Many people own dogs, some for pleasure, and some for work. We are going to
look at a specific type of dog, called a stockdog. They can be many different breeds, but
they all love to work stock, such as cattle, sheep, or pigs.
The first thing you need to think about when you buy or raise a stockdog, is what
you want to name it. Try to find a name that you won’t confuse with your commands.
Also, try to keep it short. It needs to be a name that you can yell along with a command
when it is working at a distance. When you train a pup, use a soft, but authoritative voice.
Dogs can hear quite well. Don’t chatter, keep commands brief and easy to understand.
Many people begin training stockdogs at 7-12 weeks, immediately after weaning
them. Another thing that needs taught, is to accept being tied. Tie them with a chain, as a
pup will chew through a rope. Leave the pup tied for one hour, then release it, giving it
lots of praise.
Next is to teach it to lead. Often just going on lots of walks with the pup on a leash is
enough.
Then it needs to learn to come in. If you give the “come in” command every time you
feed it, it will help the pup get used to coming to the command. However, there’s more
ways to train. You can have him following and playing with you. Then you will run away
quickly, clapping your hands, and giving the “come in” command. He will think it is
a sport, and soon learn to obey it while playing and having fun. No matter what the dog is
doing, he needs to stop and come in.
To teach “down”, use a soft nylon cord, 5 feet long. As you hold the leash, give the
command “down”! At the same time, step on the cord, and pull it under the insole of your
shoe. That action will pull his head to the ground. If he doesn’t immediately lie down,
push his head down to the ground. Now gradually release pressure on the cord and give
the come in command. Reward with affection, and let him circle two or three times in
play. Then repeat the sequence, till he drops on command. Each time, increase the
distance before calling “come in”.
Teach it not to bark by squeezing its snout and repeating whatever command you
choose to use. ‘Hush’ or ‘Quiet’ are good choices. Usually this will work. If not, there are
several devices on the market that are used to control barking. Sometimes spraying with
water will do the trick.
“Get away” is the command used to teach a dog not to jump on people. Pups can be
trained by tapping on the nose. Stepping on the hind toes always works, but be careful not
to hurt a claw.
Young dogs should be kept tied up at night, to avoid trouble. They can run loose
during the day, but not around cattle or whatever animals they will be working. It’s better
to keep them tied, rather than have to punish them for chasing livestock.
As you and your dog become comfortable with the commands, it’s time to move on to
more advanced training. There are several good books dealing with training techniques,
and you will need one that teaches the specific commands necessary to the kind of stock
you and your dog will be working.
Keep in mind that each dog is different, and while most dogs learn quickly, some will
take patience and perseverance. Stay calm and focused, and give your dog lots of praise
for a job well done.
