Herding in the USA ? - Page 3

Then I would recommend trying tending with your dog.  It is what the bred was bred to do and is very beautiful to watch.  Truely the standard come to life.  While more people do the gather/fetch BC/Aussie type of work, the GSD is not as well suited for this type of work with its very high prey drive, ground covering trot and large upright presence.   It tends to reward dogs that are incorrect in drive and movement, as most of the dogs that are successful in the arena courses are less talented and more handler dependent.  This is a generalization and there are some exceptions.  However it is the result of trying to put the square peg into the round hole. 

As I stated before the biggest issue with tending is the lack of instructors willing to think outside the box and try it.  It doesn;t take a rocket scientist, but many people in herding just can't get their minds around it as it is different.

I guess if the gather /fetch work was all I could do with my GSD...I'd do something other than herding.   Or find a way to be able to tend.

Susan

................I guess if the gather /fetch work was all I could do with my GSD...I'd do something other than herding.   Or find a way to be able to tend.

LOL, I totally agree there Susan.  I couldn't imagine working my dogs only being able to do gather/fetch work.  

While they are a haul from you, someone to contact who might be able to put you in touch with an appropriate trainer is Kent and Lori Herbel - http://www.xpranch.com/ - They have trained and competed with GSDs in herding in the past.  They are actually in Illinois this weekend for a seminar.

"I now have a pup from herding backrounds and I want to raise a few head of sheep for my personal use."

:X   Nope, not gonna touch that one. :)

Thanks Psycht,

But I didn't see or read anything involving GSD's.   Its a nice website anyway.

Not gonna touch what policemom?    After I herd them, and fatten them, I'm gonna eat them!   I might even share with the dog's.

Sorry I couldn't help it.