Sheepdog commands explained

Today me and echo talk through and and demonstrate the commands used in herding to give everyone some more insight or help others to understand herding a little more as you watch

[@joeabad5908]

I like your channel because of you and your dogs… love the team work

[@emlynn1004]

The best part about watching this fascinating video is how much Echo loves his job. He's really into it and you can tell he likes being an important part of the work.

[@AdventuresOfSpeckles]

no one loves their job as much as a border collie!

[@dorian4534]

Prefacing this with I'm autistic, I always say that Border Collies are, themselves, autistic, and their special interest is herding.

[@a.b.s.]

Echo is a trained dog which has the instinct of herding in it's genes. It doesn't have those complex feelings about "loving his job". It's an animal. Much more fascinating is the love and the skill of that man who chose a job that not many people(or, as dog lovers would say, humans) would. Congratulations to that young man who possess the real man love and skill.

[@paulinehawkins2207]

Thank you for the explanation of the commands. How interesting. Gosh it must take all your time to teach these beautiful dogs. Totally enjoyable and I love your channel ❤

[@Kruppt808]

Dogs that historically had a job loved doing them. It was what they were bred for, to help the community do XYZ. When we lock up working dogs in houses/apartments all day and then complain are dog is to "hyper"..... Yah if someone took away your main purpose and replaced it with nothing, you'd be stir crazy to

[@Bruunch]

I love Echo rolling on the grass in the background at 1:30

[@c_karis_1]

Haha I wonder if he noticed at the time of recording.

[@ChefMimsy]

And the dog seems SO HAPPY to follow the commands! That's some fine training... and a wonderful dog.

[@elsie900]

Oh boy! I get to run in the OTHER direction now!

[@shimmeringchimps3842]

​@@elsie900Better than sitting in a house or chained up in a tiny yard all day, doing nothing, being bored and depressed, and getting fat because the only thing they have to look forward to is a bowl of kibble.

[@Kruppt808]

​@@shimmeringchimps38421000 % correct.

[@stillededge]

"I get to CHASE SHEEP over HERE and then OVER THERE?! YESS BOSS...I LOVE chasing the sheep!!"

[@Hullj]

Amazing for as recent as the breed was developed. Thanks, Old Hemp!

[@michelleagnew2864]

It always amazes me how these dogs are like an extension of the shepherds hands and arms. They’re so efficient. And they love working.

[@Onthefritz777]

So fascinating to watch!

[@Onthefritz777]

That’s why they tell you not to get one of these beautiful, super intelligent dogs as your lapdogs in an apartment! They need to work!

[@avae5343]

Literally the world’s most intelligent dog.

[@HenrySimple]

Shows how long the Partnerschaft dog/human has been going. Love these dogs

[@giftofthewild6665]

It's not really work to the dog. The herding instinct is their modified prey drive, so they are just following their instincts. Just like a sighthound wants to chase things and chasing is not a chore, a border collie wants to herd and herding is not a chore. That's why you can't train non herding breeds to do this job and get the same results. Other breeds don't instinctively and intrinsically want to herd, so everything has to be extrinsically motivated. If you trained a non herding breed to herd it would be work and they most likely would tire of it much faster.

[@Christina-ge3xr]

I’m amazed by Echo’s speed! He just flies 🪽🪽🪽

[@dcptiv]

I saw your stuff in shorts. For 18yrs my best friend was Muttley a Kelpie X Dingo the colour of sand dunes in sunset. The energy he had & excitement for burning energy could never run out...even a day before his death from massive liver cancer he still wanted to go out. I had just finished security dog training the yr before I got him so I trained him in verbal & non verbal commands. He was my 1st dog & we went everywhere together & were only apart for 5 days in 18yrs. I would like to get another dog but I just can't.

