I'm surprised that you don't use the word "there!", to tell the dog where to stop the flank outrun, then either "walk up" or "lie down" after the "there!" command to halt and wait. It really helps prevent the dog from running too far in or out and gives you an easier point to restart from. That's how I was taught with my first border collie - Tweed was a competition champion that at age 3 was still a little too grippy for the breeder, which made him perfect for my cattle operation. Together, Tweed taught me to work border collies and I was able to teach Tweed some finesse. I began by teaching him "stand" , then "there" as I walked away. Soon he was able to stop hard on "there!", and crouch a wee bit until he heard either "lie down", "walk up", or "awaaay" or "come by". Similarly, he knew "away to ME" emphasis on ME, meant circle all the way to me on a right outrun, instead of only outrun right and bring. With cattle I used this on horseback to tighten the group of heifers or steers so I could open or close a gate or whatever a long way from the corral I was headed to. Tweed knew if I gave him Away to Me twice, he needed to check a thicket for a wayward cow or calf he missed on the initial outrun. Of course, this is Texas, not Scotland, so our habits might be uncivilized. 🤠🤣🥰🥰💖
You explained perfect! Way out so they sneak up on the sheep. Was amazing when I saw the difference. Question: When you compete would your dog going too close instead of way out lose points? Maybe sometimes you can use your workouts to tell us when points would be deducted or given at a competition. All those dogs look so perfect I get upset when they lose a point & I don’t have a clue why. ALSO, is your new car a new recording studio?😂 you’re great!
I admire your work with these animals it must have taken years of working with dogs and sheep to achieve this level of work. Do you have a mentor who has helped you learn?
How much do they know just by being born sheep dogs? I figure they must start out with some level of skills most breeds and your average mutt wouldn’t have.
Border collies (from good working lines) are born with very strong stalking, gathering up, and driving instincts. But a great border collie is really set apart by their ability to be trained, their memory, and their problem solving skills. The best herding dogs are able to both follow commands from their handler and also use critical thinking to choose the best line of approach and the best behavioral tool to achieve a desired result. A less tangible trait is the concept of “presence,” which is the dogs ability to impact the sheep’s behavior from a distance. The more presence the dog has, the further they can be from the sheep when herding, which generally means less spooking and bolting on the part of the sheep de a calmer experience all around. While dogs definitely can develop greater presence as they develop more skill and confidence, at a baseline level, it seems to be something the dog either has or doesn’t.
Watching you and Echo and the scenery is just wonderful. 🇦🇺
Watching you work with your dogs is always fun. The dogs amaze me.
Great job, Echo and Sean !!!
Enjoyed watching Echo and the scenery. Calms me and brightens my day. Thank you, Sean.
You have an amazing work ethic!!! I enjoy this show a lot - from Nevada USA
Loved watching this! I'm struggling with flanks and appropriate distance with my aussie. I'm a green handler and there's so much to learn!
good job Echo!
So cool to learn all of this! Cheers from Chicago
I no longer view tiktok and am thrilled to follow you here. Thank you for these enjoyable videos!
Good job, Echo! Great work, Sean. 🥰
I really like the training videos!
Wonderful….just wonderful…..
Kristine Scarpetti, So interesting how this is taught, these dogs just love doing their job, great video!!
Pay no mind. Some people have lots of opinions but little knowledge. Your dogs couldn't be happier.
I'm surprised that you don't use the word "there!", to tell the dog where to stop the flank outrun, then either "walk up" or "lie down" after the "there!" command to halt and wait. It really helps prevent the dog from running too far in or out and gives you an easier point to restart from.
That's how I was taught with my first border collie - Tweed was a competition champion that at age 3 was still a little too grippy for the breeder, which made him perfect for my cattle operation. Together, Tweed taught me to work border collies and I was able to teach Tweed some finesse. I began by teaching him "stand" , then "there" as I walked away. Soon he was able to stop hard on "there!", and crouch a wee bit until he heard either "lie down", "walk up", or "awaaay" or "come by".
Similarly, he knew "away to ME" emphasis on ME, meant circle all the way to me on a right outrun, instead of only outrun right and bring. With cattle I used this on horseback to tighten the group of heifers or steers so I could open or close a gate or whatever a long way from the corral I was headed to. Tweed knew if I gave him Away to Me twice, he needed to check a thicket for a wayward cow or calf he missed on the initial outrun.
Of course, this is Texas, not Scotland, so our habits might be uncivilized. 🤠🤣🥰🥰💖
Lovely!!
I'm always surprised how far away you can be in some vids Sean and he still hears you. But a whistle I'm sure will save your voice:)
Same thought from me.
You explained perfect! Way out so they sneak up on the sheep. Was amazing when I saw the difference. Question: When you compete would your dog going too close instead of way out lose points? Maybe sometimes you can use your workouts to tell us when points would be deducted or given at a competition. All those dogs look so perfect I get upset when they lose a point & I don’t have a clue why. ALSO, is your new car a new recording studio?😂 you’re great!
Oh, forgot, with Echo learning whistles. Will you use only a whistle to command him? Or will you use voice & whistle?
I admire your work with these animals it must have taken years of working with dogs and sheep to achieve this level of work. Do you have a mentor who has helped you learn?
👍
What command is the “come by”
What’s echo’s breeding ?
How much do they know just by being born sheep dogs? I figure they must start out with some level of skills most breeds and your average mutt wouldn’t have.
Border collies (from good working lines) are born with very strong stalking, gathering up, and driving instincts. But a great border collie is really set apart by their ability to be trained, their memory, and their problem solving skills. The best herding dogs are able to both follow commands from their handler and also use critical thinking to choose the best line of approach and the best behavioral tool to achieve a desired result.
A less tangible trait is the concept of “presence,” which is the dogs ability to impact the sheep’s behavior from a distance. The more presence the dog has, the further they can be from the sheep when herding, which generally means less spooking and bolting on the part of the sheep de a calmer experience all around. While dogs definitely can develop greater presence as they develop more skill and confidence, at a baseline level, it seems to be something the dog either has or doesn’t.