HERDING INSTINCT TEST
herding instinct test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVQXykPJyss
Pembroke Welsh Corgis originally served as all-around farm dogs helping with various tasks, including moving livestock. Most corgis today do not encounter livestock at home, but many get the opportunity to show they still have herding instinct by participating in instinct tests or herding tests and trials. Herding Instinct tests are usually offered on sheep or goats. Corgis tenacity and ‘pushiness’ are an effective asset in herding.
COMMON TERMS
PAST RESULTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Commonly Used Herding Terms
Gathering: a style of bring animals to the handler, sometimes called “fetching”, or, in Australian usage, “heading.”
Driving: taking the livestock away from the handler, or from one side to another at right angles to the handler, either naturally or upon direction from the handler to do so.
Approach: the manner in which the dog comes in to the stock, a “smooth” approach being most highly prized, that is, the dog moves very steadily and surely without bounding around, weaving or jumping in aggressively.
Wide Running: a dog that makes wide passes around the stock, naturally keeping a good distant off the stock.
Close Running: a dog that runs in very close to the stock, trying to get as close as possible as it passes off the stock.
Wearing: the side-to-side movement of the dog, in a pendulum motion or half-circle pattern, to keep the herd or flock grouped.
Force Barking: the dog generally works quietly, but in situations where the stock challenges the dog, the dog barks as a pre-curser to a nip.
Eye: an intense gaze used by the dog to control the stock, often accompanied by a creeping or crouching approach to the animals.
Strong-Eyed: shows the above qualities to a marked degree.
Medium-Eyed: showing the “eye” but without the crouching approach.
Loose-Eyed: a dog does not show an intense gaze at all times in the stock; such dogs may glance around or at the handler from time to time.
Power: strong self-confidence; a dog with power can move stubborn or fighting animals, often without nipping.
Weak: lacking confidence to stand up to stubborn stock; such dogs often turn tail to run away when confronted with a challenge from the stock.
nipping at the heads of livestock to turn them.
nipping at the lower part of the hind legs of livestock to move them forward.
nipping or gripping at the bodies of sheep, marking the flesh by tearing out hunks of wool (called “body biting” on cattle); biting at the body of any type of stock is a fault.
the dog leaves the handler’s side and move around to the other side of stock located some distance away.
the approach to the stock to start it moving after completion of the initial outrun.
the dog moves the stock toward the handles.
the entire outrun/lift/fetch.
the position taken by the dog, well back from the stock, which enables the dog to control the direction of the stock and cover any attempts by the stock to break away.
the traditional Scottish command to direct the dog to move clockwise around the stock.
the traditional Scottish command to direct the dog to move counter-clockwise around the stock.
Herding Instinct Test Frequently Asked Questions
What training or experience does my dog need? It has never seen sheep.
No prior experience or training is required. However, your dog must be able to run for 10 minutes.
You will not go in the ring initially. Depending on your dog’s reaction. the tester may ask you to go into the ring.
What training or experience do I need? We do not own sheep.
No prior experience or training is required.
Many Corgis have a natural herding instinct. Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle. This test is a way to determine the strength of the inborn instinct in your Corgi or other herding breed of dog.
The tester will take the doo into the ring on a lead. He/she will then let the dog off leash when appropriate. The field will be at least 50 feet in diameter and may be larger with three sheep. Your dog has ten minutes to show herding instinct. The tester will evaluate the dog’s interest and provide a written evaluation with a pass or fail. If your dog does not show interest, you will be encouraged to ‘herd’ or chase the sheep if your dog does not show interest, you will be asked to come into the field and encouraged your dog to ‘herd’ or chase the sheep.
Is the test strenuous for the dog?
The dog must be able to work for up to 10 minutes. If your dog is overweight or out of shape, this can be difficult.
Is the test strenuous for the handler?
If you are asked to enter the ring, you will need to be able to keep up with your dog and with the sheep and, at times, to help your dog work the stock.
Is the test cancelled if it rains?
No, the test is held rain or shine.
Can I receive a refund if I can not attend?
No refunds are provided.
How often do you hold the test?
The PWCCGS typically sponsors a Herding Instinct Test once a year, usually in the fall. Other breed or performance clubs may hold herding instinct tests at other times of the year.
Can I enter again next year if my dog does NOT pass?
Yes, you may enter as often as you like.
Can I enter again next year if my dog does pass?
Yes, you may enter as often as you like.
Do I have to be a member of your club to participate in the test?
No, the test is open to all Pembroke Welsh Corgis, 6 months or older, and to all other herding breeds, 6 months or older, after the specified preference date for Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
I am the dog’s owner, can my son or daughter handle the dog?
Yes, anyone over the age of 12 may act as a handler.
Herding Instinct Test past results
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Herding Instinct Test Frequently Asked Questions
What training or experience does my dog need? It has never seen sheep.
No prior experience or training is required. However, your dog must be able to run for 5 minutes.
Yes, you will be in the ring with the dog.
What training or experience do I need? We do not own sheep.
No prior experience or training is required.
Many Corgis have a natural herding instinct. Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle. This test is a way to determine the strength of the inborn instinct in your Corgi or other herding breed of dog.
You and your dog (on a leash) are placed in a pen at least 50 feet in diameter with 3 sheep, the Tester, and a stockdog (frequently a Border Collie) which helps the Tester manage the sheep between dogs, and during if necessary, for a maximum of 15 minutes. Your dog must herd the sheep for a total of 5 minutes. If your dog does not show interest, you will be encouraged to ‘herd’ or chase the sheep to show the dog how.
Is the test strenuous for the dog?
The dog must be able run for 5 minutes. If your dog is overweight or out of shape, this can be difficult.
Is the test strenuous for the handler?
You will be in the ring, working alongside your dog. You will need to be able to keep up with your dog and with the sheep and, at times, to help your dog work the stock.
Is the test cancelled if it rains?
No, the test is held rain or shine.
Can I receive a refund if I can not attend?
No refunds are provided.
How often do you hold the test?
The PWCCGS typically sponsors a Herding Instinct Test twice a year, usually in spring and fall. Other breed or performance clubs may hold herding instinct tests at other times of the year.
Can I enter again next year if my dog does NOT pass?
Yes, you may enter as often as you like.
Can I enter again next year if my dog does pass?
Yes, you may enter as often as you like.
Do I have to be a member of your club to participate in the test?
No, the test is open to all Pembroke Welsh Corgis, 6 months or older, and to all other herding breeds, 6 months or older, after the specified preference date for Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
I am the dog’s owner, can my son or daughter handle the dog?
Yes, anyone over the age of 12 may act as a handler.
Herding Instinct Test past results
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