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Introduction Working with Border Collies Jan 2025
starting 13 Jan 6 weeks
This course is suitable for anyone who works with clients that share their lives with Border Collies and similar Sheepdogs. This is not general herding breeds but dogs that are inward facing to the sheep and bred to work using a balance of eye and flanking.
Background:
➤ Selective breeding for specific skills has influenced the reward systems in the dogs. Many lines bred for working purpose will have strong characteristics whereas other may have a distorted or mixed blend. What are they inheriting?
Heritage:
➤ Often regarded as Quirks but actual behaviour with a clear purpose:
Why does the dog stop listening?
Why do they seem to go slow?
Why approaching a Collie and lowering your head may get you into trouble?
Can they be sofa-surfers?
Why they will face-up to being challenged?
Which Brain:
➤ The Collie Brain vs Pet Brain and how they present differently and affect behaviour under different stimulus. Learn to build Pet Dog skills and the Pet Dog repertoire.
Learning through Play:
➤ The way the game is played is more important than the game itself. A clear understanding of the rewards the dog is seeking can be employed to develop pleasure through anticipation. SheepBalls®, MouseBalls, WiggleBall, Taking the Sheep to Market.
Living Together:
➤ Rest and Sleep: Good quality sleep time and a schedule of rest. Teaching the Not Right Now. Side by Side and not working the street, the park or the traffic.
Limitations on using other dogs/cats as pseudo sheep.
SheepDog Trials Live:
➤ Commentary and observations on top handling and the highly skilled dogs. Become familiar with the purpose behind the breeding that goes beyond general farm work.
Case Studies by Video:
➤ You may bring case studies to the course for closer examination.
Format of the Course
Live Sessions will be recorded and held Monday evenings at 8pm (UK) 1900 GMT/UTC. Course material will be accessible for four weeks after the course completion.
Reading material will be available, alongside videos, forums and a weekly live discussions covering specific topics.
The course will provide a greater understanding and include practical activities that can be applied when working with Border Collies and Associated Sheepdogs.
This does not certify competency in teaching, the use or inclusion of SheepBalls® in any advertising material. SheepBalls® is a protected by a registered trademark and can only be used by authorised Team SheepBalls® certified specialists. If you are interested in becoming a Team SheepBalls® Specialist this course is an ideal introduction.
If you are enthusiastic about learning, developing and building your professional development you will be very welcome.
Attendance Certificate will be available for active participation: joining the live sessions, questions, contribution to forum discussions, sharing case studies etc.
” Thank you so much for a really fabulous course. I learned so much my head is still buzzing with it all.
I have a much deeper understanding of a BCs needs, the jobs they have been bred for and their innate skills. I now also have a much clearer appreciation of what can go wrong for a BC and why.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and I love the active participation, as with all your courses. The more I contribute, the more I learn. “
£175
20% Discount for setter members
Setter Membership ➤
Includes access to all the library courses
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