You've got a herding dog? Get ready for some serious smarts—and maybe a little mischief. Breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are brilliant, but that intelligence can lead to some quirky herding dog behavior problems. This guide dives into the herding dog mind, exploring those unique traits and offering practical herding dog training tips. Let's build a stronger bond with your amazing herding dog, one step at a time.
But that natural intellect doesn’t always make herding dogs simple to train. In fact, many guardians of these brilliant breeds say their companions are too smart for their own good. (Maybe even cleverer than the human end of the leash.)
We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know to train your own herder. Whether you just brought home a new puppy or are working with an adult dog, the right teaching methods and background knowledge can help you build a strong relationship.
Let’s dive — or should we say, drive? (Thanks for laughing, cattle dog owners) — in!
Herding dogs are known for many wonderful traits, like freely offering engagement with their handlers and embracing problem-solving activities. They also have some common struggles.
While every dog is an individual, here’s a look at the most typical problem behaviors reported by owners of herding breeds.
For generations and generations, humans have selectively bred herding dogs to have a keen sense of observation. Nothing gets by an animal developed to pay attention to subtle movements! This trait is an incredible asset for working dogs who need to move cattle, sheep, or other kinds of livestock alongside their shepherds or ranch owners. But it can have its drawbacks in many modern-day pet environments.
Some herding dogs become obsessed with movement, even resorting to chasing things like shadows or small light reflections around the house. It’s imperative that you mix up your herding breed’s daily activities so they never get too much stimulation from fixating on motion. Incorporate mental exercise and enrichment, like puzzle feeding toys or obedience training. Help your dog feel calm without constantly scanning the environment.
Avoid these activities with your herding dog:
Think about the original lifestyle of a working herding dog. Most of them lived on huge stretches of land, fields, or farms — while their days were busy and full of activity, the surrounding environment was pretty quiet. That’s a big change compared to today’s modern world full of sirens, music, car horns, strange dogs barking, and more. Whether you live in a crowded city or suburban neighborhood, chances are it’s still a stimulating environment for your herding dog.
Herding breeds are prone to noise sensitivity just like they’re predisposed to pay attention to subtle movements. It’s common for these dogs to be nervous around traffic or even “everyday” sounds like the footsteps of your neighbor across the hall.
What’s more? Many herding breeds were also developed to be protective of their property. This means they’re extra likely to be sensitive to sounds that might predict a stranger entering their territory.
If this is your dog, don’t fret. It’s normal! By pairing scary sounds with delicious treats or favorite toys (a process called counterconditioning) you can help your herding dog feel better about the world around them. You’ll also see success from taking a few deep breaths and making sure you yourself stay calm around startling noises. Remember that your dog pays a lot of attention to the way you react!
One of the most common behavioral problems in herding breeds is reactivity. This is for a few reasons.
One of the most common behavioral problems in herding breeds is reactivity. This is for a few reasons. As mentioned above, herding dogs were developed to pay close attention to motion. They have a hard time “just ignoring” the environment. Subtle changes, like someone approaching from a distance, will catch their attention. Fast- or irregularly-moving objects can trigger their herding instincts, sending them into a state of frustration if they aren’t able to act on their impulses to control the things around them.
We also touched on the fact that herding dogs can be naturally protective. This involves an element of “stranger danger.” Many herding breeds are wary of new people, to the point that it’s included as a trait in their breed standards. Without proper socialization, Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, and other herding breeds can easily develop full-blown fear reactivity to unfamiliar people. Historically, many herding dogs simply never encountered people or animals outside their family. It’s more natural for some dogs (like Labrador Retrievers) to be interested in socializing with strangers than it is for others.
If your herding dog is reactive, management is key. This means preventing your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors, like barking and lunging on leash. Avoid situations that you know will trigger your dog’s reactivity. If your dog barks at strangers passing by your living room window, close the blinds or use a window film to obscure the view. If your dog lunges at other dogs on walks, create as much distance as possible between your dog and the triggers. A longer leash can be helpful for this. Consider changing your walking route or time of day to avoid triggers.
