GSD learning herd control in the goat pen - Page 1

BTw, the orange collar is for visibility when Otis is running in the woods with us, as this is deer season, in case some might mistake it for ecollar :)

Thanks for sharing the video!

Christine

Beautiful boy. I wish I had taken the opportunity to try herding with my girl when she was younger she has the same attitude to sheep that Otis has for the goats. I understand that they need to have this intense interest to have an aptitude for herding, is that correct? 

The intense interest in the livestock, as opposed to indifference towards the them as in a livestock guardian breed, is imperative. The instinct to herd, in my opinion, put best by my vet (who has bred border collies for decades), " cannot teach a dog to herd, you can only teach them control. They either have or they don't". Otis definitely has "it".

I worked an eight and a half year old (Otis' grandmother) on sheep and she was super. That was for her pleasure, since in years past she has helped with goats. Abby, I would think if your girl still gets around good, she's not too old ;-)

Thanks Joan

Oh she is intense! She is over 10 now, and she does have HD. She gets around well, but I would need to watch her  on turns and such. I might see if I can find somewhere that is running a herding instinct test, that wouldnt be too taxing on her. Oh it would d make her life complete to get close to those sheep LOL. Thanks, something new for us to do in 2013!

That would would be super! Get some pictures to share :-) your girl is going to be beside herself with joy!

Thanks for the video, Joan.  I think he is starting to get it.  Do you allow him to watch Chekta do the herding or just take him by himself ?

I want him to concentrate on the goats and listen to me, aakay, so I take every one individually.
Otis is very strong and if a goat doesn't give in with his look, then he is quick to reinforce physically. You can see that when he jumped on the buck's head. The buck is new, and hasn't been worked by dogs until he came here, but he is learning to give ground ( the prudent thing to do). Otis has learned when his moves are effective, to not go any further with physical contact. That is where control and obedience is paramount. I can turn him loose with them and call him to me, put him in a down, he is very obedient. He's learned that 'chasing' is not the objective, which is a big accomplishment for a dog with so much prey drive.