German SHEPHERD dog Working Dogs

Absolutely fascinating thread.
Fantastic to see a dog learning to do what his breed was created for.

Managed to look at the vid.

TBH, it looks like he's out for a walk, behind some sheep. You can see he is totally controlled, but, particuarly on the one on the track, he seems to be sniffing the sides more than anything.

What's the next step? Just keep doing what you are doing? Do you think that any instinct will kick in?

Helen

As I have said from the beginning - the main aim is to have him totally under control around the sheep and that is shown in these two videos, the second one especially And I am soooo happy with him for being relaxed and trustworthy around them - I am not sure there would be many dogs who could resist having a dash at the flock, especially as there are 450 lambs dashing around in there as well as the ewes.

As an experienced person commented on the vid (she sees things I don't, having done proper HGH training with her GSDs) ...

"here is a German Shepherd showing two GSD traits, one, he should not be behind the flock and shows hesitation about being up close behind them (great self-control and bodes well should you move to HGH when it would be a mistake for him to be back there) and second he adopts a border which is again correct for a GSD - he chooses the verge and maintains that border until he catches up with the collies and for the first time shows some uncertainty - I wonder if he'd have maintained the border all the way through and moved the flock over if the collies hadn't been there. Very nice."

So, according to the lady with experience, Zak is already showing some level of instinct.

As I have also stressed from the beginning, I have serious doubts that we will ever be able to move our type of sheep purely with Zak, and will always need a collie too.

The plan is to just continue maintaining the level of control for the time being, and see where that takes us. When we eventually inherit the flock of Suffolks (heavy, quiet sheep) then I may get the chance to do some proper HGH tending with him, but that will be a little while off.

I think I am so used to seeing collies working, that I probably don't understand how a gsd should work. You must be pleased with those comments.

I'll have to have a look at some of those gsd and sheep clips you've mentioned previously (now I have more data allowance! lol)

so, in Germany, they wouldn't have the type of sheep that needs a border collie type working them?

Helen

It is very difficult not to compare him to the collies - but there really is no comparison.

The article (that I thought you had read ;-) ) goes some way to explaining the different types of sheep used and kept, hence the need for different types of herding and shepherding dogs.

Put in simple terms, the sheep follow the shepherd (quiet sheep), the GSD doesn't follow or bring the sheep, he is there to work the sides of the flock to help keep them in a line. Then when they reach grazing, the dog backs off to allow the sheep to spread out and graze and then maintains an invisible perimeter fence at a distance from the sheep to prevent them straying, with an eye out for predators. There are no fences. The GSD becomes the living fence.

You really have to see it to get a grasp of how different it is.

I did lol but i think i needed it in simple terms and to watch a vid.

Thanks for the simple explanation!

Helen

hi ya. i can see what the GSD should be doing, and how it differs from the BC. it would seem that Zak is already up to speed and has the natural instinct. i think it is just you that need the confidence and knowledge, and correct sheep! to get a bit more of his true ability. i bet you would like to work him all day, every day.. it must be soooo exciting. obviously these experiences will stand him in good stead. then when you have all the "amunition" you need, you will be able to "switch him on" again, and take those next steps. i can imagine "frustrating" but so so rewarding. he has it all, bless him. with your patience, you will achieve all you wish for. well done and thanks for sharing. keep it going... and enjoy.. i am. NICE ONE ZAK!! brilliant.

I think I am going to officially crown you Zak's Number One Fan
Thanks Jeagi for your kind words of encouragement I am hoping that one day in the not too distant future I will be able to train Zak on the correct type of sheep and give him the chance to fulfil any potential he may have for the job. He certainly enjoys it, but then he enjoys doing any activity we do together, he is just that sort of a dog

Thank you for your reply Tazer, I missed it before As can be seen from the other videos (of Kessy in the USA) and also from the article I linked to, that we aren't actually teaching Zak the "conventional" way that a GSD would have been taught to tend sheep, but we are working with what we have, and hope to improve on his self-control around the sheep and move on to a more tending (rather than herding) role in the not too distant future.

I am pleased you are enjoying the thread

thank you Moobli. That makes me very proud. although it's very easy for me. He just seems to be ready for anything. At 18 months old (he's not too shabby, is he?) i just can't get that picture out of my mind, from the vid.. when the BC went away, and Zak was about to follow... but obviously had a command, and just stayed there! licking his lips!! i'm laughing now, just thinking about it!
he's made me smile so much, when i've needed it most. Thanks to both of you.

You are more than welcome. I am glad we have managed to raise a smile or two in what must have been (and still be) a dark period in your life xxx

See? now i'm crying again! (but smiling too!)

thanks. Hugs for Zak please.

Dutifully passed on

thank you. night night Zak

I've just caught up with this thread and relished reading and watching from beginning to end. What a cracker he is and what a pleasure he must be to own x

Thank you very much Angie

Conventional method or not, he seems to be taking to it, will be interesting to watch the both of you progress with it, and then to compair it to the more traditional method, when you procure the right kind of sheep.

Kind of makes me wish I had a heard of goats, so Cato can guard them.Though there'd be no wolves to guard them from.

Well your kind words and encouragement are much appreciated :-D I will be happy to continue to chart and record our progress when there are clearly people who are interested.

I keep thinking how cool it would be to have a LGD or two to guard the flocks on the hills