Finding safe, enriching spaces for your reactive herding dog to explore can make a real difference. Sniffspot offers private, off-leash dog parks where your dog can run and play without encountering unknown dogs or people. This can be a great way to provide exercise and enrichment while avoiding reactivity triggers. Many Sniffspot hosts even offer amenities like agility equipment or swimming pools, which can be a fun way to tap into your herding dog’s natural athleticism and love of problem-solving.
A common way herding dogs control the movement of the livestock they’re working? By nipping at their vulnerable heels. (This is precisely why Australian Cattle Dogs are called “heelers.”)
Many people who adopt a herding breed are surprised when their dog starts going after their ankles or shins — even worse when it’s the legs of guests, children, or other animals in the home. This can be startling. No one wants to think about their dog biting someone! But nipping in this context is incredibly natural behavior. It also ties into the reactivity we mentioned above. Some herding dogs are reactive to fast-moving objects purely out of herding drive, even if they aren’t fearful.
Most herding dog nipping can be controlled by providing appropriate outlets for your dog to satisfy their natural desires and carefully managing difficult situations. It’s generally recommended that no dog be left alone around young children — and this is especially important for breeds that have a predisposition to mouthy behavior or herding kids.
It’s important to differentiate between nipping and biting. While the behaviors look similar on the surface, their motivations are very different. Nipping is rarely aggressive. Instead, it’s usually a herding dog’s attempt to move something—or someone—in a particular direction. Biting, on the other hand, is performed with the intent to cause harm, making it much more serious.
Many herding breeds nip at the heels of livestock. In fact, that’s how Australian Cattle Dogs earned the nickname “heelers.” This instinct to nip can transfer to people, especially children or guests running around the house. It can be startling to experience, but it’s not usually aggressive.
You can curb most nipping by giving your dog appropriate outlets for their natural herding instincts. Enrichment activities, like herding balls or agility training, can satisfy your dog’s need to “herd” without involving human ankles. A tired dog is also less likely to engage in herding behaviors, so ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise. Sniffspot offers safe, private dog parks where your herding dog can run and play freely.
Management is also key. Never leave young children unsupervised with any dog, especially herding breeds. If your dog’s nipping behavior stems from overstimulation or reactivity, manage their environment to reduce triggers. This might involve keeping them on leash in busy areas or using positive reinforcement to train an alternate behavior, like targeting your hand, when they feel the urge to nip. If you’re struggling, consider working with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you create a training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Herding breeds aren’t just aware of motion in the world around them — they’re also keenly sensitive of their own body movements and personal space. Many Border Collies in particular hesitate to get too close to anything around them, be it a stationary object like a piece of furniture, a person, or another animal. You can think of it a little like your herding dog feeling rather claustrophobic.
Common ways spatial sensitivity plays out in pet herding dogs:
Many herding dogs are easily able to overcome, or at least lessen, their spatial sensitivity through patience and positive associations. Don’t allow your dog to be grabbed by anyone if they aren’t showing interest. Avoid backing them into a corner or asking them to navigate a tight furniture arrangement. Provide plenty of praise and rewards (like tasty treats or favorite toys) for working in close proximity to you, your family, strangers, and inanimate objects.
Herding breeds aren’t just aware of motion in the world around them—they’re also keenly sensitive to their own body movements and personal space. Many Border Collies, for example, hesitate to get too close to anything around them, whether it’s a stationary object like a piece of furniture, a person, or another animal. Think of it as your herding dog feeling a bit claustrophobic.
Common ways spatial sensitivity plays out in pet herding dogs include hesitation to have their collars or harnesses grabbed (this can make attaching a leash especially tricky), shying away when someone reaches in to pet them, especially near their face, and not wanting to perform obedience cues that involve being incredibly close to their handler, like formal “front” recalls or weaving between legs. For more information on herding dog behavior, check out this helpful resource. Thankfully, many herding dogs can overcome, or at least lessen, their spatial sensitivity through patience and positive associations.
Don’t allow your dog to be grabbed by anyone if they aren’t showing interest. Avoid backing them into a corner or asking them to squeeze through tight furniture arrangements. Provide plenty of praise and rewards (like tasty treats or favorite toys) for working in close proximity to you, your family, strangers, and inanimate objects. A safe, enriching environment can also make a big difference.
