What is Sheepdog?

Sheepdog is one of working dogs, and the dogs work at a farm with sheep farmers. They control sheeps there; they herd sheeps and they help their famers. They are good partners of the famers. Actually, it is possible for farmers to have 1000 sheeps if they have the dogs. Therefore, even today, sheep famers need them, and the number of the dog has not decreasing. Especially, many sheepdogs work at a farm in England, Australia, New Zealand, and America. There are some kind of dogs which work as a sheepdog; however, the most famous one is Border Collie.

Trainig?
        Sheepdog, especially Border Collie is a tough dog because sometimes they do not follow their farmers' commands but also they act by their intention. Also, they are intelligent. Therefore, it is difficult to deal with and train them. However, in other word, if people and these dog can have a strong bond, they will be able to have a good relationship.


        Sheepdog traing is a long term project. It is said that it takes 4 or 5 years to train the sheepdogs perfectly. When the dog is a puppy, it is important to have a strong bond between sheep farmers and sheepdog; therefore, the farmers do not call the dog "he or she", not "it". At the same time, the farmer have to make the dog understant that the farmer is a boss.

        If farmers say the command "down", the dogs throw himself to the ground. This is very important to the sheepdog because it means obedience.

    "Down!"


         After the dog rememer "down", the farmers make the dog meet 5 or 6 sheeps, and the dogs have to do "down" in front of the sheeps. Next, they herd the sheeps from right-handed and left handed. Then, farmers train the dogs with using corner, fence, and more sheeps.

Sheepdog Championship?

There are a lot of sheepdog competitions or trials in especially England and Australia. They are to compete the ability of sheepdog. The farmer gives some command to the dogs, and they control and herd sheeps to fence. Of course, there is a time limit. Also, the dogs must not bite sheep. If the dog which follow farmer's command and herd the sheep correctly in least time, the dog can be a champion!!

More detail...Meeker Sheepdog Champion Trial

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