Man’s finest buddy, a loyal companion, and a farm’s biggest asset – the worth of a well-trained sheepdog can’t be overestimated.
However even probably the most skilled of collies can have their quirks, leaving farmers annoyed and uncertain on the perfect course of correction.
Right here to assist with coaching challenges are shepherding husband-and-wife staff Emma Grey and Ewan Irvine, who’re identified for breeding and coaching among the nation’s most interesting collies.
See additionally: Sheepdog Faculty: The key to an excellent cease
High ideas from Sheepdog Faculty’s Emma Grey
So, you’ve determined to get a sheepdog pet to boost and practice. How do you go about choosing a pup to work inventory?
The primary resolution is probably the most crucial – what working traits would you like your pup to have?
Shopping for a pup bred from canines who’re good employees and have a technique you want is essential. It might appear apparent, however don’t purchase from mother and father who don’t work. Ideally, see them in motion first.
Ask how straightforward or troublesome the mother and father had been to coach. Have been they natural-born herders? Have been they cussed? Are they highly effective?
Making an excellent resolution at this stage could make your coaching partnership simpler and extra pleasurable.
Character and expertise should not essentially linked. When you’ve got a alternative, it’s usually finest to pick a pup whose seems and character pleases you, and it’s best to keep away from very fearful or timid people.
There are many previous tales about what to search for in a pet, from a black roof of the pup’s mouth, to a few whiskers on it’s chin.
In our expertise, seems haven’t been a consider a pup’s capacity. We have now had very ugly canines be distinctive employees and a few actual beauties be very common.
Like all canine breeds, there are some potential well being situations within the Border Collie, so select from DNA-tested mother and father: CEA, IGS, TNS, SN and EOD are among the foremost ones to look at for, and ideally each mother and father must be hip-scored.
Don’t despair for those who can’t get the decide of a litter, usually good bitches have a ready listing for pups. A few of our greatest canines have been last-pick pups.
As soon as your pup is chosen, let the enjoyable start…
Present us your canines
To enhance our sheepdog coaching collection, we need to see your working canines and cab companions on the farm.
Ship in your finest snaps to the Farmlife Framed gallery.
