by Amanda Crispel
For the first 4 years of working my dogs, I had little access to livestock. I was lucky to get to work once a week, and not at all in the winter. Here are a few exercises I've tried over the years to practice some of the commands and behaviors needed when we were actually working livestock. But remember, there is no substitute for working livestock. These exercises will only help to support the progress you make in a training session.
Playing Ball for Controlled Down and Walk-Up
First off your dog needs to be ball crazy, or at least good at fetching a ball. Through the ball as normal to work off a little of the edge. Then ask your dog to down. The goal is to be able to throw the ball while the dog remains at the down. You may want to keep the dog on a long line, so that you can administer a quick correction is the down is broken prematurely. Work your way up to being able to hype the dog up with the ball, down him, and he'll stay while you throw it.
The next step is downing on the run. Down your dog and throw the ball. Let it come to rest where the dog can see it. Position yourself half way between the ball and the dog, but not directly in the line between the dog and the ball. Ask the dog to get the ball. Just before the dog reaches you down him. Step into his path if he doesn't follow the command or use a long line to control him. Slowly move closer to him before you send him, and drop him further passed you and closer to the ball. Eventually you should be able to stop him several times on the way to the ball. I've taken it so far as to stop the dog just as his nose is over the ball.
The final modification of this exercise is to teach the steady walk-up or standing stop. Set yourself up like you did when you were going to teach the down on a run. Only this time down the dog as soon as he starts to run. Eventually he will anticipate the down and move forward tentatively. Give the steady or walk up command when he is moving slowly and only down the dog if he starts to run. This is also a good place to teach the standing stop. Give the command to "Stop" and then down if the dog doesn't respond. Eventually he will anticipate the down when he hears stop and wait for the down command giving you the standing stop.
Lawn Chair Flanks
Set up 2 obstacles about 6 feet long (I used lawn chairs) with about 5 feet between them. You'll also need a broom or plastic lawn rake to block the dog and a store of the dog's favorite snacks. Set the dog at a down on one side of the obstacles about 10 feet away and evenly centered between the two. Put some snacks in a bowl to the right of the right obstacle. Stand between the obstacles and step into the dog giving the "Go By" command. Block the left side with the rake. Let the dog run to the treats. Repeat the exercise and slowly move the bowl of treats until they are directly behind you. Do the same for the "Away to Me" side. Eventually start mixing the commands until the dog is traveling around the obstacles easily in both directions based on the command you give.
Get Out Down the Driveway (or Hallway)
This is another exercise done with a ball or treats and uses a garden rake. Start at the top of the driveway or hallway. Call the dog to you and praise him. Then give the "out" command and brush the dog back with the rake. Push the dog the length of the driveway and then give them a treat or toss the ball. Eventually you should not have to advance on the dog with the rake to get them out. I make a game out of it and wont throw the ball until the dog has retreated the full distance. Using a narrow space teaches the dog to retreat straight out and not cheat and try to circle you.