[the4ls]

Hi,

I am new to here but also to forums in general so hoping this posts right!

We have not long got a Border Collie puppy, training is going well. We are due to go to puppy classes as soon as he can go but also hoping someone here might be able to help with our other challenge.....

It might not even exist but we are looking for something like a sheep/duck herding class?! Rather than agility or flyball....hope this makes sense. Maybe even a peice of field we could use with ducks.

Lx

[jameslindsay]

Hello and welcome. I recently saw dogs herding ducks at both the Fife Show and the Royal Highland Show. As a duck lover and someone who has kept ducks and bred them for many years I think this is the  most horrendous thing to watch and should be banned. I am not having a go at you on your first post, these are just my thoughts. The poor ducks run and move through fear and terror and I am quite surprised it is allowed to happen.

However, on the other hand if these ducks were your own and they grew up and knew the dog involved and it was all good fun then I have no problem. But, at the shows it was a random flock of ducks with various unknown dogs chasing them.

I hope you have many happy years with your new dog and enjoy your time on TAS.

[Tullywood Farm]

Hello and Welcome

Joe and Julie 

[the4ls]

Hi,

I understand your thoughts on the duck thing, however I am aware people tend to train herding with ducks first and I would rather sheep. I would agree it cant be nice for ducks if they are having unknowns running at them.

I would basically just like our dog to herd!

Lx

[doganjo]

Best thing you can do is find a sheep dog trainer - Bobby and Julie at www.groveshilldogwhisperers.co.uk aer a good start.  I too have often watched the duck and goose shepherding, James, and not once have I seen the dogs chasing the birds - they move quite slowly and under complete control of their handlers.  I never saw any frightened  birds either.  The only time the collies move quickly is to get round to the other side of a flock to guide the sheep (or birds) together.  If there was fear involved I doubt if they'd be allowed to do it - the same would be so for sheepdog trials.

[Rosemary]

Hi and welcome. Top marks for a first post that gets folk going!!

I agree with Annie - I've seen the collies herding ducks and never thought the ducks look hassled at all. If it's done properly, they shoudln't be - since moving ducks or sheep shoudl be done without stress to them. Only to the dog handler.

Don't know where you are, L, but Bob and Julie are in Heriot. Nicer people or better trainers you woudl be hard pushed to meet. They woudl at least be able to advise.

[MM]

Hello!

[Farmer]

Hi 4ls...seems you've started something...double welcome...we like controversy, it keeps the blood circulating; hope you enjoy your time at TAS

Farmer
 

[Hilarysmum]

Our lab x collie herds the ducks and chickens into bed.  Without her invaluable assistance the ducks would long ago have been fox food.

[sandy]

Hello!!!! Not sooo different from hearding sheep, just lower to the ground