|
All phases of training are done off
leash
|
| Stage I |
Working inside approx. 50 ft.
diameter fenced circle with 3 to 5 sheep. Dog is to learn and know these commands:
- BACK - pushing dog back
from stock onto its balance point)
- DOWN - dog should come to a
complete halt or lie down)
- Dog should circle in either direction (using
BACK command) and fix its balance point
- THAT'LL DO - Dog should
come freely off stock (recall)
|
| Stage II |
Working dog inside a small fenced
enclosure 1 to 3 acres with 5 or more sheep. Dog is to learn the following:
- Short outrun (approximately 20 yds.)
- Stop behind sheep (well back)
- Lift (slow, easy, yet powerful)
- Fetch (fetching sheep from point of lift to
handler)
|
| Stage III |
Working dog inside a small fenced
enclosure 1 to 3 acres. Dog is to learn to do the following:
- Side commands
- COME BYE - clockwise
direction around sheep
- AWAY TO ME - counter
clockwise direction around sheep
- WALK UP - teach dog to move
stock at an easy pace
- THERE - dog should stop and
stand in position, keeping control
- Driving - teach dog to follow stock away
from handler
|
| Stage IV |
Working dog in large open field
with 5 or more sheep. Dog is to learn to do the following:
- Long pear-shaped outrun
- Steady, even lift
- Fetch
- Drive
|
| Stage V |
Working dog in large open field
as in Stage IV. Dog is to learn to do the following:
- Pen - putting stock inside a 8' x 8' pen
- Shed - dividing or separating stock using
dog
|
|
BASIC TERMS
|
| Outrun |
The dog leaves your feet, either
to your left or right, in a pear-shaped course to throw himself
out around the stock without getting too close so as not to
disturb them. |
| Lift |
At the end of the outrun, the act
of starting the stock on the fetch. The way your dog
approaches should be a slow easy pace, testing your dogs power
and balance. |
| Fetch |
To bring the stock to the
handler. |
| Drive |
To move the stock away from the
handler at a slow even pace. |
| Balance Point
|
The position of the dog at which
he has control of the stock.
|
