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What do I need to know before entering a Herding Instinct Test and what does my dog need to do and what happens at this test?

     You will enter the pen on a leash and the judge will hand you a long line to snap on the collar and have you remove your leash. The long line is light weight and lets the judge or you get control of your dog if he decides to frantically chase the stock. Don't be embarrassed; it happens a lot of times! Your dog only needs to know a few things: a sit or down, a short stay and a recall. The sit or down and short stay shows the judge that you do have control over your dog, that he does listen to you and does have some respect for you as the owner, and that he is capable of listening. The re call shows the judge that you can get your dogs attention and can draw him to you. As you enter the pen the judge will ask you to sit your dog and make him stay for a second as you walk away and then call him to you. Don't worry it doesn't have to be perfect. Just show a little control.

     Most dogs do well and your dog will also be on a long line. When the test begins you will leave your dog and follow the judge to the center of the pen and stay close to her as she tries to engage your dog in a few fun moments of herding. The sheep or goats are very accustomed to dogs and will quietly follow the judge as she walks around the pen.

     Everything happens in a very small round pen and only your dog is in there with the judge, yourself and probably three sheep or goats. It is a very controlled situation. The judge will actually do most of the work for you. Your job is just to listen to her as she directs the dog around the pen and tries to get him interested in moving the sheep, The Judge will attempt to let the dog follow the sheep in both directions and see how much interest the dog shows. Some dogs are very excited and are bouncing around like fireballs and others would rather ignore the sheep and investigate the sheep poop. After a few minutes most dogs will find the sheep interesting and start to actually try to move them or gather them into a circle. The judge will be caring a long cane or crook and will guide the dog by stepping in front of him to change directions and sometimes sweep the cane across the ground to make the change of direction.. The dog needs to show he can move both ways.

    There are a couple of stages we are looking for, play and prey drive as these two things can be turned into herding drive given the proper direction. At an instinct test we do not "expect" these dogs to work the stock we are just looking for the natural raw ability to be present. (especially with young dogs) And the dogs ability to take direction from the handler.

     When the test is over the judge will fill out a score sheet that has several things on it she is marking. You will get a copy. The score sheet tells you many things about your dogs first experience. The test is a PASS/FAIL test so you will know immediately whether or not your dog passed. But the score sheet will tell you why he did or did not pass.

     Some dogs take a few exposures to stock before they become really excited and want to work so don't be disappointed if your dog seems to ignore them or fails the test. Some dogs take more time than others and they can instinct test more than once if the dog doesn't "turn on" the first time. However many dogs with a natural instinct will show some interest at first sight of the stock. And you might find yourself surprised your dog could move them around so well.

By all means have fun. Herding is a fantastic sport and one your dog will really enjoy.

 written by Mindy Stevenson

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