If you have recently welcomed a herding dog into your family, congratulations! Herding dogs are an incredible group of canines, bred to work closely with humans, making them very loyal and loving companions. However, life with a herding dog can have its challenges. These highly active dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and if these needs aren’t met, it can lead to common behavioral struggles.
So, what is herding dog behavior, and why can it be problematic? Herding dogs were originally bred to gather, herd, and protect livestock. As a result, they are independent, intelligent, and athletic, relying heavily on their instincts to carry out their jobs. While these characteristics make them excellent workers, they can lead to unwanted herding behaviors in a home environment.
If you want to keep your dog happy, healthy, and free from behavioral struggles, the best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the reasons for these behaviors and how to meet your dog’s needs daily. In this article, we will discuss common herding dog behavior traits, why your dog may be acting this way, and a list of our favorite herding dog games and activities to meet their needs.
What is a Herding Dog?
The Herding Group is a class of dogs originally bred to herd livestock such as sheep, cattle, and goats. These canines were trained to gather, hunt, and guard the animals, and required independence, intelligence, and athleticism to do their job effectively.
Although the Herding Group class is relatively large, including a range of sizes and appearances, they all share similar personality traits. These dogs are energetic, focused, and loyal, making them great companions but can lead to potential challenges in a home environment.
Herding Dog Behavior Traits
Herding dogs were bred to be hardworking and independent, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep up with their livestock herding duties. These traits can manifest differently in a home environment and may cause herding dog behavior problems if not adequately addressed, such as:
– Nipping or biting at ankles or heels
– Circling or following people or objects
– Chasing, stalking, or pursuing others
– Eyeing or staring at people intensely
These behaviors are challenging to manage and may lead to unwanted incidents, especially if your herding dog thinks they are still working.
Why Do Herding Dogs Exhibit These Behaviors?
As mentioned, herding dogs were originally bred to herd and protect livestock, and this instinct has been ingrained in their biological makeup. Herding behavior is their natural instinct to move and control a herd, and if not channeled correctly, can lead to problematic behaviors in a domestic situation.
Herding dogs enjoy having a job and a sense of purpose, so without proper mental and physical stimulation, they may become bored and act out, leading to herding dog behavior problems.
Managing Common Herding Dog Behavior Problems
If you’ve noticed herding behavior in your dog, there are a few ways to manage it effectively to avoid further complications. One of the most crucial aspects of training your herding dog is understanding why they exhibit these behaviors in the first place. Once you have a better understanding of your dog’s instincts and behaviors, you can work to redirect their attention and control their impulses.
Here are some tips to help manage common herding dog behavior problems:
1. Be patient and establish clear boundaries – As herding dogs have a strong instinct to work for their people, it’s essential to establish clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning. Positive reinforcement training is an excellent way to train your dog to follow commands and redirect their attention when necessary.
2. Provide adequate mental and physical stimulation – Herding dogs require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep up with their energy levels. Engage them in activities that challenge their brains and physical abilities.
3. Avoid over-excitement – Herding dogs can become over-stimulated easily, leading to unwanted behavior. Avoid activities that are overstimulating and can turn into escalation, such as playing rough with your herding dog.
4. Space management – A herding dog’s herding instinct may make them territorial or overprotective of their living space. Create boundaries between your dog’s space and other areas of the house or yard to avoid intrusions.
Top 7 Activities and Games for Herding Dogs
To keep your herding dog happy and healthy, it’s crucial to engage them in activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Here are some activities and games you can try with your herding dog to keep them stimulated and engaged:
1. Herding Games – If your dog enjoys herding, create a safe and controlled environment for them to do so. Use cones or toys to create a make-believe herd that your dog can “herd” into a specific area.
2. Ball Games – Herding dogs love to retrieve and are excellent at playing ball games. Play fetch with them or try playing “find the ball” to engage their sense of smell and agility.
3. Obstacle Courses – Set up obstacle courses that include tunnels, jumps, and weave poles to keep your dog engaged and challenged.
4. Scent Work – Scent work challenges your dog to use their nose to seek out different odors. You can hide treats around the house or play hide and seek with your dog to challenge their sense of smell.
5. Swimming – Many herding dog breeds enjoy swimming and can serve as a great form of exercise for them. Supervise your dog when swimming and ensure safety measures are in place.
6. Agility Training – Herding dogs excel in agility courses, both mentally and physically. Take your dog to a local agility club, or set up your agility course in your backyard.
7. Long Walks – Herding dogs require regular exercise, and long walks provide an opportunity for them to explore their environment and engage in physical activity.
Summary
Herding dogs are bred to work closely with humans, making them loyal and loving companions but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their instinctual behaviors in check. Managing common herding dog behavior problems takes patience and consistency, but with the right training and engagement, they can become happy and healthy family members. Try incorporating some of our favorite activities and games to keep your herding dog happy and healthy.
