small dogs16674

Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became domesticated, man became aware of the dogs herding ability. Tactics used by hunting wolves, witnessed by humans, such as driving and separating one animal from the flock, were further exploited and bred into these dogs. As in other dogs, the animals possessing the best inherent herding abilities were further developed to assist human shepherds in their daily duties.

As you know, German Shepherds fall into the Herding Category of dog breeds- the breed was derived in the late 1800s from several different types of herding stock.

As the breed gained popularity, it also gained new jobs and duties as varied as can be possibly imagined- from work in the wars, search-and-rescue, tracking, police work, protection, to guide dog, companion dog and more. Still, some animals(GSDs) are used today actively as herding dogs.

Exactly what is involved in the process of herding? First, a willingness to work and to cooperate with others. In the wild wolves or wild dogs work as a unit when hunting prey and each animal may have a particular job to fulfill in order to bring down the intended victim. Some may be following the prey while others attempt to head it off.

Still, another may be the pack leader who in essence coordinates the events of the hunt. Herding dogs now work essentially with a human as pack leader in attempting to control herds of livestock.

Herding dogs may have natural abilities and fall in one of two basic categories- either that of gatherer or driver. Drivers generally move the stock away from the handler while still grouped, while gatherers tend to head off stock, keep them grouped and move them toward the handler. Generally speaking, gatherers are more versatile than drivers and it is much easier to cross train a gatherer to drive than it is to cross train a driver to gather.

Overall, principles of herding are based on the dogs natural instincts though other training methods abound. First dogs must obey the handler and follow commands.

This, along with mutual trust and respect, are the most important aspects of the working relationship between the dog(s) and the handler. After being introduced to stock, the animals are taught to position themselves in relation to the handler and stock based on their job and the direction in which the herd is to be moved. It is the handlers job to give the dog guidance in working the stock.

Later in training directional commands are learned by the animal in training. Most commands are in the form of verbal cues or whistles although visual commands may sometimes be involved as well. Possible commands may include easy or steady (move slowly), stop, down, or flanking commands such as move counterclockwise or clockwise around the herd. Once the dog masters the basic gathering commands it is taught to drive the herd and as it learns each lesson, it is taught other more difficult commands.

Qualities a good herding dog must possess are obedience, trainability, adaptiveness, good health, responsiveness and, most importantly, being able to use its own judgment. Standing up to uncooperative stock or being gentle with cooperative stock are other qualities of utmost importance in an actual working herding dog.

Article written and reprinted with permission of: ...pedigreedpups.com/
Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - "Your New Best Friend"

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

Debbie Ray, owner of ...pedigreedpups.com and ...total-german-shepherd.com, is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Interested in the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Need to promote your dog related website and get additional in bound links? Check out pedigreedpups.com , total-german-shepherd.com or ...pedigreeddogs.com (purebred dog breed directory) for more information.Dog Training Techniques
Bach Flower Remedy For Dog
Small Dog
Dog Training Minnesota
Home Remedy For Dog Mange
Dog Cold Remedy
Natural Remedy For Constipation In Dog
Dog Coat
Dog Fencing Underground
Rescue Dog Training
Service Dog Training
Toy Dog
Herbal Remedy For Dog
Dog Training Tips
Dog Behavior Training
Puppy House Training
In Home Dog Training
Stop Dog Barking
Buy Beagle Dog
Protection Dog Training
Buy A Dog
Dog Training Leash
Dog Camps
Buy Dog Online Puppy
Home Remedy For Dog Ear Infection
Attack Dog Training Tip
Dog Trainer Austin
Constipation Dog Home Pet Remedy
Buy Dog Vaccines
Cattle Dog Training
Tip On How To Train Your Dog
Natural Dog Food Recipe
Buy A Maltese Dog
House Training A Dog
Does Dog Like Look Ring Worm
Crate Training A Dog
Dog Training Tip Online Free
Puppy Potty Training
Deaf Dog Training
Dog Guard
Puppy Obedience
Service Dog Training
Dog Agility
Training A Dog
Book Buy Can Dog That Top Training
Dog Weight
Create Dog Puppy Virtual
Home Remedy For Dog With Skin Allergy
Obedience Training For Dogs
Dog Get Rid Tick
Dog Fast Run
Training Older Dogs
Dog Commands
Buy Dog House
Puppy Potty Training
Dog Training Products
Dog Itchy Skin Home Remedy
Dog Training In Chicago
Home Remedy For Dog With Flea
Dog Behavior Cat
Dog Chewing Skin
Seeing Eye Dog Training
Dog Fight Underground Video
Grooming Dog
Does Dog Like Look Tick
Dog Flea Frontline Remedy Tick
Dog Daycare
Dog Trainers
Dog Flea Natural Remedy
Training Equipment
Can Command Dog Eliminate Teach
Dog Trainer Austin Texas
Information On Dog Diabetes
Dog Canine
Dog Arthritis Natural Remedy
Calm Dog
Dog Training Denver
Dog Collars

Dog Tip Training Training
Dog Housebreaking
Online Dog Training
Dog Collars
Where To Buy A Dog
Dog Problems
Craft Dog Make
Puppy Obedience
Book Buy Can Dog That Training
Dog Characteristics
Therapy Dog Training
Allergy Dog Natural Remedy
Top Dog Training
House Training A Dog
Buy Dog Food Online
Good Dog
Home Remedy For Dog Pyoderma
Dog Walking Tip
Remote Dog Training