How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (2024)

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Expert’s answer:

Teaching an Australian Shepherd (Aussie) to herd cattle requires patience, consistency, and proper training techniques. Here are some steps you can follow to teach your Aussie to herd cattle:

  1. Start with basic obedience training: Before introducing your Aussie to cattle, ensure that they have a solid foundation in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. This will establish a level of control and responsiveness that will be important during herding training.
  2. Expose your Aussie to cattle: Gradually introduce your Aussie to cattle in a controlled environment. Start by allowing them to observe the cattle from a distance, gradually decreasing the distance over time. This will help your dog become familiar with the sight, sound, and smell of cattle.
  3. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Aussie with treats, praise, and play whenever they exhibit desired behaviors during the herding training. This will help reinforce their understanding of what you want them to do.
  4. Teach directional commands: Introduce commands such as “come by” (clockwise) and “away” (counter-clockwise) to teach your Aussie how to move the cattle in different directions. Use consistent verbal cues and hand signals to communicate these commands.
  5. Work on control and focus: Teach your Aussie to maintain control and focus while herding. This includes teaching them to stop, start, and change direction on command. Use positive reinforcement to reward them for maintaining focus and responding to your cues.
  6. Gradually increase difficulty: As your Aussie becomes more comfortable and proficient with basic herding commands, gradually increase the difficulty level. Introduce more challenging scenarios, such as herding cattle through obstacles or in larger spaces.
  7. Seek professional guidance: If you’re new to herding training or if you encounter difficulties, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or herding instructor. They can provide personalized advice and help you refine your training techniques.

Remember, herding is an instinctual behavior for Aussies, but each dog is unique and may require different approaches to training. Be patient, consistent, and always prioritize the safety and well-being of your dog and the cattle.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (1)

Do Aussie Shepherds go after cows?

Being herding breeds, Australian Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs enjoy running, jumping, and playing in open areas. They do, however, have herding instincts that must be identified early on, such as chasing or heel sniffing.

The Australian Shepherd and the Australian Cattle Dog are both herding dog breeds, but did you know that they differ greatly from one another?

These two breeds actually have very different origin stories, despite having similar names. Australia is where the Australian Cattle Dog originated. Due to the rapid expansion of cattle ranching in the nation at the beginning of the 19th century, crossbreeding was done in Australia to produce these puppies. They were highly prized as work dogs because of their wit, vitality, and endurance.

The name of the Australian Shepherd is a little misleading. Actually, the western United States is where this well-known puppy breed originated. This breed was created as a result of the late 19th-century expansion of the sheep ranching industry on a global scale, and it was influenced by both Spanish and British dog breeds. The work ethic, loyalty, and enthusiasm of Australian Shepherds made them highly prized by sheep ranchers.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (2)

Are Australian cattle dogs challenging to handle?

Australian Cattle Dogs are highly intelligent, diligent workers who exhibit a fierce protectiveness toward their owners and property. They form a close bond with their owner and are open-minded but suspicious of strangers. In general, they are friendly and eager to please their owners, but they can become hostile if threatened or cornered.

Australian Cattle Dogs need a job to channel their high levels of energy because they do not make good indoor pets for people who spend all day inside. Supervision is necessary because they may try to herd adults and young children.

Australian Cattle Dogs can be described as “mouthy” because they have a propensity to nip or bite, but with the right training and socialization, this behavior can be changed.

Australian Cattle Dogs are fearless and will bravely face larger animals (such as sheep, cattle, and even other dogs). They are independent and picky about the friends they make.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (3)

How is an Australian Shepherd prepared for working with cattle?

