Herding Terminology

Here are common herding terms and meaning.

Balance: The position taken by the dog, at an appropriate distance from the stock, which enables the dog to control the direction of the stock and to cover any attempts by the stock to break away.

Drive: When the dog works between the handler and the sheep, moving the sheep away from the handler.

Eye: An intense gaze used by the dog to control the stock, often accompanied by a creeping or crouching approach to the animals.

Fetch: When the dog brings the sheep to the handler.

Gather: When the dog collects the sheep from their scattered positions in a field into a compact group.

Heeling: When the dog works the stock from behind, usually nipping the lower leg to move the stock. This is an instinctive working characteristic of some stockdogs, and occurs most often when working cattle.

Livestock: There is a lot to be learned from livestock. A big part of the handler's job is to watch how livestock react and how they move. All livestock have eyes on the sides of their heads and do not see straight ahead. Therefore, most work should be on the sides of the animal to "work the eye." Ears should be watched because the livestock will let you know when the dog is connected.

Outrun: When the dog runs out around the sheep to gather them prior to bringing them to the handler; the course taken by the dog in gathering its sheep.

Strong dog: All references to strength and power reflect solely on the dog's attitude toward the sheep; they have nothing to do with physical characteristics of the dog. A strong dog comes up to its sheep confidently and boldly and does not give ground if attacked. The sheep are able to sense the determination of this type of dog and more readily give ground to it.

Weak dog: The opposite of a strong dog. Weak dogs turn tail if the sheep show fight. A weak dog may flank back and forth rather than walk straight in toward the sheep.