trial herding

[Jane Austen]

Duchess should be a natural herder but I wonder if she would be too aggressive, bite at the animals, and do them some damage. How is it possible to take a dog to try out it's ability at herding and still have the sheep not be injured? I know if she is chasing something Duchess is serious about it. I can't call her off.

We never had any problem, usually I have the leash on her in my yard. She has learned to live with my cat but outside she may not be as likely to stop when she catches our neighbors cat or another animal.

[ColColt]

Jane-I have a book I picked up at PetSmart a few months back called "Welsh Corgis" and there is a section in there called "the Stubby Herder" that talks about herding with Corgis. One paragraph explains that, "The PWCCA and CWCCA both offer herding instinct test to help determine if a Corgi has the instinct to work with livestock. The test is called HIC, Herding Instinct Certificate.

However a couple of pages over, it shows one Corgi chasing some sheep and has gotten a death grip on the sheep's hind leg! The caption notes that "Corgis may nip at the livestock, but should not grip it with their teeth." The photo beside that shows a R/W definitely has that leg in his teeth. I suppose it just takes training and practice as they all are different.

[smcilree]

Check around with folks who have some of the other herding breeds in your area. Someone will probably be able to point you to a trainer or club which can do instinct testing for Duchess. I know I called up a fellow I knew did herding with his Corgis and he tested Clust after we set up for a trail taking place the following week. That was three years ago this very weekend, and after some initial obedience training, Clust has gone on to do quite well with herding.

[Michael Romanos]

Corgis can herd ducks - and you wouldn't want a Corgi nipping a duck's leg let alone bite them. Taylor herds our budgies when they are on the floor in the kitchen and informal dining room. He noses then and uses his body to get them into corners.

[LuvMyFluffy]

Jane, I would get in touch with a corgi club in your area. I'm fortunate enough to be close to the Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club (Chicagoland area). Mainly their organization is formed to improve the breed. They have annual dog shows, where last year they offered the herding instinct test to be given over one of their show weekends. We took our fluff Gizmo to see how he would do. I'm hearing more and more of these type groups sponsoring this test, so I would look into it for your area. If you need help finding a group in your area, let me know, I'll help you find some information.
One of the things they mention during the testing is how they judge the agressiveness to the sheep (we were using sheep, but ducks can be used). I watched several corgis being testing, and I only noticed one nipping at the heels, but the sheep kinda kicked at the dog, and it started keeping more of a distance. They learn themselves if they are getting too close. Also we were told a dog will not pass the test if they injure a sheep, or run it into a fence. The whole experience for us and Gizmo was wonderful! I recommend it to everyone who has the opportunity to try it. He did pass his test, it's so cool seeing that instinct kick in for them while the handler works with them.
My Gizmo is a nudger (pokes with his nose), he nudges me when he needs something, and he nudges the cats to get them to run. I have two cats in the house, one will run if he chases her, and he loves to chase her! She will just hiss, run and hide. He has never bit her, he just wants her to run. My other cat has figured out his game, and will just lay down and refuse to run, Gizmo then just walks away. Funny animals!
I haven't been able to pursue training Gizmo for herding trials, I really don't have any place to practice that would be convienent for us.
Like I said, look into getting Duchess tested first, she may be great at it and you might meet local folks who could help you pursue her ability.

[Bayoucorgi]

Jane, I started Liam at herding last fall. My herding trainer instinct tested Liam in a small pen with 3 'dog-broke' sheep. Ones that will move when the dog pushes them but not run willy-nilly and get them running and biting. It is a very controlled situation. Hard dogs start on leash or on a body-rope around their ribcage - so they can be controlled without choking. The trainer stands in with them with a broom and simply places it between the dog and sheep if the dog tries to rush in. The trainer doesn't hit the dog, she just puts it between the dog and the sheep and it keeps them off.

It is very cool. Very fun. Good luck with it. It is my favorite training, but I can't train much due to other priorities. After the first "flush" of excitement, most dogs find as much joy in working as biting. It also seems to be part of the instinct.

Houston PWC's instinct test is this weekend. Too bad you weren't closer.

[Jane Austen]

I thank all of you who answered my question. Yes. I would like to try Duchess out on herding, but it is not something I would go to any lengths to try. If there were something in town or very near it would be fun.
I am satisfied that the sheep used for herding are not in extreme danger of being cruely harmed. I don't want any animal to be abused or put in harms way.
It was just a nagging question about the safety of the herd.