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Herding Dog Training: Common Challenges & Solutions

Herding Dog Training: Common Challenges & Solutions

Haley Young

September 10, 2025

Dog Training

You've got a herding dog? Get ready for some serious smarts—and maybe a little mischief. Breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are brilliant, but that intelligence can lead to some quirky herding dog behavior problems. This guide dives into the herding dog mind, exploring those unique traits and offering practical herding dog training tips. Let's build a stronger bond with your amazing herding dog, one step at a time.

But that natural intellect doesn’t always make herding dogs simple to train. In fact, many guardians of these brilliant breeds say their companions are too smart for their own good. (Maybe even cleverer than the human end of the leash.)

We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know to train your own herder. Whether you just brought home a new puppy or are working with an adult dog, the right teaching methods and background knowledge can help you build a strong relationship.

Let’s dive — or should we say, drive? (Thanks for laughing, cattle dog owners) — in!

Common problem behaviors and training struggles with herding dogs

Herding dogs are known for many wonderful traits, like freely offering engagement with their handlers and embracing problem-solving activities. They also have some common struggles.

While every dog is an individual, here’s a look at the most typical problem behaviors reported by owners of herding breeds.

Key Takeaways

Herding breeds thrive with outlets for their natural instincts: Activities like herding balls, treibball, agility training, and exploring safe spaces like Sniffspot can help your dog feel fulfilled and reduce problem behaviors.

Reactivity and sensitivity are common in herding dogs: Understand that these behaviors often stem from a heightened awareness of motion and a natural protectiveness. Management and positive reinforcement training can help your dog feel more comfortable.

Training takes patience, understanding, and a positive approach: Celebrate your herding dog's unique traits and seek professional guidance if needed. Remember that training should strengthen your bond and be a rewarding experience for both of you.

Herding breeds can be hyper alert or fixated on the environment

Herding dogs were bred to be watchful of their surroundings

For generations and generations, humans have selectively bred herding dogs to have a keen sense of observation. Nothing gets by an animal developed to pay attention to subtle movements! This trait is an incredible asset for working dogs who need to move cattle, sheep, or other kinds of livestock alongside their shepherds or ranch owners. But it can have its drawbacks in many modern-day pet environments.

Some herding dogs become obsessed with movement, even resorting to chasing things like shadows or small light reflections around the house. It’s imperative that you mix up your herding breed’s daily activities so they never get too much stimulation from fixating on motion. Incorporate mental exercise and enrichment, like puzzle feeding toys or obedience training. Help your dog feel calm without constantly scanning the environment.

Avoid these activities with your herding dog:

Playing with laser pointers. This can tap into your herding breed’s innate motion sensitivity and increase your dog’s chances of developing mental or behavioral health problems like OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), neurotic behavior, or a general inability to disengage from the surrounding environment.

Exclusively playing fast-paced chasing games like fetch for your dog’s daily physical exercise. There’s nothing wrong with throwing a ball or frisbee on occasion. Just make sure it isn’t all you do with your herding breed. Mixing in other calmer activities (or practicing impulse control during the game by having your dog hold a down stay or perform another cue before being released to chase) will satisfy your pup’s natural instincts without creating an unhealthy obsession. (Looking for toys for your herding breed? We’ve put together our favorites here.)

Herding breeds can be sensitive to noise, especially in modern settings

Think about the original lifestyle of a working herding dog. Most of them lived on huge stretches of land, fields, or farms — while their days were busy and full of activity, the surrounding environment was pretty quiet. That’s a big change compared to today’s modern world full of sirens, music, car horns, strange dogs barking, and more. Whether you live in a crowded city or suburban neighborhood, chances are it’s still a stimulating environment for your herding dog.

Herding breeds are prone to noise sensitivity just like they’re predisposed to pay attention to subtle movements. It’s common for these dogs to be nervous around traffic or even “everyday” sounds like the footsteps of your neighbor across the hall.

What’s more? Many herding breeds were also developed to be protective of their property. This means they’re extra likely to be sensitive to sounds that might predict a stranger entering their territory.

If this is your dog, don’t fret. It’s normal! By pairing scary sounds with delicious treats or favorite toys (a process called counterconditioning) you can help your herding dog feel better about the world around them. You’ll also see success from taking a few deep breaths and making sure you yourself stay calm around startling noises. Remember that your dog pays a lot of attention to the way you react!

