Herding Ability

[our2boys]

We are interested in possibly getting our two cardigans into herding classes and trials. I was wondering if anyone on here has ever done the herding thing with their corgis as they are a herding breed. Does anyone have any stories, experiences or advice on getting started? Please advise.

[manymuddypaws]

I have only done a few herding clinics with my guys- but what a blast they had! I wish there were more local trials but it is mostly border collie folk in my area and they aren't all particularily fond of corgis....
anyway- I had started teaching her directionals prior to her first intro and boy did that come in handy. I also have a really good, fast lie down command for her which was really helpful. The first time I put Wicca on sheep was amazing! It gave me goosebumps. I had done a little herding with my shepherd but after her attempted maiming of sheep- that was kiboshed. Wicca was a natural. She right away went into herding mode- crouched, and moved low to the ground. She was intent on her goal and loving every minute of it. I wish I had gotten it on film.
I never dreamed she would be like that- it was like she had been doing it all her life. She is from working ranch dogs but I was still dumbfounded that she could just go out and do that. The herding instructor commented she had never seen a cardigan before and was pretty impressed. Like I said if there was more around here I would do more....There is going to be herding at the Cardigan Nationals this summer so I will def. be attending!

It is a thrill and if your boys like it I am sure you will love it! I think the key thing is to find an instructor who has expereince with non-border collies. BC's herd much different than a corgi...Also like I said it is helpful to have some directional training prior to being around sheep and also a good stop command !They don't neccesarily need to be lying down but they need to stop moving on your command- and when the adrenaline is going sometimes it is hard to get through to them so practice that lots!

Have fun and good luck!

-amanda

[Bayoucorgi]

I am just starting herding next month. Liam has been "on" sheep twice just for instinct testing. He is a little over a year old and came from the rescue. It's heartstoppingly beautiful to see the little light go on in their head and heart. Last time he went, he went right in the pen, started the sheep moving and stayed after them.

There is a location south of Dallas, I think it is in Ellis, that has herding facilities.

I am starting to train with Joy Sebastian Hall. She has Roux Crew, and there is a Houston Area Herding Association (HAHA). I have been to one training class and one of the other dogs is a Cardi named Otis. She does "workshop" style where you come in for two days of intensive training each month for people who live far away.

I hope you love it as much as I do.