Dawg Unleashed # 20

Do instinct tests reveal a dog's potential?

Greetings fellow pack members, Dawg here, to discuss something close to my heart, instinct testing. I have been instinct tested and watched a lot of you go thru one too. Not always a pretty sight.

Today I want to talk about a common misconception that surrounds instinct testing. Before I do, I guess I should explain what an instinct test is.

A herding instinct test is usually conducted by putting an inexperienced herding breed dog in a small pen with some calm sheep and is supposed to determine if said dog has herding instinct.

Our BFFs like to believe that this is a cut-and-dried yes/no proposition. But I say – Not so fast!

There is a lot going on during an instinct test, so let’s unpack some variables that can affect the outcome of your test.

The dog being tested is usually:

·      Very young &/or inexperienced around livestock.

·      In a new place.

·      In with unfamiliar stock.

·      Fended off the stock with a broom or rake.

·      Is dragging a long line, which may be another new experience.

·      Interacting with a stranger conducting the test.

·      Very excited!

·      Totally confused.

·      Way over-aroused.

·      Encountering numerous unique sights, sounds, & smells.

Anyway, you get the idea. We dogs are usually in way over our heads. Amazingly, most of us dogs conduct ourselves admirably!

So what is the misconception, you may ask? (Not sure if I need a ? at the end of that sentence, but let’s just go with it.)

What most dogs and people don’t understand is that there is more to an instinct test than just determining; yes, the dog has herding instinct or no, the dog doesn’t show instinct. A whole lot more!

So what is the problem with just going with a simple yes or no determination? Firstly, the dog may not have turned on to stock yet. They may have tons of instinct but it isn’t visible yet.

Or they may be too excited or shy to show instinct. They may be intimidated by the people conducting the test or afraid of the leaf rake they are carrying or a witchy ewe. They may be overwhelmed by the entire situation, which to my way of thinking is completely normal.

Another problem is that a “yes the dog has instinct” determination doesn’t mean that every dog will have the same ability to work stock. Instinct is like any ability, it comes in all different size, shapes, and flavors.

Some lucky dogs, you know who you are, are natural gatherers. They go out around stock for the first time like a pro while other dogs run straight at the sheep.

Other dogs walk in and drive the stock with pace and style while their pack mate blasts the stock in all directions.

And that doesn’t start to take into consideration the training they will receive that can bring out their potential, squash their desire to work, or (most likely) something in between.

I’m just sayin’, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t shine as bright as you might during an instinct test. It’s just one evaluation of your instinct at one point in your life. Sure, we all want to ace it, but truth be told, there have been some pretty ugly instinct tests that some awesome dogs would like to forget ever happened.

Been there, done that!

PS - If you do want to help your BFF with their herding journey, I know having my BFF's book Positive Herding 101 will make their path less rocky and much more fun!

Get the book here!

Until next time, tell your mates about this blog and...

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