To successfully herd cattle, an Australian Shepherd must learn to respond to a variety of verbal cues or signals from their handler. All breeds of cattle herding dogs, including Australian Shepherds, frequently use verbal signals to indicate direction, such as “come by” and “away to me”. In order for cattle owners to separate cattle, prepare them for transportation, or administer medical care, an Australian Shepherd’s job when herding cattle involves gathering cattle together and then leading the herd to a designated location, typically to handling facilities that involve having the herd go through a gate, into a pen. An Australian Shepherd will need to know a number of commands, such as when to back off or stop herding cattle, and when to go right or left around cattle. Your dog will also need to learn how to work around cattle safely, understanding when to get close and when to back off to prevent getting kicked or startling cattle. A properly trained and employed Australian Shepherd can be a useful tool for farmers and ranchers moving and handling cattle, saving time and reducing stress on animals.

It is simple to get your Australian Shepherd to want to herd cattle due to the breed’s high herding motivation and positive response to praise. However, you can give your dog treats as a reward when they listen to commands and obey hand or verbal cues. Additionally, a long lead line is frequently used during training to direct your dog and stop a young, excited dog from getting too close to cattle, which could cause harm to your Australian Shepherd or cattle. For the purpose of teaching your Australian Shepherd how to herd animals and as a crucial first step in working with cattle, having access to smaller animals like chickens for practice and other herding dogs that can serve as role models is beneficial. To give animals control and safety, it is also advised that safe enclosures be used during training.

Do Australian Shepherds get along well with farm animals?

The Australian Shepherd was created in California to assist shepherds who were frequently on the move. Australian shepherds, as opposed to drovers, are excellent dogs to have on a small homestead where livestock needs to be moved from pen to pen.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (4)

How long does it take to teach a dog to herd cattle?

A cattle herding dog should be able to follow verbal instructions from their handler while off leash in order to carry out a variety of cattle handling tasks. Cattle herding dogs gather and guide the cattle in order to move them toward their handler, along a path, or through a gate. A good cattle herding dog will comply with a variety of off-leash commands, such as those to go left or right of the herd, stop, lie down, bark at, gather, hold, and back off from cattle. The handler can use these commands to control the dog’s behavior to move the herd of cattle to the appropriate location, such as out to pasture, in from pasture, or into corrals or handling systems. These tasks might be necessary to care for livestock, give them medicine, or perform other tasks. A cattle dog is a useful tool that farmers can use to handle their livestock and move them more easily and calmly. In order to give the cattle firm direction, a cattle dog must be aggressive. However, the dog must not become overly excited or aggressive, as this could result in panic in the cattle being herded or even harm and stress. Cattle herding dogs are not trained to herd and work with cattle until they are more mature and have mastered a variety of off-lead commands. Young dogs may be introduced to cattle and may be present when working cattle to get them used to the sights and sounds. A young dog’s excitement, lack of focus, and distraction can cause harm to themselves or to livestock. It takes several months and a close bond between the dog and handler to train a trustworthy cattle dog. Because of the aptitude for such work that has been developed in them over years of careful breeding, some breeds are commonly used for herding cattle. This kind of work is not suitable for all dogs.

Before beginning training, make sure your dog has the aptitude and skills necessary to herd cattle. Cattle-herding dogs must be of a breed with a natural aptitude for herding. The American Kennel Club lists 25 breeds as herding breeds. A cattle herding dog must be big enough and possess the necessary physical and mental capabilities to work with cattle. Because working with cattle requires quick reactions and movements to prevent injury, smaller dogs, timid dogs, or dogs with any physical impairment or orthopedic conditions may not be suitable. Herding dogs should be able to follow simple obedience commands like come, sit, and stay prior to working with cattle. With the help of a lengthy lead line, herding dogs are frequently first trained to control themselves around livestock.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (5)

Which two dogs combine to form an Australian Cattle Dog?

Australian cattle dogs come in two varieties: red and blue heelers. The name “blue heeler” refers to the color of the dog’s coat, while “red heeler” refers to the color of the dog’s fur. In Australia, a blue merle collie and a dingo were crossed to create both dogs. Apart from coat color, there is no distinction between the red and blue heelers.

Whether or not they are Australian cattle dogs, they are a favorite pet of some famous people.

