We have all heard the saying, Location Location Location in real estate terms. In sheepdog training, it is Position, Position, Position.
Something most people struggle with.
Understanding where to be to initiate commands, fix a problem, influence the way the dog travels around its sheep, or enforce a command, is of the utmost importance.
Dogs are not silly, if we are in the wrong position when we ask for something they know we cannot enforce it, and they quickly learn to ignore us, in fact, if we do it often enough the dog will be constantly looking for ways to outsmart us.
Even when starting a young pup, we don't just stand there and let them race around in mad circles, we are observing what they are doing, and quietly correcting issues, just by being in the correct position. This creates the basics for training and commands later on, as the pup will already understand and respond to our influence. So just by getting between him and the sheep and holding him there for a short while, he will understand this means stop, so when we ask for the spoken command later on down the track, he already knows it.
There is no point asking for a stop if we are not right in front of the dog and between him and the sheep. We will have no influence if we are on the other side of the sheep. The dog will learn so much faster if we are clear about what we are asking. If we get it wrong and the dog races off, and we then chase around yelling stop while in the wrong spot then the dog will think the command means the opposite of what we are asking.
It is also important not to turn our back on the dog as we get into position. Many people do this, and dogs know when we are not watching, and this is when they can slice or fly in and the next minute we are on the ground. So keep your eye on him.
All dogs are a bit different though, some are very responsive to where we are and will react quickly turning back the wrong way just as we get to the correct position, so we really need to observe the dog and see what works best for him. Some dogs will respond just to body language, others may need a rake or stick to enforce what we are asking.
However, we still need to be in the right spot.
If we are trying to stop the dog or widen out a tight flank and we are not quite in the right place, and missed the opportunity to correct him; instead of rushing to get there it is easier to wait until he comes around again and line it up better. By doing this we remain calm and controlled and are not rushing here and there creating tension. This can upset the dog so he feels the need to ‘beat’ you all the time.
Dogs that are fast and lacking some eye will be more difficult, we can’t outrun them so need to outsmart them, by anticipating where we need to be before they get there.
Position is something the handler has to ‘feel’ for themselves. Trainers can show them, but it’s important for them to observe what happens if they are in the wrong place, and note the difference in the dog when they are in the correct position. Once the handler understands this, they are much better equipped to sort out future issues with their dogs.
