of these working dogs. I taught my "shut up" command to my newly adopted Aussie in just a couple of days. Now, she will shut up. The only time she will not shut up is when she is outside spotting some noisy and/or fast moving objects like a motorcycle or a bicycle or a dog passing by my house. She will immediately stop barking when I tell her to "shut up" whenever she is inside the house or at my backyard, regardless or whether I am inside or outside the house. The only thing that I need to do is to teach her to overcome her fear or anxiety when seeing moving objects or other dogs, so she will pay attention to me when I give the "shut up" command.

[@TheTequilaBear]

So men where azy because they needed dogs to help them herd stock. Id like to see her try hard 400 hundred sheep on her own without a working dog. 😂