[@kathleenkendalljacksgrandm6902]

I thought the same but I’m glad I got another. Never will be the same but we love each other a pond I think that’s enough. She was an abandoned 6 mo old puppy so now us orphans aren’t orphans anymore. I’m old so I have a younger friend who will take her if something happens to me… That’s very important. Jacks grandma in Texas

[@brutalfashion]

“That’ll do it.”…is THAT why the farmer says that in the movie Babe? HOLY COW. I connected the dots after 20+ years. Never knew that was a command! Wow. Mind blown.

[@dorothearussell304]

Exactly my first thought. I've been scrolling through the comment section far too long before finding someone mentioning 'That'll do, pig!' 😂😂

[@rachelkurtz3093]

I had an Australian Shepherd and her release command was "that'll do". I loved it. I knew it from herding trials.

[@bobrad20]

Can I borrow your dogs to do my taxes next year? They're smarter than my accountant.

[@Cathyann51222]

😂

[@artificialintelligence5923]

😂

[@Kruppt808]

Idk 🤷‍♀️ 🤷‍♂️, that dog has a full time 365 days a year gig.... if you herd the sheep during tax week maybe Echo could crunch some numbers😂😂😂😂😂

[@magdadewet4923]

😂

[@JoanneMercader]

You are funny. Thank you for making me giggle

[@sarahlaslett3279]

Very intelligent and articulate young man

[@amystarke3317]

Watching Echo rolling in the grass says he's not just a working dog, he's a playing dog too!

[@tree4408]

So sweet how the dogs just live for work to do!

[@lynfawcett221]

Shear poetry in motion. It is fantastic to see a dog who thoroughly enjoys what it's doing ❤ and is so well trained.

[@BBlair-if8tj]

Good pun! 😉

[@cynthiabishop3836]

I had noticed that you sometimes say “that’ll do” when the dog isn’t finished working. I was confused by that, so I’m glad you explained it.

[@kimdahan9417]

I love that I stumbled onto your channel. I have Border Collies and herd with them " part time." I started almost 20 years ago. It is the most difficult thing I have ever done. I love the connection and partnership with my dogs. They have taught me so much. I am still blown away, and left speechless just being constantly amazed and humbled by them. My Kate turns 13 on January 2. The younger one, Cora is almost 4 yo. Thank you for your great videos. People need to see what these amaxing dogs were bred for. And yes, as you say, they love and live for their work.

[@sherryseeton6749]

Beautifully responsive dog.❤ I'm so envious of handlers who use that infernal little whistle. It looks so easy, but I wore out my mouth trying to master it and finally admitted defeat. I felt like I was embarrassing my dog with my spluttering and spitting.☹️

[@quackslikeaduck]

😂

[@dougsholly9323]

Watching a handler work a well trained dog is just poetry in motion, especially if the dog is actually working and not just competing or training.

[@donnacbrown83]

Thank you Sean for the lesson on commands. Merry Christmas to you and your family including your precious dogs.

[@JDignum]

And Happy New Year now too.

[@TheOsfania]

My grandpa got out of the sheep business in 1960 into full-time cattle. He still used the commands - sans dog - with his herds out of habit by the time I first rode with him in the late 60s. I never knew what he meant and I never asked. Thanks for explaining. I miss Grandpa now. 😢

[@tjotts6802]

I was a police K9 handler and trainer in my younger days, and let me just say you are an amazing handler with amazing dogs!!

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

Absolutely fascinating, as a rural Scot living in central London for the past 20 years makes me want to come home. ❤

[@GiselleBoss21]

Nothing better then watching a dog enjoy life ! These dogs absolutely love "working" beautiful to watch

[@Dimension2364]

I couldn't agree more. Actually, my main reason for watching herding videos is to see truly happy Collies 🥰

[@vald4688]

These dogs are happy and so obedient. I could watch this all day.... amazing teamwork...

[@katschs3965]

Thanks, Sean! I wish all dog owners would understand the importance of being able to stop and recall your dog. Too many people either never train their dogs properly or wait too late to start that training. My friend lost a beautiful black lab who would not come when called and was hit by a car. Proper training is a life essential for your dogs. Head scratches to all the pups and a happy Christmas to you and Stacey.

