by Amanda Crispel
The following is a discussion held with trainer Larry Painter on the topic of controlling pressure. Many of Larry's training methods are taken from Bob Vest and Ben Means. In this discussion Larry gives a few examples of how he has applied what he has learned to training his ACD's.
Question: How are ACD's different from some other breeds when it comes to handling pressure?
Blowing into pressure is the ACD's way of avoiding the pressure. They don't back out like many other breeds. This may have served them well in intense situations in the bush, but it can cause havoc with a green handler and a young dog. The best way to control this is not to apply more pressure and hope you'll come out on top, but instead teach the dog they can handle the pressure. Build up their confidence. Show them that they can control the livestock by remaining calm and focused.
Exercise #1: Calm Approach and Building Confidence
Tie a sheep or goat at the head and flank to a stable fence. Make sure the animal is secure but not overly stressed. Begin about 10ft from the sheep next to the fence. Hold the dog securely by a leash close to the collar attachment. Do not put your hand in the collar as the dog might twist and injure your hand. Slowly walk up the fence with the dog next to the fence. Proceed until the dog stops on their own or you feel that they will lunge. Use a calm manner and a stop command to halt the dog. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then ask the dog to back up maintaining a forward position. Don't let the dog turn. Repeat no more than three times. Never force the dog closer than they are willing to go on their own. Don't overdue the exercise. Don't allow the dog to grip the livestock. Try to be as calm as possible. Your dog will pick up on your excitement as well. The goal is to get your dog to approach the livestock calmly and understand that they don't need to grip every time they get close. This will build their confidence in their ability to control the livestock.
Exercise #2: Balance
Use a small pen no larger than 30 ft across. Stock should be well dog broke. You will need a broom or plastic leaf rake or something with a wide bottom, not a crook or stock whip. Enter the pen and place the dog on a down. Go to the stock and stand about 5ft off the fence with the livestock behind you and ask the dog to walk up or just release the dog. If you don't have a down, use a long line to control the dog. When you get to your stock, drop the line. The dog will attempt to get to the stock. Use the rake to block the dog, but not as a weapon. The large base should easily deter the dog and send them naturally on the other direction. You can use the rake also to brush the dog out. Because of the pressure exerted by the dog, the livestock should remain behind you. Hold your ground and let the dog do all of the running. Let him wear himself out.
If the dog shows no respect for the rake, you should administer a correction with the rake. He should respect it but not be afraid of it. It the dog fights the correction, use a long line to catch him. Hold him so he can't dodge the rake and brush him back. He must learn to respect the rake before the exercise can work.
When the dog calms, step forward and allow the dog to circle the stock. Then step back and continue blocking until the dog settles again. The session should not last more than 15 minutes, regardless if you have been successful. However, if you achieve success in a shorter period of time, try to quit on a positive note. Down your dog and call him to you and give him lots of praise.