Many herding dogs are prone to reactivity, especially to strangers and fast-moving animals or objects

One of the most common behavioral problems in herding breeds is reactivity. This is for a few reasons.

As mentioned above, herding dogs were developed to pay close attention to motion. They have a hard time “just ignoring” the environment. Subtle changes (like someone approaching, even from a far distance) will catch their attention. Fast- or irregularly-moving objects can light up their herding instincts, sending them into a state of frustration if they aren’t able to act on their impulses to control the things around them.

We also touched on the fact that herding dogs can be naturally protective. This involves an element of “stranger danger” — many herding breeds are a bit wary of new people, to the point that it’s included as a trait in their breed standards. Without proper socialization, it’s easy for Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, and more to develop full-blown fear reactivity to people they don’t know.

Speaking of socialization: Many ancient herding dogs simply never encountered people or animals who weren’t in their family. It’s more natural for some dogs (like Labrador Retrievers) to be interested in socializing with strangers in practice than it is for others.

Understanding Reactivity in Herding Dogs

One of the most common behavioral problems in herding breeds is reactivity. This is for a few reasons. As mentioned above, herding dogs were developed to pay close attention to motion. They have a hard time “just ignoring” the environment. Subtle changes, like someone approaching from a distance, will catch their attention. Fast- or irregularly-moving objects can trigger their herding instincts, sending them into a state of frustration if they aren’t able to act on their impulses to control the things around them.

We also touched on the fact that herding dogs can be naturally protective. This involves an element of “stranger danger.” Many herding breeds are wary of new people, to the point that it’s included as a trait in their breed standards. Without proper socialization, Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, and other herding breeds can easily develop full-blown fear reactivity to unfamiliar people. Historically, many herding dogs simply never encountered people or animals outside their family. It’s more natural for some dogs (like Labrador Retrievers) to be interested in socializing with strangers than it is for others.

Managing Reactivity Triggers

If your herding dog is reactive, management is key. This means preventing your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors, like barking and lunging on leash. Avoid situations that you know will trigger your dog’s reactivity. If your dog barks at strangers passing by your living room window, close the blinds or use a window film to obscure the view. If your dog lunges at other dogs on walks, create as much distance as possible between your dog and the triggers. A longer leash can be helpful for this. Consider changing your walking route or time of day to avoid triggers.

Finding safe, enriching spaces for your reactive herding dog to explore can make a real difference. Sniffspot offers private, off-leash dog parks where your dog can run and play without encountering unknown dogs or people. This can be a great way to provide exercise and enrichment while avoiding reactivity triggers. Many Sniffspot hosts even offer amenities like agility equipment or swimming pools, which can be a fun way to tap into your herding dog’s natural athleticism and love of problem-solving.

Herding breeds can nip guests, children, or other animals

A common way herding dogs control the movement of the livestock they’re working? By nipping at their vulnerable heels. (This is precisely why Australian Cattle Dogs are called “heelers.”)

Many people who adopt a herding breed are surprised when their dog starts going after their ankles or shins — even worse when it’s the legs of guests, children, or other animals in the home. This can be startling. No one wants to think about their dog biting someone! But nipping in this context is incredibly natural behavior. It also ties into the reactivity we mentioned above. Some herding dogs are reactive to fast-moving objects purely out of herding drive, even if they aren’t fearful.

Most herding dog nipping can be controlled by providing appropriate outlets for your dog to satisfy their natural desires and carefully managing difficult situations. It’s generally recommended that no dog be left alone around young children — and this is especially important for breeds that have a predisposition to mouthy behavior or herding kids.

Nipping vs. Biting

It’s important to differentiate between nipping and biting. While the behaviors look similar on the surface, their motivations are very different. Nipping is rarely aggressive. Instead, it’s usually a herding dog’s attempt to move something—or someone—in a particular direction. Biting, on the other hand, is performed with the intent to cause harm, making it much more serious.

Many herding breeds nip at the heels of livestock. In fact, that’s how Australian Cattle Dogs earned the nickname “heelers.” This instinct to nip can transfer to people, especially children or guests running around the house. It can be startling to experience, but it’s not usually aggressive.

Addressing Nipping Behavior

You can curb most nipping by giving your dog appropriate outlets for their natural herding instincts. Enrichment activities, like herding balls or agility training, can satisfy your dog’s need to “herd” without involving human ankles. A tired dog is also less likely to engage in herding behaviors, so ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise. Sniffspot offers safe, private dog parks where your herding dog can run and play freely.

