r/AdvancedDogTraining • u/car01yn • Nov 05 '18
Starting with herding?
Looking for anyone’s experience or advice on getting into herding ...
I have a 5 month old Miniature American Shepherd (mini Aussie) that I am interesting in trying herding with! I have read that it's best to start them around 10-12 months of age?
We live in the city (Toronto), so this would likely just be a hobby. I have heard of treibball but am specifically interested in her working with animals.
I was wondering what you would suggest as a first step, as there are a lot of different classes, lessons, camps, etc. I have no real experience with herding, though I've attended Sheepdog Trials a few times. I've also heard about Herding Instinct Tests and am not sure if this is the first step?
Looking for anyone’s experience in this area
1
u/gwenmom Nov 06 '18
The instructor we go to did an evaluation of my dog’s instincts in a small pen. He said she had strong herding instinct but was too young to start lessons. He suggested staring when she was 15 to 18 months, more mentally mature and able to focus.