[@margw2930]

Agree. Though I am a cat lover, I have a neighbor down the street that has 6 dogs and tied up to small pallet houses, never exercises them, never plays with them, never pays them any attention except to feed them. Left out in the cold, the heat and rain.They bark and bark and bark. I feel so sorry for them but most of all I just don't get why people have pets if they don't take care of them and pay them any attention. Having said that, I am in a new home and when moving in discovered so many stray and feral cats. I am now feeding, neutering, spaying, rabies, deworming about 6 stray and feral cats. They come and go, obviously a few have been killed and never returned. Could not bear to watch them seek food and shelter. The county's attitude toward pets/animals is so backward and like talking to a brick wall.

[@virginiaconnor8350]

​I would have called some animal control group to see to the poor dogs-or found a way to get them loose, hide them, and then send them to a distant shelter so the owner couldn't repeat his bad treatment of them. Puppy mills are bad enough, but what that owner did was just as bad. My dad discovered that a young dog-an Irish Setter, I think-was mistreated by my grandparents' neighbour and untied her leash and chain one night. He brought her to our home, took her to the vet, and before he could adopt her, the vet fell in love with Molly and adopted her himself. It was a good thing he lived a long distance away and my dad kept in touch with her til she died of old age at 12.

[@penelope8356]

My favourite command Sean is “that’ll do” 😂

[@dalepres1]

Amazing video. I think the sheep know the commands as well as the dog. When you give the command, the sheep go in the direction that the dog would, when he eventually gets there, drive them to.

[@katanaki3059]

Well done! Thank you for this great demonstration!

[@KittenBowl1]

So nice to see a dog who is bred to do this just loving it! Amazing to see a working dog in action. He’s shining and loving what he does best!

[@BeWeRo]

Hi Sean, this is the best video about basic commands I found on KZbin! Thanks a lot and greetings from Germany!

[@jobrien8916]

I don’t have dogs , just love watching. Amazing.. thanks for sharing your commands , now I understand what is happening when I am watching.

[@6kat103]

I have 2 Australian Shepherd dogs. One is calm, the other is dying to herd anything and just loves any instructions, any job, any way to please ♥️ So inspiring to see Echo at work. Hope to learn bits from you to keep her from driving the neighbor horses nuts.

[@loriw2661]

The joy Echo has while doing what he loves is so cool!🐾❤️

[@jeanneharrison8120]

I love the sheep. Seems they liked performing, too!

[@JB-nk4qh]

Thanks for the descriptions -- fun video!

[@seanthesheepman5845]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimdavidson3345]

I watch your videos, Sean, not just because I so enjoy your dogs - I think you are a fascinating, hardworking, and kind young man. It is abundantly clear that you love your animals and your work.

[@kitc1031]

You need to give your hair a command, "Lie down." I do feel a little lost with the whistle commands, but you did say the dogs like them. So I'm happy for that. It is so much fun watching your dogs act to your commands. I love it! Also, I was laughing at the sheep. Sometimes it looked like they were also following your command. Merry Christmas Sean, Stacy, all the animals and the subscribers.

[@seanthesheepman5845]

Thank you you too

[@sroberts605]

I was laughing too, imagining all the sheep lying down

[@clarissakirk1180]

@@sroberts605😂

[@6kat103]

I love your hair. Just saying.

[@ЛюдмилаПолякова-э4б]

Все собаки хороши, в том числе беспородные, но бордер-колли - истинный бриллиант. Настоящие интеллектуалы :). Счастья и благополучия в новом году вам и вашим мохнатым друзьям.

[@cleverusername9369]

There's nothing I can think of that's more impressive than a working dog doing the job it was meant to do

[@billiespencer9670]

Merry Christmas Sean and Stacey. It's educational and entertaining watching the dogs work. It's also fun to watch the family gatherings and rest time at home.

[@DaveLife1]

I love the wind noise. It adds to the ambiance of the clouds and green fields.