Management is also key. Never leave young children unsupervised with any dog, especially herding breeds. If your dog’s nipping behavior stems from overstimulation or reactivity, manage their environment to reduce triggers. This might involve keeping them on leash in busy areas or using positive reinforcement to train an alternate behavior, like targeting your hand, when they feel the urge to nip. If you’re struggling, consider working with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you create a training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Herding dogs can be sensitive about their personal space

Herding breeds aren’t just aware of motion in the world around them — they’re also keenly sensitive of their own body movements and personal space. Many Border Collies in particular hesitate to get too close to anything around them, be it a stationary object like a piece of furniture, a person, or another animal. You can think of it a little like your herding dog feeling rather claustrophobic.

Common ways spatial sensitivity plays out in pet herding dogs:

Hesitation to have their collars or harnesses grabbed (this can make attaching a leash especially tricky)

Shying away when someone reaches in to pet them, especially near their face

Not wanting to perform obedience cues that involve being incredibly close to their handler, like formal “front” recalls or weaving between legs

Many herding dogs are easily able to overcome, or at least lessen, their spatial sensitivity through patience and positive associations. Don’t allow your dog to be grabbed by anyone if they aren’t showing interest. Avoid backing them into a corner or asking them to navigate a tight furniture arrangement. Provide plenty of praise and rewards (like tasty treats or favorite toys) for working in close proximity to you, your family, strangers, and inanimate objects.

Respecting Your Dog's Boundaries

Herding breeds aren’t just aware of motion in the world around them—they’re also keenly sensitive to their own body movements and personal space. Many Border Collies, for example, hesitate to get too close to anything around them, whether it’s a stationary object like a piece of furniture, a person, or another animal. Think of it as your herding dog feeling a bit claustrophobic.

Common ways spatial sensitivity plays out in pet herding dogs include hesitation to have their collars or harnesses grabbed (this can make attaching a leash especially tricky), shying away when someone reaches in to pet them, especially near their face, and not wanting to perform obedience cues that involve being incredibly close to their handler, like formal “front” recalls or weaving between legs. For more information on herding dog behavior, check out this helpful resource. Thankfully, many herding dogs can overcome, or at least lessen, their spatial sensitivity through patience and positive associations.

Don’t allow your dog to be grabbed by anyone if they aren’t showing interest. Avoid backing them into a corner or asking them to squeeze through tight furniture arrangements. Provide plenty of praise and rewards (like tasty treats or favorite toys) for working in close proximity to you, your family, strangers, and inanimate objects. A safe, enriching environment can also make a big difference.

Many herding breeds are picky about their food

If your herding dog isn’t particularly food motivated, you can try a few different things:

Always start training new behaviors in familiar, low distraction environments. If your dog refuses food, this could be a sign they’re feeling too overstimulated.

Avoid offering your dog consistently higher and higher value treats if they turn down your first offerings. It’s definitely a good idea to pay attention to what they do and don’t like — but too many repetitions of them refusing one reward only for you to produce something “better” can actually reinforce their pickiness. You don’t want your dog always holding out in hopes that you’ll offer them something they prefer even more.

You might consider training with toys instead of food if your dog loves to play. Bonus that you don’t have to worry about balancing calories or limiting physical activity on a full stomach to prevent problems like bloat!

A group of dogs, some of them herding breeds or herding breed mixes, eagerly sit in front of their traner who holds a clicker, leash, treats, and other dog training supplies in his vest

Why Are Herding Dogs Picky Eaters?

It’s normal for herding dogs to be picky eaters. When the world around them is so stimulating—so much to watch! so much to smell!—food can be the last thing on their minds. Some breeds and individual dogs are naturally more excited about treats than others. This can be especially true for herding breeds prone to environmental reactivity and sensitivity. If your dog is constantly on high alert, they may have less of an appetite or simply not notice you're offering them a snack.

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits

If your herding dog isn’t particularly food motivated, you can try a few different things:

Always start training new behaviors in familiar, low-distraction environments, like inside your home. If your dog refuses food, this could be a sign they’re feeling too overstimulated. A safe, quiet Sniffspot can be a great option for working on training with fewer distractions than a public park.

Avoid offering your dog consistently higher and higher value treats if they turn down your first offerings. It’s definitely a good idea to pay attention to what they do and don’t like—but too many repetitions of them refusing one reward only for you to produce something “better” can reinforce their pickiness. You don’t want to accidentally teach your dog to always hold out hoping you’ll offer them something even tastier.