It’s normal for herding dogs to be picky eaters. When the world around them is so stimulating — so much to watch! so much to smell! — food can be the last thing on their minds. Some breeds and individual dogs are more excited about treats than others.
If your herding dog isn’t particularly food motivated, you can try a few different things:
It’s normal for herding dogs to be picky eaters. When the world around them is so stimulating—so much to watch! so much to smell!—food can be the last thing on their minds. Some breeds and individual dogs are naturally more excited about treats than others. This can be especially true for herding breeds prone to environmental reactivity and sensitivity. If your dog is constantly on high alert, they may have less of an appetite or simply not notice you're offering them a snack.
If your herding dog isn’t particularly food motivated, you can try a few different things:
For more tips on training and enriching the lives of herding dogs, take a look at our articles on common problem behaviors and enrichment activities.
In the above section, we saw many common problem behaviors in herding breeds — and you might have noticed that almost all of them are rooted in natural herding instincts and tendencies that come from generations and generations of selective breeding.
What does that mean for training your herding dog? First and foremost, you have to accept who your pup is! It’s unfair to ask your herding breed to ever completely suppress their instinctive behaviors and drives. You might have different challenges with your Border Collie or Corgi or Shepherd than your neighbor has with their own breed — and that’s okay. When you understand where your dog’s behavior is coming from, it’s easier to practice empathy and bring more patience to your training sessions.
Herding dogs have a rich history, dating back thousands of years to when humans first domesticated sheep and goats in Western Asia. Originally, their primary role was guarding herds from predators. As agricultural practices evolved, so did the dogs' responsibilities, shifting towards managing livestock and protecting crops. This involved controlling the movement of animals, often across vast distances and challenging terrains.
Over generations, humans selectively bred these dogs for specific traits like a keen sense of observation and an innate ability to control the movement of other animals. This resulted in dogs highly attuned to subtle movements and possessing the intelligence and stamina required for long days working alongside shepherds and ranchers. Different breeds emerged in different parts of the world, each adapting to the specific climate and type of livestock they worked with. For example, the compact and agile Corgi was perfectly suited to nipping at the heels of cattle in the fields of Wales, while the Border Collie thrived in the hilly terrain of the Scottish borders, herding sheep with intense focus and stamina.
While many herding dogs still work on farms and ranches today, a significant number have transitioned into life as family pets. This shift in lifestyle, however, doesn't erase their deeply ingrained instincts. A Border Collie lounging on a living room rug still possesses the same drive to herd and control movement as their ancestors. This is why providing opportunities for mental and physical stimulation is crucial for these breeds. Whether it's a challenging game of fetch, navigating an agility course, or learning new tricks, activities that engage their minds and bodies are essential for a happy and well-adjusted herding dog. You can even find dog-friendly spaces perfect for exercising your herding breed on Sniffspot.
Once you understand your herding dog’s instincts, you can give them appropriate opportunities to satisfy their natural desires! This is important for several reasons:
Sniffspots are a great option for allowing your dog to run, chase, and explore without worrying about encountering surprises like other people, animals, or off-leash dogs. This can be especially beneficial for herding breeds prone to reactivity!
Looking for more ways to help your herding dog embrace their natural instincts? Here are a few ideas:
Remember, a fulfilled dog is a happy dog! By understanding and engaging your herding dog's natural instincts, you can help them live a calmer, more balanced life. Finding activities that let your dog act on their herding tendencies will strengthen your bond and reduce frustration in situations where they need to practice more impulse control. And if you're looking for a safe, enriching space for your herding dog to run and play, check out the dog parks available on Sniffspot.
Part of fulfilling your dog’s herding instincts might be actually enrolling them in a herding class or private lessons with sheep, goats, or other livestock — but it’s not a necessity to be a good herding breed owner. You can also provide a range of substitute activities like playing with a herding ball or encouraging your dog to stalk toys before pouncing on them. (Take a look at some of our favorite toys for herding breeds in this article.)
If you do decide you want to dabble in real herding, here are a few things to do:
You can learn more about herding with your dog in our complete guide here!