[@christinae30]

I can hear the sheep thinking (if they could😄🤗): "we were here just some minutes ago, when will they decide where we shall be?" Lovely dog🤩

[@belfast479]

Sean, Absolutely the best description of commands and whistles I have seen. Cape Cod owner of 2 BC's. All my best.

[@SUSANREEDER-l1b]

woohoo! New upload of the sheepman, and my favorite working pups on the internet.

[@christineplaton3048]

It's the brogue. That Ginger hair, a sweet wife and adorable dogs.

[@ashleystearns2486]

I always wondered if the commands were common to all herders. Thanks! I hope you, Stacey and the pups and sheep have a very happy Christmas. 🎄

[@sullivan2339]

Love your channel! Have Lovely Holidays and a healthy safe prosperous 2024!

[@paulclaassen926]

Oh my gosh, your Echo has matured magnificently! He is so locked into your voice and has such enthusiasm for his work. I love watching your dogs work just like my Pa loved watching his Brittany Spaniels work hunting quail. Thanks for the great video, Sean. G-d's blessings on you and yours.

[@ZBeets720]

What a talented and engaging young man. I cannot believe what those dogs can do. Pure joy all around.

[@bonniedeibel1546]

Smartest dogs ever! Commands are always interesting! Amazing in every aspect! You can tell Eco loves his job.

[@lynfawcett221]

I'm living in Australia now, and I would agree. You do sound Australian when you give the lie down command. Your demonstration of the basic commands is brilliant. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. ❤

[@JulieWallis1963]

I _think_ you'll find he sounds Scottish. As he is Scottish. Australians speak English. I am not trying to be goady or aggressive. Just bring honest. I do understand the truth does hurt sometimes.

[@RandomGuyyy]

Agreed, his "lie down" sounds pure Aussie for some reason. His come by sounds like "come, boy" too.

[@cdg-hzg]

I love these videos! Fantastic! I've never owned a sheep dog, but I had a wonderful Gordon Setter. I know from my Gordon (Buster) that training a dog requires a ton of patience and perseverance. But, there's something genetically in these breeds as well. I'm not a hunter, but I lived in a rural area at the time I had Buster. He could sniff out anything! Pheasant. Rabbits. Snakes. Field mice. Whatever. Whenever I threw something for him to retrieve and it landed in tall grass, he had a very methodical, zig zagging method of finding the object, which he almost always did find. I didn't teach him that. He knew. Certainly your dogs have an in-built knack for herding. It's your guidance, though, that obviously brings that to the level of art. Simply, Wow!

[@sharonammirati2042]

I have shown your videos to so many friends, they end up loving them as much as I do. Best Holiday wishes for you, Stacy, and awesome dogs❤ from California

[@donnabrowne2214]

I’m new to your channel, but I’ve trained dogs before, and I am amazed at your dogs’ abilities and the intensity with which they work. Thank you for the explanation of the commands. Merry Christmas to you and your family. ❤

[@tabascodragon1957]

What gets me is how the sheep seem to know where the dog is without ever looking back.

[@Solitude11-11]

They have peripheral vision of 320-340 degrees. Prey animal 😊

[@SamCyanide]

3:30 that was so awesome seeing how you work with your dog, really an awesome team, I can tell you guys get stuff done

[@bodyfusionsmassage7774]

You can tell the dogs love what they do. So fascinating and beautiful to see how Sean works his dogs.

[@christineramsey5572]

This is so interesting! It's not as complicated as is looks once you know what the commands mean. And the whistles being the same as the verbal commands was surprising. What a great trainer you must be!

[@sadhumannell2769]

Consistency is the key to training.🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@brendawhite3958]

Thank you so much for this information. I appreciate you taking time to explain them to us “ newbies”! Love your channel and the dogs are awesome!👏 ❤

[@ohotnitza]

LOL the dog is having a blast running in all directions. The sheep are all like wth is going on?! Where are we going??😂

[@bobloblaw9302]

Thank you for the command explanation. We appreciate the amount of effort it takes for fantastic working dogs. Cheers from Calgary Canada.

