Thinking of trying Herding

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#1
My Bouvier is 4 months old, and at 6 months I would like to introduce him to stock and start the beginning of herding. My question for those who are knowledgeable about the sport is: is there any reason I wouldn't want to do herding with him? For example, will it develop his prey drive and make walks in the neighbourhood more challenging, etc.?

I'd love to hear from anyone who knows a lot about the sport.
 

Keechak

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#3
I actually find the opposite to be true. The more I work my dogs on stock the easier they are to control around prey animals.

The biggest danger with doing herding is injury, personal injury to the human handler is common in herding training and trials. Dogs are hurt less often but that's probably because they move faster to get out of the way.

Other than that I encourage it and it is a great and challenging thing to do with your dog.
 

Keechak

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#4
This is a photo I caught of a friend of mine being hauled away by the sheep. Most sheep are close to 200 pounds each and when they hit you they can easily take you out, if you can take this sort of punishment then you'll do ok.
I have had my fair share of bruising from doing stock training as well.
 
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#5
Thanks. I've been saying that while I think my Bouv would love herding, I will be a little apprehensive. LOL! Sheep are no joke.
 

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