I have been a freelance writer for 22 years. The natural world is all around me where I live in the Pacific Northwest. Elk, deer, and bald eagle herds are frequently present when I go for my daily runs. We go on mountain hikes where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys because I have two dogs that belong to me.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (6)

What makes my Aussie try to herd me?

Australian Shepherds, like the majority of shepherd dogs, were bred to be herding dogs. Your Shepherd has deep instincts thanks to years of careful breeding. Your Australian shepherd’s instinct to herd is just as natural as their requirement for a pack. Herding dogs are taught to nip and snap at the livestock’s heels to corral them into a group. If your puppy is biting you in the same way, it’s crucial to learn how to channel that energy in a positive way and how to teach your Shepherd that biting is unacceptable.

Remember that you might not be able to completely stop your Australian Shepherd from biting as you train him. The urge to bite is very strong in herding dogs. You can assist them in strengthening their ability to restrain their instincts, though. You’ll need a long training leash, a chew toy, or a rawhide bone for these techniques. Additionally, you can use rewards to promote the behaviors you want to see more of.

Australian Shepherd dogs are able to herd cows.

Australian Shepherds, also known as “aussies,” are a medium-sized breed prized for their cunning and natural instincts for herding. These dogs are excellent at herding sheep, cows, or even children because they are quick learners and always willing to work. This breed is known for its loving and agreeable nature, which makes them excellent as family and companion pets even though they are bursting with energy.

Sharp herding instincts for moving or bringing livestock.

Australian Cattle Dogs, also referred to as “heelers,” are a common breed among those who handle and own livestock. These dogs are small and well-suited to a long day on the ranch or in the summertime range. Due to their quickness in nipping the heels of livestock, they are renowned for having strong herding instincts. These dogs are incredibly devoted and equally as happy to ride in the truck as they are to herd cows.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (7)

Can an Australian Shepherd work on a farm?

Bred for arduous labor and herding, these are just a few of the wonderful traits of Australian Shepherds. Australian Shepherds were bred specifically for farm and ranch work when they were first developed as a breed in the 19th century. Many of these dogs are still in use today, helping to herd livestock or work on farms.

Australian Shepherds are a very popular breed of dog among owners of farms and ranches. Many of these individuals require a working dog to assist them with their farm animals. Many people may ponder whether an Australian Shepherd can make a good working dog.

For your farm or ranch, an Australian Shepherd would make a fantastic working dog. They are excellent as service animals as well. This article will discuss Australian Shepherds and why they make an excellent choice for working dogs.

Various tasks can be accomplished by a working dog. They can perform harder labor in industries like farming and herding or are frequently used as service animals. When working, working dogs are typically well-trained, obedient, and always in charge.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (8)

Exactly how simple is it to train an Australian Cattle Dog?

This breed has a remarkable degree of endurance and is also very athletic, strong, and powerful. Australian Shepherds have a reputation for being intelligent, receptive, independent, and eager. However, this breed requires regular exercise from its owners to avoid difficult behavior. This is because it will express its frustration at being unable to push its physical and mental boundaries further. The protective nature of the Australian Shepherd makes him wary of strangers.

This German-born breed is renowned for its powerful and muscular build. Many dog lovers refer to this breed as the “Cadillac of Dogs,” and others claim it almost has a human brain. Such is the intelligence of it. The Doberman Pinscher is not just a guard dog; it is also a brave, gregarious, and quick-witted companion. While it is very obedient to the wishes of its owner, it can be aggressive and domineering around other dogs.

Due to its protective nature, this breed makes a great family pet even though it is well known for its detection skills and work as a police dog. With a German Shepherd, you can quickly enforce the law. But once you do, you’ll notice that it responds to commands quickly and easily. Furthermore, this breed can develop a special bond with just one member of the family and place their complete trust in that person.

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A good cattle dog is an Australian Shepherd, right?

The Australian Shepherd is a lively, adaptable, and agile dog who is passionate about his job, which still involves herding livestock and serving as a general-purpose farm and ranch dog. To truly be content, he requires a lot of activity and a sense of purpose.