[@jmvmike]

Thank you for taking the time to produce this. We had a beautiful border collie named Roxie. She was one of the smartest dogs I have ever known. We had to be cautious with her around our granddaughters. She thought they were sheep and would try to nip and herd the kids.

[@lisacepluch1152]

If only more people were as hard working as these dogs! Love your videos!

[@wvp2491]

My heart yearns to dwell alongside these animals in this inspiring landscape. ❤ Nice video indeed!

[@alexandra2jerry]

Absolutely brilliant dog handling and let’s not forget the sheep. I could just hear them “ Oh here we go again Bessie, run to your right, now your left, I wish he’d make his mind up” 💕😂💕 Thank you as always, Alex in Florida

[@katjastevens3608]

Thanks for the clear explanation. I'm new in this and it helps a lot to understand. I love seeing you praising your Dog when doing a good job.

[@elizabethwezelman8547]

Thanks for the explanation, I love watching your dogs in action, they are magnificent. I enjoyed Echo rolling on his back, and he looks so clean. Thank you.

[@Infrawgnito]

It's such a thrill to watch the dogs work so well with your commands. They are incredible dog and I love watching your talent with call-outs. Keep up the amazing channel.

[@marsh443]

👍 Gr8 job, beautiful animals & those pupster are lil workhorse' 👏

[@pKbasten]

Thank you for teaching ME what is happening with your comma is relative to what you want the dog to do in relation to whee the sheep are/are going. I'll watch this a couple of times to put it in my brain!

[@BiterAvid]

Oh this is great. I was always fascinated to learn the commands to the dog. Many videos show the dog doing their amazing job, but they do not include the handler's part in the process. I have only heard the commands in the K9 Corps which is Police Dogs. "Get that Runner" and then when the dog quickly and easily tackle the runner with prejudice, then the handler says "Hold" and the dog gets a firm and very scary grip on the arm, ankle, neck, or pelvis usually accompanied with a paralyzing growling sound. This is much more beautiful and refined like a flowing. living art form. Amazing. Thanks so much.

[@ChristyPerry-sp9er]

Love it. Thank you for explaining the commands. I've got them down now. It's fun knowing the commands and what the dogs are being asked to do. I'm a Texas city girl but really enjoy watching and understanding how you work with your sheep dogs. Beautiful.

[@eleanorcurrie5969]

Great video Sean. Thanks for covering all the basic commands. It's just so interesting. Those sheep are gorgeous. Quite feisty wee souls too.

[@Whiterook-k4w]

Love love love your channel ! Echo just waiting for the next command while you are explaining to us common folks! Brings tears to my eyes. BTW, you have great hair 🙂

[@grabbagcrafting6004]

Thank you for showing a little about the training. It's so interesting and beautiful.

[@jennifersherman8838]

This is my 3rd video and it answered questions I had about communication and the whistle commands. I've wondered about the whistle commands for years. Thank you for the video and information. Jennifer San Francisco Bay area USA

[@caseyslove]

Great explanation of commands and training. I enjoy your videos to witness how well your dogs respond and how talented a trainer you are. 🇨🇦

[@bentelindstad5759]

Thanks for sharing I love to watch your beautiful dogs working with you:):)

[@beckyworthen7136]

I love Sean's accent... Gorgeous sheep and beautiful dogs... Love them.

[@lisahenderson8823]

Thank you so much for teaching about these commands. The different whistle. Écho loves his job. All of them do. Thank you!

