Training the working cattle dog

Training the Working Cattle Dog

Every successful trainer has an individualized program that suits their own agenda. Roger is no exception as he has developed a training program that works for him. It takes countless, immeasurable hours of repeated training sessions to build a good working cattle dog. The ideal prospect needs to have the instinct to work, be an independent thinker, and exhibit a desire to push on the stock. Genetics plays the major role as generations of inherent work ethics is essential. The combination of building a foundation upon sustained working traits creates a cattle dog.

In addition to genetics, maturity is key when starting a youngster. When mature enough to show desire to work and take the pressure of training, young dogs are taken to smaller training stock such as sheep or goats. Instinct instills their desire to gather the stock. Our job is to teach them two things: To work for us as the pack leader, and for the youngster to learn self-control. A controlled learning environment builds the foundation of these two key points.

There can be a great deal of pressure in the training pen. To offset the training pressure, a lot of "Good Boys" or "Good Girls" and positive-rubs are important. Here "April", as a puppy, is getting her full dose of positive reinforcement and loving every minute of it! Listen to what the dog has to tell you each time you both enter the training pen, s/he will let you know how long of a training session is needed and if positive reinforcement balances training pressure.

Repeat, repeat, repeat. All the while teaching the basic commands: "Right, Left, Stay, Down, Getahead, Get-out, Keep Out." Keep the vocabulary simple with easy to understand commands, and imposing each command with validation. From start to finish in the training process, the size of the area is increased over time maintaining a position of control. In the beginning the area is small and an easily controlled environment. Little by little the area is increased, and eventually larger areas and cattle are introduced offering the dog the ability to work.

Training, working cattle dog, genetics, maturity, build a foundation, Roger Urricelqui, Urricelqui Ranch Kelpies

﻿Training the Working Cattle Dog﻿

Training the Working Cattle Dog