Remember that your herding dog’s struggles are normal. These are delightful, engaging, fun breeds to own — and they’re also challenging! Show both yourself and your dog grace when things don’t go as well as you hoped.
If you feel like you’re “in over your head” when it comes to your dog’s herding instincts, consider connecting with a certified force free trainer. They’ll be able to use their own firsthand experience and extensive education to help you understand your dog, identify your biggest goals, and ultimately create a personalized training plan.
Herding dogs are intelligent, energetic, and loyal. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. Before you welcome a herding breed into your life, think honestly about how much time and energy you have to dedicate to training, exercise, and enrichment. Some herding breeds, like Border Collies, are notorious for needing more activity than others. Research different breeds—this list of 33 herding breeds is a great place to start!—and consider if their temperaments are a good match for your lifestyle.
If you live in an apartment, you might find that a lower-energy herding breed (like a Corgi) is a better fit than a higher-energy breed (like an Australian Cattle Dog). Similarly, if you aren’t a huge fan of going for runs, a herding breed that thrives on long-distance exercise might not be the right choice. Private Sniffspots can be a great option to let your dog stretch their legs and burn off energy in a safe and controlled environment.
Herding dogs have a long history, going back thousands of years to when humans first domesticated sheep and goats in Western Asia. Over the centuries, different breeds developed with unique traits and predispositions to certain health conditions. Learn more about the history of herding dogs.
Just like you’d research the typical temperament of a breed before bringing a puppy home, it’s important to understand common health concerns. Some herding breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, or other genetic conditions. Being aware of these potential issues can help you make informed decisions about the right breed for you and prepare for future veterinary care.
Remember that herding dogs were bred to work! They thrive when given opportunities to use their brains and bodies. Providing mental and physical enrichment is key for a happy, well-adjusted herding dog. This could include activities like:
When your dog is able to act on their herding tendencies in safe situations, they’ll feel less frustrated and pent-up in moments where it isn’t appropriate and you ask for impulse control. A tired herding dog is a good herding dog! Consider booking a private Sniffspot to give your dog a safe place to explore and exercise.
Use positive reinforcement methods in herding dog training. Focus on shaping desired behaviors and managing the environment to set the dog up for success. Harsh training methods can damage your relationship with your dog and may even exacerbate problem behaviors. Instead, focus on rewarding the behaviors you want to see more of. This will help your herding dog feel good about training and strengthen your bond.
Remember, training should be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Keep it positive, and you'll be well on your way to building a strong, lasting relationship with your intelligent and energetic herding companion. Check out Sniffspot's dog names for inspiration when naming your new furry friend.
There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.
This is the trainer that reviewed this article:
Marnie Montgomery
PMCT4, CPDT-KA
Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Fear-Free Certified Professional
Are herding dogs good family pets? Absolutely! Herding breeds can make wonderful companions. They're intelligent, loyal, and active. However, it's important to understand their specific needs and be prepared to provide plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training to help them thrive in a home environment. If you can meet their needs, a herding dog can be a fantastic addition to your family.
How much exercise does a herding dog need? Herding dogs were bred for long days of work, so they generally require a significant amount of exercise. This can vary by breed and individual dog, but expect to provide at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, along with plenty of mental enrichment. This could include walks, runs, hikes, playing fetch, herding balls, or engaging in dog sports like agility or treibball. A tired herding dog is a well-behaved herding dog!
What kind of training works best for herding dogs? Positive reinforcement methods are most effective for herding breeds. These dogs are sensitive and intelligent, so harsh training techniques can be counterproductive and damage your relationship. Focus on rewarding desired behaviors with praise, treats, or toys. Because herding dogs are so smart, they often excel at learning tricks and complex commands, which can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with your dog.
My herding dog nips at heels. How do I stop this? Nipping is a natural herding behavior, but it's important to address it, especially around children. Provide plenty of outlets for your dog's herding instincts, such as herding balls, agility training, or even formal herding lessons. Management is also key. Supervise your dog closely around children and guests, and redirect their attention to a toy or treat if they start to nip. If the behavior persists, consult with a certified professional dog trainer.
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