Sheepdog "Started" on Sheep/ Ducks/other livestock
A dog of any age, though usually around 12 mths of age,
this dog has been encouraged to show proper balance, and pace.
keeping the stock at the handlers feet no matter which direction the handler is walking/standing.
Whilst the handler is in close proximity this dog will take sheep off the fence, lie down or stand on command approx. 80% of the time, will go left and right according to the body movements of the handler,
will be starting to learn the direction commands and will start to pace behind the sheep.
Will have a good call off the stock on the same side as the handler and will still be working with a long line.
Everyone appears to have a slightly different discription of what a started Sheepdog should be able to do.
These are the following reasons I have been given when a prospective purchaser requests a started dog
.there are usually two reasons for wanting a started sheepdog.
- "A trained dog is too expensive"
- "I don't have the work for a trained dog"
If your reason is covered by any or all of the above quotes, I urge your to reconsider why you require a sheepdog in the first place. Is it not to save you TIME and Frustration?
- "I don't have time to train the dog" = A sheepdog of any level of training requires individual time spent with it, if only to MAINTAIN the current level of training.
- "A trained dog is too expensive" = Time is money these days, and wether it is your time or the sheepdog trainers time which is spent on the dog. In the end you get what you pay for.
- "I don't have the work for a trained dog" = An experienced fully trained dog that has been well schooled will not require the same amount of work as a dog, with lessor training.