Consider training with toys instead of food if your dog loves to play. Bonus: you don’t have to worry about balancing calories or limiting physical activity on a full stomach to prevent problems like bloat! Check out our list of favorite toys for herding breeds for some ideas.

For more tips on training and enriching the lives of herding dogs, take a look at our articles on common problem behaviors and enrichment activities.

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How to understand, fulfill, and train your herding dog

Understand what your herding dog was bred for

In the above section, we saw many common problem behaviors in herding breeds — and you might have noticed that almost all of them are rooted in natural herding instincts and tendencies that come from generations and generations of selective breeding.

What does that mean for training your herding dog? First and foremost, you have to accept who your pup is! It’s unfair to ask your herding breed to ever completely suppress their instinctive behaviors and drives. You might have different challenges with your Border Collie or Corgi or Shepherd than your neighbor has with their own breed — and that’s okay. When you understand where your dog’s behavior is coming from, it’s easier to practice empathy and bring more patience to your training sessions.

The History and Purpose of Herding Breeds

Herding dogs have a rich history, dating back thousands of years to when humans first domesticated sheep and goats in Western Asia. Originally, their primary role was guarding herds from predators. As agricultural practices evolved, so did the dogs' responsibilities, shifting towards managing livestock and protecting crops. This involved controlling the movement of animals, often across vast distances and challenging terrains.

Over generations, humans selectively bred these dogs for specific traits like a keen sense of observation and an innate ability to control the movement of other animals. This resulted in dogs highly attuned to subtle movements and possessing the intelligence and stamina required for long days working alongside shepherds and ranchers. Different breeds emerged in different parts of the world, each adapting to the specific climate and type of livestock they worked with. For example, the compact and agile Corgi was perfectly suited to nipping at the heels of cattle in the fields of Wales, while the Border Collie thrived in the hilly terrain of the Scottish borders, herding sheep with intense focus and stamina.

While many herding dogs still work on farms and ranches today, a significant number have transitioned into life as family pets. This shift in lifestyle, however, doesn't erase their deeply ingrained instincts. A Border Collie lounging on a living room rug still possesses the same drive to herd and control movement as their ancestors. This is why providing opportunities for mental and physical stimulation is crucial for these breeds. Whether it's a challenging game of fetch, navigating an agility course, or learning new tricks, activities that engage their minds and bodies are essential for a happy and well-adjusted herding dog. You can even find dog-friendly spaces perfect for exercising your herding breed on Sniffspot.

Give your herding dog opportunities to act on their instincts

Once you understand your herding dog’s instincts, you can give them appropriate opportunities to satisfy their natural desires! This is important for several reasons:

When your dog is able to act on their herding tendencies in safe situations, they’ll feel less frustrated and pent-up in moments where it isn’t appropriate and you ask for impulse control instead.

Doing inherently fun activities together, like play that fulfills elements of herding, will build your bond as a team.

A fulfilled dog will be calmer, more focused, and easier to live with.

Private Sniffspots are perfect to let your dog safely stretch their legs

Sniffspots are a great option for allowing your dog to run, chase, and explore without worrying about encountering surprises like other people, animals, or off-leash dogs. This can be especially beneficial for herding breeds prone to reactivity!

Other Ways to Engage Your Herding Dog's Instincts

Looking for more ways to help your herding dog embrace their natural instincts? Here are a few ideas:

Herding balls or other toys: Many herding breeds enjoy pushing large exercise balls around a yard or open space. This allows them to engage their instincts in a safe, controlled way. You can even add a layer of impulse control by asking your dog to perform other cues (like sits, downs, or stays) in between repetitions.

Treibball: This competitive dog sport involves herding large exercise balls across a field and into a goal. Treibball is a great way for herding breeds to have fun, build confidence, and strengthen their bond with their handler.

Formal herding lessons or trials: If you’re interested in working with real livestock, look for herding lessons or trials near you. Many herding breeds thrive in these environments, and it’s a great way to help your dog feel fulfilled.

Remember, a fulfilled dog is a happy dog! By understanding and engaging your herding dog's natural instincts, you can help them live a calmer, more balanced life. Finding activities that let your dog act on their herding tendencies will strengthen your bond and reduce frustration in situations where they need to practice more impulse control. And if you're looking for a safe, enriching space for your herding dog to run and play, check out the dog parks available on Sniffspot.

