Herding with Entlebuchers

Herding

Entlebuchers and Herding

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the Herding Group: January 1, 2011.
The Entlebucher along with it's cousin the Appenzeller, were originally bred to herd cattle and they both continue to have a stronger ingrained herding instinct. In general cattle are bigger, tougher and more stubborn (than sheep), which requires an intelligent, strong and sometimes physical approach to control. Swiss cows are known for being large, weather hardy, docile and unexcitable creatures. The dairymen (or Sennen) along with their dogs (Sennen's hunds) would drive the cattle up into the Alps for summer grazing. Once summer was over they would drive and graze their way back down. The greatest risk to the herd was not predators, but the incredible terrain of the Alps. The Entlebucher's herding style is as a heeler or drover, like Corgis or Australian Cattle Dogs. Drovers are generally tireless workers, pushy with their bodies, independent minded, and use their voice and mouth more than dogs with the herding style as a header or gatherer, like Border Collies which are known more for stalking and their "eye".

One of my first adventures with Bayla was a sheep herding weekend seminar and AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) test in southern Illinois. It was an incredible experience! What a special thrill to see her instincts kick in and observe the way she handled herself. Bayla received high praise for her great ability, power, presence and natural talent.

That weekend, Bayla easily earned her HCT-s title. HCT is: Herding Capability Tested, which is the American Herding Breed Association's instinct test. The smaller letter designation after the hyphen is the type of stock the dog was tested on; s = sheep, c = cattle and d = ducks. This was the first time Bay had ever seen sheep. Though encouraged, we did not pursue herding at that time.

I took Kai out a couple times for herding experiences. In a short time, she did really well and seemed to spark to it. I guess I could be called a recreational (and fair weather) herder. I try to get out a few times a year with our dogs. I motivate myself for a little herding by remembering just how willing our dogs are to do and try anything I ask. The least I can do is be willing to "go along for the ride" and do an activity they may be naturally good at. Ironically, not all herding dogs have talent or solid herding ability. I like to have our dogs evaluated by experinced herding instructors, to learn more and see how true they may be to their heritage function. This photo of Kai (far right) during her first herding exposure was used in the AKC Gazette Entlebucher feature, Jan. 2011.

Data had also been herding a few times. I did not find (or make) the time until he was over 2 years old. Data took a little more patience and encouragement in his first exposure. It is important to evaluate a herding dog's pure instincts while they are younger - before they are influenced by working / training in other areas. Initially on his first exposure Data kept looking to me, to see what I wanted or if it was really OK to chase the sheep. I wonder if he thought the experience was some bizarre proofing exercise. It took a little while but he finally realized in this context it was OK to chase the sheep, then he was able to get a feel for their movement off his body and actions. On his second exposure Data was more comfortable and confident. This photo was taken when he earned his Herding Instinct Certificate at Lanark Farms.

Herding fascinates me! I have read a lot about it and spectated at quite a few herding trials. I have a hard time bringing myself to DO herding because I am a control freak. Sheep freak me out; they are smart or graceful. I was sandwiched between two as they "walked" me a couple feet (my feet did not touch the ground). I do not like the feeling of being out of control. Herding offers so many variables and too much going on for me, plus it is counter intuitive to agility handling in many ways. I would much prefer to watch or take herding action photos. Then I can be mesmerized by the beauty of it and marvel at the dog/handler's talent and skills, all from a safe distance. I love when we have herding instinct tests at our Entlebucher Specialties. It is very eye opening and awe inspiring to watch different Entle styles. Some entles are more vocal, some use more physicality, and others tend to be thoughtful. Jaylah was exposed to sheep for the first time during our 2018 National Specialty activities. She did very well and of our dogs, she probably has the most pure instinct. Jaylah has always shown an overt desire to circle and control movement so I was confident she would spark to it. I have yet to get Risa or Geordi out on sheep. I will not do cattle, too many things can go wrong and I will not chance it. At our 2016 Specialty I worked Data on ducks for the experience. That was a lot less stressful for me and I enjoyed being inside the pen more as a smaller condensed version.

Herding Links

AKC Herding Getting started in herding
AKC Herding Group- Link to Herding Group of American Kennel Club
AHBA- American Herding Breed Association
Working Dogs Link to article about styles of herding by Ann Garner
Herding on the Web- Website for herding resources on the internet
Herding Behaviors in Dogs- What you need to know; excellent write up