Traditional Herding Event 2nd-3rd November 2024

The first day of this event will concentrate on disseminating practical and ethological information about Shepherding dogs. This will be useful for anyone who would like to know more about the shepherding breeds. You will gain insight into what their actual work is: it isn't what you might currently think!  At the end of the first day we hope to have illuminated a few insights for you and to have given you some rudimentary first shepherding steps.

 

The second day will contain more emphasis on the HGH standard as a basis for actually working with the shepherding dogs. The practical work will involve bringing handlers and dogs together at the flock in a simple training exercise. You will gain further insight into whose job is what, we will try to tease apart for you what it is that herding dogs actually do and with this insight we hope to continue to develop your understanding of the role of the shepherd.

 

This is significantly important intelligence for owners of shepherd dogs whether they have an urban or rural life.

 

Within this event we are taking the time to provide a discovery opportunity for two trainee handlers to examine what is involved in the first steps of herding work. And for five observer-participants present to take part. Handlers and observers will practice shepherd elements together on day one. Handlers (with guidance) will request the help of observers in a hands on and practical sense on day two.

 

You will be introduced to the 'languages' inside and outside of you and how these are read and perceived by herding dogs and sheep, how you can 'pin' the conversation within the environment, how to amplify what you need to say (without raising your voice!) and how less is ALWAYS more.

 

The knowledge and understanding will be shared by an experienced shepherd who has worked with GSDs and livestock consistently since 1987. Additional experienced shepherds will be on hand to support learning and understanding of ethos on the day. Methodology applied in the development of dogs and sheep is closest in style to constructivist learning theory. This is the most appropriate approach to working with shepherding dogs. As the weekend unfolds observer-participants and handlers will discover why this is the case and experience first had how different an approach this is to behaviourism*

 

We will do our best to help you 'bridge' your understanding as you switch away from behaviourism*. The work is intrinsically motivational and no aversive methods are tolerated*.

A number of exercises have been developed over the years to help non-farming people feel the movement, shape and 'conversation' that begins and ends within the shepherd and is 'played out' by the recipient animals present. A decent metaphor is conductor-orchestra and harmony is the aim. Participation is somewhat physical, there will be some walking and some standing in a farm environment with some gently rising land (please feel free to ask us privately if you have further questions).

 

This is a no participant pet dogs event. If you need to bring a dog with you see footnote.**

 

Participant dogs, where necessary for educational purposes are supplied by the host. All visitors are expected to behave appropriately and as directed in the presence of the dogs.

The information shared is applicable to any GSD or other shepherding type dog breed. If it were as simple as directing shepherd dogs into collecting style (collie style) activity in order to meet their needs, then, the shepherding dogs might be much less over represented in behaviour case loads and in second-hand or 'rescue' environments. 

 

Sadly our national knowledge of herding with shepherd dogs is limited, one aim of this event is to find a start point with which to change that.

 

 

enquiries please to hello@dogtaggs.co.uk.

We have accessible facilities.

* experience tells us that some people find it very challenging to suspend, relinquish or challenge attachment to behaviourism. We understand this. Expect the approach to be different, it is not aversive, but we all experience challenge to our personal beliefs in different ways, if this is not something that you can embrace, then this might not be an event for you.

 

** visiting dogs. We strongly advise you not to bring dogs to this event. Where it is absolutely unavoidable please note that your dog needs to be comfortable with spending long periods of time in your own vehicle and that exercising opportunities are strictly OFF the farm venue. We can direct you to local dog walks.