Do I have to let my herding breed actually herd other animals?

Part of fulfilling your dog’s herding instincts might be actually enrolling them in a herding class or private lessons with sheep, goats, or other livestock — but it’s not a necessity to be a good herding breed owner. You can also provide a range of substitute activities like playing with a herding ball or encouraging your dog to stalk toys before pouncing on them. (Take a look at some of our favorite toys for herding breeds in this article.)

How to get started if you’re interested in herding

If you do decide you want to dabble in real herding, here are a few things to do:

Build a foundation of basic cues. Herding dogs need to be adept at general impulse control and common cues like sit, down, and stay. Bonus if your pup can perform these behaviors at a distance and hold them around distractions! You might even consider entering an obedience trial to test their skills.

Get your dog exposed to livestock, preferably under the guidance of a professional trainer. Whenever we’re working our own pets around other animals, it’s important to be respectful and keep safety top of mind. Getting in touch with an experienced herding instructor space is a great way to start. They’ll be able to test your dog’s instincts without stress! This ensures a positive experience for all animals involved.

Learn about herding lingo. Spend some time reading up — or better yet, directly talking to folks in the community — about common herding jargon. Learning the meaning of terms like “come bye” (go clockwise around the stock) versus “away” (counter clockwise) and more will help you understand what’s going on when you watch dogs work and train your own pup more effectively.

Practice and hone your skills over time. No one turns into a herding pro overnight. That’s okay! Spend time practicing — eventually you and your dog will both build valuable skills you can use in herding competitions or just for fun in casual training sessions.

You can learn more about herding with your dog in our complete guide here!

Be patient and thoughtful in your herding dog training

Remember that your herding dog’s struggles are normal. These are delightful, engaging, fun breeds to own — and they’re also challenging! Show both yourself and your dog grace when things don’t go as well as you hoped.

Don’t hesitate to work with a professional trainer

If you feel like you’re “in over your head” when it comes to your dog’s herding instincts, consider connecting with a certified force free trainer. They’ll be able to use their own firsthand experience and extensive education to help you understand your dog, identify your biggest goals, and ultimately create a personalized training plan.

Choosing the Right Herding Breed for You

Matching Breed Temperament to Your Lifestyle

Herding dogs are intelligent, energetic, and loyal. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. Before you welcome a herding breed into your life, think honestly about how much time and energy you have to dedicate to training, exercise, and enrichment. Some herding breeds, like Border Collies, are notorious for needing more activity than others. Research different breeds—this list of 33 herding breeds is a great place to start!—and consider if their temperaments are a good match for your lifestyle.

If you live in an apartment, you might find that a lower-energy herding breed (like a Corgi) is a better fit than a higher-energy breed (like an Australian Cattle Dog). Similarly, if you aren’t a huge fan of going for runs, a herding breed that thrives on long-distance exercise might not be the right choice. Private Sniffspots can be a great option to let your dog stretch their legs and burn off energy in a safe and controlled environment.

Researching Breed-Specific Health Concerns

Herding dogs have a long history, going back thousands of years to when humans first domesticated sheep and goats in Western Asia. Over the centuries, different breeds developed with unique traits and predispositions to certain health conditions. Learn more about the history of herding dogs.

Just like you’d research the typical temperament of a breed before bringing a puppy home, it’s important to understand common health concerns. Some herding breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, or other genetic conditions. Being aware of these potential issues can help you make informed decisions about the right breed for you and prepare for future veterinary care.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Creating a Fulfilling Life for Your Herding Dog

Providing Mental and Physical Enrichment

Remember that herding dogs were bred to work! They thrive when given opportunities to use their brains and bodies. Providing mental and physical enrichment is key for a happy, well-adjusted herding dog. This could include activities like:

Playing fetch or frisbee

Going for hikes or long walks

Learning new tricks or participating in dog sports like agility or herding

Working on puzzle toys or engaging in scent work

When your dog is able to act on their herding tendencies in safe situations, they’ll feel less frustrated and pent-up in moments where it isn’t appropriate and you ask for impulse control. A tired herding dog is a good herding dog! Consider booking a private Sniffspot to give your dog a safe place to explore and exercise.

Building a Strong Bond Through Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement methods in herding dog training. Focus on shaping desired behaviors and managing the environment to set the dog up for success. Harsh training methods can damage your relationship with your dog and may even exacerbate problem behaviors. Instead, focus on rewarding the behaviors you want to see more of. This will help your herding dog feel good about training and strengthen your bond.