The Australian Shepherd is a lively, adaptable, and agile dog who still works as a farm and ranch dog with a variety of tasks. To truly be content, he needs to be very active and have a purpose. Due to the breed’s intelligence and adaptability, “Aussies” now perform exceptionally well in AKC events like agility, obedience, and herding. Their coats can be black, blue merle, red merle, or red with or without white markings. The origin of the Australian Shepherd is a subject of much speculation. Despite its misleading name, the modern breed most likely originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, somewhere between Spain and France. Its association with Basque shepherds who immigrated to America from Australia in the 1800s led to the name “Australian Shepherd” for the breed. The Australian Shepherd was initially known by a variety of names, including California Shepherd, New Mexican Shepherd, Bob-Tail, Spanish Shepherd, and Pastor Dog. The Aussie needs vigorous exercise every day because it is a breed with strong herding and guarding instincts. They are “people” dogs who prefer to always be close to their families, despite occasionally being reserved around strangers. Weekly brushing of their thick coats is necessary.

Ranging in size from 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder, the herding group was recognized by the AKC in 1991.

The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD), which has no equal as a cattle herder, is willing to work continuously. In both open and confined spaces, they can easily control and move cattle thanks to their agility, strength, and bravery. Australia started breeding Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians and Black and Tan Kelpies in the 1800s. Stubborn cows don’t deter this dog—ACDs just become more determined to finish the job. The outcome was a dog that was similar to the Dingo in type and build but had a thicker set and odd markings. It was also a very skilled worker. The ACD, formerly known as the Blue or Australian Heeler, has greatly aided the Australian beef industry by allowing farmers to keep sizable herds. ACDs are very intelligent dogs with a lot of energy, so they require a job (like herding, obedience, or agility) to keep them happy. They are happiest in open areas. Even though they are wary of strangers, the breed forms strong bonds with their family, though the owner must establish themselves as the pack leader. Their sleek, short coat only needs to be brushed and occasionally bathed.

How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (10)

What fundamental dog herding commands are there?

Here are a few instances. Head left of the stock when approaching. Go to my left, or just to my right, of the stock. Get up and stop. Cast: form a group out of the stock. Look for: stock search. Move away from the stock to “get out” or “get back”. Bark at the stock, please. Turn around and go back for an animal you missed.

One of the earliest jobs that domestic dogs have been used for is herding livestock. The vast sheep and cattle stations that were essential to our nation’s development would not have succeeded without these dogs. Herding breeds are increasingly choosing to settle in suburbia, away from the wide-open spaces and busy stockyards that were familiar to them in the past. Dogs coping with environments that don’t challenge them exhibit a variety of problem behaviors as a result of this quieter way of life, which is unfortunate. Here comes herding, a sport developed to help these dogs rediscover their herding ancestry.

Three years ago, Claire Stipic began herding with her Border Collie, Hamish. When Hamish was still a puppy, Claire says, “I noticed he had an interest in livestock we had encountered, so I thought I’d try him on sheep”. Moreover, as a breed that thrives on herding, I believed that we ought to at least try it. Well, I realized we would have to keep herding after the first time he was on the sheep. He enjoyed it and was much more knowledgeable than I was about what he was doing”.

Herding is similar to agility and obedience in that it is a sport that honors the distinctive herding instinct of working breeds. In order to move livestock around a course, usually sheep, ducks, or cattle, handlers direct their dog’s movements using a series of commands. Programs have been established by organizations like the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) to protect the distinctive instincts that these herding breeds possess. The ANKC has been able to establish a standard by means of tests and trials that can be used to gauge a herding dog’s fundamental aptitude and instinct.

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How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (11)

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How To Train An Australian Shepherd To Herd Cattle (2024)

FAQs

How do you train an Australian Shepherd to herd cattle? ›

Meet the herd

Come to a stop about 2 to 3 feet away from the flock, have your dog sit, and give him plenty of time to get used to the animals. At the same time, the flock or herd will have time to get used to him. Once he is calm and relaxed, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.

