All dogs can benefit from some yard work. It doesn't matter if you are never going to yard trial or do any yard work at all for that matter. But it can really help your dog’s confidence.
Many people who only do arena trialling won't put their dog in the yard, but to me, it is an important part of training.
For dogs that lack confidence or panic when getting too close to the sheep, yard work can really help in those areas. Contrary to some beliefs it won't teach them to bite or work too close.
Dogs that are hesitant to come in and push the sheep, or charge in and split or bite the sheep when they get too close, can gain real benefit from closer work, to help them relax.
It can also be useful for dogs that break out too much in training as it can teach them to stay in contact with the sheep.
In saying this, some dogs may always be a bit panicky in close or are just not happy pressuring sheep. But for most dogs, there will be some improvement.
When I start a young dog, I like to get them working well outside first, then start some easy yard work with them.
You need quiet sheep that move easily off the dog. Not sheep that will charge or attack your dog, and you need a reasonable sized yard with only a small number of sheep to start.
In the beginning, it is fine to just stand there with your dog on a lead for a while to test his reaction and allow him to relax. Then when you release him, let him find his own way a bit, and work out how to best move the sheep. If he is likely to bite, you can put a muzzle on, but otherwise try not to pressure him too much so he panics.
Encourage him to push past the sheep on the fence. He may do this in a mad panic at first but its important not to push too much or say anything, even if he gives a bit of a nip going past. Once he is confident with a few sheep, you can add more sheep, and make it a little more difficult. You may be surprised how much he enjoys it after a while. Don’t worry if things get a bit chaotic at first, just stay calm. I use a short-handled rake as guidance. I find the hardest part of this is trying not to get myself knocked over, so I try to stay on the fence as much as I can. It helps to have small sheep.
If you can pack some woolly sheep tightly in a race, then it's also beneficial to get the dog on the sheep’s backs. This gives him a chance to get up close and personal. Even just holding him there for a while and letting him relax can be useful. Some dogs will fight to be up there but if you can hold him until he relaxes, this will teach him calmness up close. Don't let him jump down or fall into the race.
This sort of work also helps your dog to take the pressure, and as you progress to more advanced training there is always going to be some pressure situations involved.
As yard and utility trialling is part of what I do, and how I assess my dogs, it's important that mine have enough yard work in them. Some never get that confident in the yard, while others love it. Most dogs are either better at yard work or at paddock work. There is not a lot that excel at both. This is what makes Utility trialling the most challenging.
I have added two videos in the comments with my seven-month-old Posh. She tends to be a little excitable, panicky and inclined to dive in. She is not strong but is willing to have a go and try to make something happen. This was her first time in the yard, and I was happy with her desire to work even in an environment where she felt a little under pressure.
Article was written by Nan Lloyd Kumbark Working Kelpies.
Article written by Nan Lloyd Kumbark Working Kelpies.
