PHD Handlers' Academy #5

Welcome to the latest video of a series explaining everything herding:

Mechanical Dogs - You make the call

 Harried Handler: Do you think that your R+ methods train a dog to be mechanical or do they shape their instincts and maintain that drive to work sheep?

Before I can answer this question, I need to explain the answers to the following questions: What is a mechanical dog and how do you make a dog mechanical?

1. A mechanical dog is one that has to be told every move to make. They are like a remote control car, moving or stopping only when they are cued to do so.
2. A mechanical dog is created by taking away their control of the livestock and not allowing them to react naturally. If a dog does not possess herding instincts, then they will be mechanical by default.

Training methods do not usually determine if a dog with herding instincts is mechanical unless the dog is shut down and afraid to do anything for fear of punishment. No matter what training method you use, if you never allow your dog to control the livestock or never give them the freedom to work without telling them exactly what and when to do it, you will create a mechanical dog.

Short answer; No, I do not believe using the +R method makes a dog mechanical and in fact, may encourage a dog to express their natural talents while maintaining their drive to work livestock.

 This 1-minute video gives you a chance to look at a sticky herding situation and decide if you would cue this dog or allow them to work out how to handle this situation without your help.

You make the call!

Come bye to learn more about herding!

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