Remember, training should be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Keep it positive, and you'll be well on your way to building a strong, lasting relationship with your intelligent and energetic herding companion. Check out Sniffspot's dog names for inspiration when naming your new furry friend.

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers.

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Marnie Montgomery
PMCT4, CPDT-KA
Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Fear-Free Certified Professional

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are herding dogs good family pets? Absolutely! Herding breeds can make wonderful companions. They're intelligent, loyal, and active. However, it's important to understand their specific needs and be prepared to provide plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training to help them thrive in a home environment. If you can meet their needs, a herding dog can be a fantastic addition to your family.

How much exercise does a herding dog need? Herding dogs were bred for long days of work, so they generally require a significant amount of exercise. This can vary by breed and individual dog, but expect to provide at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, along with plenty of mental enrichment. This could include walks, runs, hikes, playing fetch, herding balls, or engaging in dog sports like agility or treibball. A tired herding dog is a well-behaved herding dog!

What kind of training works best for herding dogs? Positive reinforcement methods are most effective for herding breeds. These dogs are sensitive and intelligent, so harsh training techniques can be counterproductive and damage your relationship. Focus on rewarding desired behaviors with praise, treats, or toys. Because herding dogs are so smart, they often excel at learning tricks and complex commands, which can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with your dog.

My herding dog nips at heels. How do I stop this? Nipping is a natural herding behavior, but it's important to address it, especially around children. Provide plenty of outlets for your dog's herding instincts, such as herding balls, agility training, or even formal herding lessons. Management is also key. Supervise your dog closely around children and guests, and redirect their attention to a toy or treat if they start to nip. If the behavior persists, consult with a certified professional dog trainer.

Are herding dogs good with other pets? Herding dogs can coexist peacefully with other pets, but proper introductions and socialization are essential. Their herding instincts might lead them to try and "herd" other animals in the house, which can cause stress if not managed appropriately. Supervise interactions, especially early on, and provide plenty of positive reinforcement when your herding dog displays appropriate behavior around other pets. A safe, controlled environment like a private dog park can be a great place for them to interact and play together without the pressure of a public setting.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Haley Young

September 10, 2025

Dog Training

Haley Young

About the author

Haley is a self-proclaimed dog nerd and full-time freelance writer. She's passionate about connecting with fellow pet lovers through training and lifestyle content — learning from professional trainers, animal cognition researchers, and other experts along the way. Haley travels the country full time with her rescue dog, a shy blue heeler, and loves conquering new situation as a team. Dog-friendly national parks, hiking trails, and Sniffspots have become favorite places across the country! When she isn't writing or playing an intense game of tug with her cattle dog, you can find her reading books (her favorite author is late ethologist Frans de Waal), listening to a range of animal-related podcasts, and having conversations about (you guessed it) the many ways other creatures impact our lives.

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Herding Dog Training: Common Challenges & Solutions

Common problem behaviors and training struggles with herding dogs

Key Takeaways

Herding breeds can be hyper alert or fixated on the environment

Herding dogs were bred to be watchful of their surroundings

Herding breeds can be sensitive to noise, especially in modern settings

Many herding dogs are prone to reactivity, especially to strangers and fast-moving animals or objects

Understanding Reactivity in Herding Dogs

Managing Reactivity Triggers

Herding breeds can nip guests, children, or other animals

Nipping vs. Biting

Addressing Nipping Behavior

Herding dogs can be sensitive about their personal space

Respecting Your Dog's Boundaries

Many herding breeds are picky about their food

Why Are Herding Dogs Picky Eaters?

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits

How to understand, fulfill, and train your herding dog

Understand what your herding dog was bred for

The History and Purpose of Herding Breeds

Give your herding dog opportunities to act on their instincts

Private Sniffspots are perfect to let your dog safely stretch their legs

Other Ways to Engage Your Herding Dog's Instincts

Do I have to let my herding breed actually herd other animals?

How to get started if you’re interested in herding

Be patient and thoughtful in your herding dog training

Don’t hesitate to work with a professional trainer

Choosing the Right Herding Breed for You

Matching Breed Temperament to Your Lifestyle

Researching Breed-Specific Health Concerns

Creating a Fulfilling Life for Your Herding Dog

Providing Mental and Physical Enrichment

Building a Strong Bond Through Positive Reinforcement

Trainer Review of this Article

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