Dogs with Jobs: Herding Dogs

Herding dogs, also known as stock dogs or cattle dogs have been working on farms for many years. They provide an invaluable service to their masters/farmers by controlling the movement of a group of livestock, typically cattle or sheep. They can work by themselves or a number of dog’s can work together as a team.

Their natural herding instinct is trained and harnessed to move livestock as directed and commanded by the farmer. They herd the livestock by circling them, barking at them and nipping them.

It can take a long time to train a herding dog but generally, especially the good ones, are bred for it. The best suited breeds for herding and working livestock include Border Collies, Kelpies, Cattle Dogs and Australian Shepherds. Herding dog’s are generally very intelligent, high energy, easy to train and eager to please their owners. They also make good guard dogs as they become very protective of their family, property and livestock.

Even though herding livestock is a job for these dogs, they don’t see it as work, they see it as fun, natural and a way to please their owners.

Until next time,
Bec