How Do You Train A Herding Dog Not To Herd: Expert Tips

How to Prevent Your Dog from Herding Behavior

If you’re wondering how to prevent your dog from herding people, engaging your dog’s mind is a crucial step. To discourage this behavior, it’s essential to provide your dog with ample mental stimulation and alternative activities. Games and toys can be particularly effective in redirecting your dog’s focus away from herding tendencies. Once your dog has learned not to herd you or other family members, it’s important to gradually introduce them to new situations and people as part of their training. This helps your dog develop better social skills and behavior. This approach not only curbs herding behavior but also enriches your dog’s overall experiences and interactions. (Original publication date: April 10, 2020)

Why do herding dogs often exhibit reactivity issues? Reactivity is a prevalent behavioral concern among many herding dog breeds, and it primarily manifests when they encounter unfamiliar individuals, rapid movements, or swift-moving creatures and objects. The origins of this reactivity can be traced back to their breeding history. Herding dogs were selectively bred to excel at closely monitoring and responding to motion, making them exceptionally attentive to changes in their environment. This heightened sensitivity to movement has contributed to their tendency to react strongly to various stimuli, including strangers and fast-moving entities. As a result, understanding the underlying reasons behind herding dogs’ reactivity can help owners better manage and train these breeds to exhibit more balanced behavior. (Last updated: September 27, 2022)