Can Australian Shepherds work cattle? ›

The Australian Shepherd excels at controlling large and/or slow-moving flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, and is highly regarded for his superior ability to effectively manage livestock in tightly confined spaces.

Are Australian Shepherds good at herding? ›

Australian Shepherds have amazing herding abilities due in part to the physical attributes that had been bred into them. These include plenty of stamina, an agile build, a weather-resistant double coat, and a thick “mane” that helps protect them from rowdy livestock animals.

How long does it take to train a dog to herd cattle? ›

Although based on instincts, teaching your dog to be an effective herder can take months or years, and you may want to consider investing in professional herding dog courses.

How to start training a herding dog? ›

Start with Commands

Over time, you can teach your dog herding commands, such as “come bye,” which means turn the herd to the right, and “away”, which means turn to the left. Another popular herding command is “walk up,” which instructs your dog to drive the herd towards you.

Are Australian Shepherds natural herders? ›

The modern breed is predominantly bred for pets; despite this, many retain a strong herding instinct and it is not uncommon for companion dogs of the breed to try to herd children or other pets. A very active breed, the Australian Shepherd is known to become destructive if it does not receive adequate exercise.

What two breeds make an Australian Cattle Dog? ›

Robert Kaleski, who wrote the first standard for the cattle dog (later, the Australian cattle dog), called Hall's dogs "Halls Heelers". Thomas Hall imported dogs from the United Kingdom, in particular blue-speckled Highland Collies, and crossed them with selected dingoes to create the breed.

What do herding behaviors look like? ›

U.S. Some Herding breeds drive the flock by barking, circling, and nipping at the heels, while others simply confront the flock with a silent stare, which also proves effective.

Do Australian Shepherds pick a favorite person? ›

They do sometimes tend to pick a favorite person, but are generally affectionate to their entire families. A working dog at heart, the Aussie has a built-in affinity for herding. In fact, he may even try to herd his human pals!

What is the life expectancy of an Australian Shepherd? ›

Being a medium-sized dog, Australian Shepherds, on average, weigh between 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches in height. Their expected lifespan is 12-15 years. These dogs have a medium to long length coat that can be both straight and have a slight wave.

What is the best exercise for Australian Shepherds? ›

Living with an Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds need lots of exercise, usually a minimum of two hours a day. This breed is ideal for owners looking for a running or hiking partner, or those that enjoy participating in agility sports or really intense games of frisbee!

What is the easiest dog to train for herding? ›

1. Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherds or “aussies” are a midsize breed known for their intelligence and herding instincts. Fast learners and always ready to work, these dogs are great for herding sheep, cows or even kids.

What are the commands for herding dogs? ›

Herding commands

Come-bye: go to the left of the stock. Away to me, or just away: go to the right of the stock. Stand: stop. Cast: gather the stock into a group.

How to start your dog on cattle? ›

Like most skills, herding instruction begins with the basics: sit, stay, come. Once your dog has mastered these, begin adding directional commands – “way” for left, “bye” for right, and “wait” to stop. With directional commands down, it's time to introduce your dog to livestock.

Can you teach a non herding dog to herd? ›

Even non-herding breeds can easily be taught to sit, come, lie down, and heel whether or not you continue their training. Unless your dog knows how to be obedient off-leash and listen to you despite distractions, training to herd sheep will be difficult, if not impossible.

Are Australian cattle dogs hard to train? ›

What makes them so special can also make them quite challenging since their "smarts" and independent streak also demand that their owners be consistent, strong and positive leaders. When properly motivated, cattle dogs are very fast learners who thrive when training is both fun and challenging.

What is the command for herding dogs? ›

Herding commands

Come-bye: go to the left of the stock. Away to me, or just away: go to the right of the stock. Stand: stop. Cast: gather the stock into a group.

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