German SHEPHERD dog Working Dogs

I assume Zak is used to sheep and not normally bothered?

I'm just wondering, if that is the case, how you then make the move to allowing him to get interested?

Thanks both. He did a little bit of pen work today. I can't see him setting the sheep herding world on fire, but I have the hope that he will be a useful dog when we are done with him

Zak always had an interest in the sheep but has never been madly prey driven (like Yogi) to chase, grip and even worry. Zak has chased after lambs a couple of times but didn't grip, bite or even attempt to (which surprised and pleased me - especially after I have seen him dispatch numerous rabbits). He has always been either kept away from the sheep, or just kept under control when around them.

So, it isn't a difficult job to reignite his interest, and I am hoping to build on it, but to also keep control of it. He is currently interested to learn and is quite happy and relaxed around the sheep, but isn't madly dashing in to grip at every opportunity. He is quite a steady dog in many respects, so I am not completely surprised.

Some photos from our short session this afternoon in the pens.

I want Zak to feel comfortable in close proximity to the sheep, and for them to feel at ease around him.

Getting to know you



Simply moving the sheep at a nice steady pace from one pen to another



Getting the measure of one another



He needs to learn not to rush his sheep!

Oh, he looks like he is really coming along well! Even in such a short space of time, I am sure he will be a pro soon enough

Thanks Lozzi I am pleased with him. It is nice to be able to do some training/work together without having to drive miles to a dog club He seems to be enjoying his new career so far too

Fantastic photos and what a clever boy, you must be really pleased with how he's coming on! He's looking absolutely gorgeous. My OH is not keen on a WL dog - he thinks they're "ugly" (silly man) but I keep showing him photos of Zak and even he thinks he's a wonderful looking dog

I am very pleased with him. It is quite hot here today, so think I will wait until this evening to do anything with him. Hubby is also busy cutting hay today, and I prefer to have his watchful eye over us, in case either of us does anything wrong

Thanks for your kind comments. How can your OH think WL dogs are ugly They are wonderful beasts You keep twisting his arm

Really interesting to see. Clever boy, Zak

Thanks PB & J. I am glad you found it interesting

Kirsty, you have the patience of a saint......

Pretty good for a first attempt!

Although maybe he stopped because he was worn out and couldn't catch one for lunch rather than pretending to work? ;-)

Good luck!

No need to worry - the arm is so far twisted it's on back to front and although grumbly he's accepted the fact that MY next dog is going to be WL

Do I??? I am intrigued?

He has had two attempts now Did you see the second lot of pics on page 3

Haha brilliant He will never look back

does he know how to gait Kirsty, if you teach him this first he might not then gallop after the sheep, hopefully patience and time may allow you to work them, does your hubby know a GSD grips differently by kneck or rump

There used to be a lady down south that used GSDs but hers were from generations of HGH breeding
theres a guy in Derbyshire that uses Rotties with his cattle

absolutely brilliant. keep it up big fella. well done Moobli.
and well done Zak.

So great to see!! Can't wait for more pictures as his training progresses.

Am very jealous.....

that sounds a great idea Wildmoor. so he just goes into a "patrol and guard mode" rather than "scatter or attack mode". is that what you mean?

Thanks for the tips Pam. I haven't taught Zak to gait but his usual movement is a fast trot, only ever really galloping when he really picks up speed. I think around the sheep he just got excited. How do I train him to gait? I will certainly give it a go.

Hubby knows nothing about herding GSDs apart from what bits on DVD I have shown him, so it is a steep learning curve. He is aware that a GSD works totally differently to a collie though so isn't expecting too much from him. We have all the time in the world, so are going to take things slowly. With the type of terrain and sheep we have, I don't think we will be able to expect much more than to be able to drive sheep from one place to another (with the help of collies too), pen work, holding sheep in one place and the all important "that'll do" It is good fun though.

I have been told about an all black GSD (Fouranfass) called Zorro that works sheep - have you heard of him? I am trying to find some youtube vids of him working I have been told about, but without success so far.

Thanks Jeagi.

Thanks Scout It is a shame you can't find a friendly sheep farmer in Wales to help you train Kofi, as I seem to remember he had some herding skills with your chickens in Italy?

Jeagi ... Zak may pick up his pace when excited but I am very happy to say he hasn't scattered or attacked at all Unfortunately, although the GSD is a pastoral breed, so many people have the idea that they are terrible sheep killers :-( A reputation that is probably deserved at times, but I don't think there would be many farmers or shepherds happy to give Zak and I the chance if I weren't married to one!