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Herders in the Suburbs
Do you have a herding breed?
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Herding breeds have a very special instinct and it is one that is still so widely utilised and bred for, particularly for our Border Collies and Kelpies. These genes are so hardwired.
Sometimes people choose a sheepdog as they have an active lifestyle and may enjoy daily running and/or walking. While these dogs do need stamina and fitness to work, this is such a small aspect in comparison to what the goal of their job is.​
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Do you want to understand more about them?​
Sheepdogs are bred to block and control the movement of the sheep. They are incredible at reading body language and need to be one step ahead of the sheep at all times, so they don't loose control of the flock. They have a very intense 'eye' and use stalking behaviour and slight changes in their body to control and move the sheep. They add pressure with even the stillness of their posture and their intense eye. This is all apart of the predatory sequence, they have been selectively bred to have a strong eye and stalk from this natural pattern.
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They are also bred to work with the farmer in partnership, even under difficult circumstances at times, whether it be tough terrain or working at a far distance, they can be extremely hardy and extremely sensitive at the same time.
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Are they struggling with life in the suburbs?​​ ​​
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Bring these instincts to the suburbs, where there are fast cars, motorbikes, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, kids playing, etc, we can see certain behaviours popping up out of context. This can show in chasing cars and even trying to nip anything with wheels, chasing shadows and reflections and even stalking behaviour towards kids running around. ​For these dogs living in the suburbs, it can prove to be quite tricky as they navigate the world around them. Without having those instinctual needs met, it can become quite problematic.​
It is also important to note that often obsessive and repetitive behaviours, such as shadow chasing, can be viewed as 'funny' or 'quirky'. However, this is extremely detrimental if the dog is able to continue practicing these unhealthy behaviours. Please seek professional help, if your dog is displaying repetitive behaviours.​​​
Sheepdogs can absolutely thrive in the suburbs, it is just important they are expressing their natural instincts in a healthy manner!
My Border Collie, Max
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I have always had a passion for Border Collies, but Max has been my biggest teacher in truely learning about this breed. He is a highly sensitive and highly intelligent dog, which is so incredible to work and live with, but can also go very wrong.
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Max is a friendly, affectionate, loyal boy who can get very overstimulated and reach his threshold very quickly. This I actually noticed from a young age. He has needed a lot of management alongside the training and herding games, as well as patience and consistency. So yes, we have had our challenges and I continue to manage his world so he is not put in situations I know he cannot cope with, but we have come SUCH a long way!
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I started playing herding games with him from when he was about 6 months old and have never looked back. I am continuing to learn about these dogs to help owners help their own herders to thrive. I love helping people understand their dogs and why they may be displaying certain behaviours.
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I encourage all herding owners to learn about their dog's job. I just love understanding how herding actually works and what these incredible dogs are bred to do - I have SO much to learn still, as we all do, but I love learning and will continue learning about how I can help families with their own Border Collies.
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