[@nancymcgee4776]

Have a wonderful Christmas Sean and Stacy and you beautiful fur babies! 🥂

[@pietergrimbergen]

Thank you Sean. i am training sheep herding in The Netherlands, not with a border collie bu with a fifteen months you Welsh Corgi Cardigan, named Kit. The commands we now are training and your videos help me a lot in understanding... best, Pieter Grimbergen (august 18, 2024 Twente Diepenheim NL)

[@JJskiddy]

Give that beauty dog a huge hug and pat on head...he is so well behaved....Merry Christmas to all you and the doggies.....🎅🤶🐶🐶🐶🐶🌲

[@AEW0416]

This is so fascinating. Why do I half expect the sheep to lay down on command. 😂

[@agfillion1]

God love him, Echo is a good boy and he loves to work. ❤ He’s a special pup😊

[@lauraansara5066]

Love, love, love all your videos! Thank you❤❤❤Michigan USA...blasted wind!!😅😅😅

[@cjp592]

I love your dogs. The best dogs on KZbin, for me. Many more of clips of your excellent dogs. Live long and prosper guys. 🖖🖖🖖🖖💕 Fan from 🇺🇸

[@virginiaconnor8350]

I'm a "Star Trek" fan too. I named my first dog, an Aussie/BC, Gem and added (the Empath) after this tiny pup of 6 weeks showered me with kisses when my dad told me to return her to the dog shelter. He soon changed her mind when my mother fell in love with her too. Gem lived 13 years and I adopted T'Ami that summer from a farm in N.Ga. Also 6 weeks, T'Ami didn't like her Vulcan name so I renamed her Tess Siobhan. She not only herded hens, chipmunks, squirrels, geese at a park, children on bicycles, etc., shd alerted me to my high and low glucose levels by sniffing me and pawing at my handbag where she must've seen me put my glucose meter before we went out for our walkie each day. I had 3 other BCs-Tess's son-JackBNimble, his girlfriend-Little Bo Peep, and my r/w Gypsy Rose Lee. They've all gone over the Rainbow, but if I could get an older, retired BC girl who just needed loving care in her last years I would.

[@dougpage1271]

Truly Amazing! Love those hard working dogs! Beautiful land! - Doug, Iowa Farmer in USA 🇺🇸

[@beatricepeter995]

😮Wow ans wow again😮Astunned is little said : what ancient knowledge and today's practice can do 😅😊Once upon a time someone told me the most suitable dog for me would be a BC as compatible with my character .I had three GSDS fully content as I was , they adapted well for long walks and returning to a small apartment house. Also rescued and placed many of their kind in time.Now watching your comprehensive basic teachings makes me dream of an open space where despite of the strong wind I would RECALL them , the most intelligent treasure B.C❤❤❤

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

So fun to watch. You have a great relationship with your dog. ❤❤❤

[@elizabethnisotis334]

Love watching you with your pups❣️🐾❣️ Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄

[@seanthesheepman5845]

Thank you! You too!

[@praiseworthy1087]

always love watching the intelligence of the best dog on the planet. I am on my fourth and just adore him.Echo is a beautiful baby ty for sharing this video I loved watching him

[@zoyashiii3924]

I enjoy watching your dogs. I have a collie. He saw a sheep once in his life and he got frightened 😂

[@jodidavis6595]

I’m a new subscriber so this was very cool to watch and learn. You should be very proud of yourself carry on such a beautiful old tradition in your country/culture. Looks like a nice life. I can tell you work very hard at what you do. Much respect ❤️🇺🇸

[@Nan-ly8zb]

Sean……I cannot get enough of your videos!!! They are absolutely fascinating!!! Thank you so much and greetings from the 🇺🇸!!!!! 🐾💙🤍❤️🐾

[@maggieekane7845]

Echo did a great job of following your commands, Sean. He has learned well. I love Echo. Such a great BC. 🥰👍❤️

[@Joy-TX]

You brought back one of my favorites. Merry Christmas to everyone 🎄

[@dawnfoster6530]

Echo is such a good boy. Sean's a good boy, too 😂

[@christinewatson8550]

I just love watching the dogs work! I have a Chinook, but no sleds to pull in California. Hope to get to ancestral home Scotland, some day . Keep the videos comin'! Thanks

[@peterpicroc6065]

Thanks, that' a superintertesting video to this owner of a totally different breed. Also lovely to see Echos energy, devotion and his love for you and his job.

[@janetharnwell7221]

Absolutely marvellous video, great explanation of how you and your dogs work the sheep. Thank you from Janet in Australia.