- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Have you ever seen a dog switch into stealth mode, slowly stalking down an opponent before pouncing? They were likely acting on their innate herding instincts. Dogs engaging in herding behavior might stare, chase, and nip at their target.
Herding behavior is an important natural instinct for canines such as Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs. These breeds are vital for helping farmers manage livestock. “Breeds [were] crossed specifically to produce dogs who are placid and non-aggressive but will be capable of moving herds of animals much bigger than they are,” explains Joe Nutkins, a Kennel Club-accredited dog trainer and canine behaviorist.
Additionally, Nutkins says that dogs’ herding instincts make them great guard dogs since herding breeds tend to be suspicious of new people and unwanted visitors. However, this can lead some to think herding behaviors equate to aggression.
Understanding a dog’s herding behaviors is essential for pet parents. Doing so can help them fulfill their dog’s natural instincts and engage in these instincts in a happy and healthy way.
Most Popular Herding Breeds
Historically, a number of dog breeds have been used to herd sheep and cattle. Most herding breeds are medium-sized, fast and agile, though there are a few outliers. Corgis, for example, are an unconventional herding breed. Their short legs were thought to help them dodge flying hooves. And though they’re not as speedy as a Collie, their bark is impressive.
What all these pups have in common is a strong work ethic, a lot of energy, and a capacity for intense focus. The top herding breeds include:
- Bearded Collie
- Border Collie
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Kelpies
- German Shepherd
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Belgian Laekenois
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Finnish Lapphund
- Briard
“Each was bred to herd specific types of animal, so have their own traits to help with this,” Nutkins reveals. For instance, she says since Lancashire Heelers were bred to move cattle, they often herd by nipping at the ankle. Meanwhile, Bearded Collies use the “strong eye method” and stare at animals till they move away.
Some historical sheep herders have made their way into other lines of work. German Shepherds, for example, tend to show up more in police work these days than on the farm.
Signs of Herding Behavior
Mixed breeds can have herding instincts too. If you notice your dog displaying these behaviors, they are likely acting on their herding instincts:
Some behaviors (such as barking) aren’t just for herding. For instance, while herding, a dog might bark alongside staring and chasing. However, playtime barking would involve more loving eye contact, tail wagging, and play bows.
How Can You Train & Manage Herding?
Since it’s innate, you can’t “fix” a dog’s herding behavior. However, you can employ positive training and other approaches to help manage their actions.
Teach commands to train impulse control
Siegfried recommends training them in:
- Pausing forward momentum (wait)
- Collection (having a dog pause and stand)
- Recall (turning away from the things they want to move or push and returning to the owner)
- Lie down (and remain down)
Offer suitable outlets through toys
Pet parents can also use positive reinforcement in training to encourage more desirable behaviors. Additionally, offering suitable outlets for your dog to engage their natural instincts is essential to keeping herding behaviors in check. They’ll be inclined to “practice” herding people and other pets without adequate stimulation, such as obedience training, tricks, and Treibball.
Overall, Siegfried says it’s important to remember that “dogs need to dog.” Although playtime doesn’t always have to involve herding-like activities, she says there will always be a strong prey drive that needs to be exercised.
What Factors Lead to Herding Behavior?
Two main factors influence dogs’ herding behaviors: genetics and environment.
Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in a dog’s instinct and ability to herd, says Leigh Siegfried, founder and training director at Opportunity Barks. “You won’t likely find a Basset Hound that’s good at herding!”
A genomic sequencing study of 130 breeds revealed specific chromosomes and genes are associated with temperament, predation, and herding behaviors in dogs. Some identified genetic variations were only seen in herding dog breeds.
Meanwhile, another large study found herding dogs possess genetic variations that influence messenger pathways in the brain. Research of Border Collies and Sharplaninatz dogs has also linked brain chemical levels (such as dopamine) to predatory behaviors.
Environment
A dog’s surrounding environment can impact their herding behaviors. For breeds with an innate instinct to herd, Nutkins says if they have easy access to people or things to herd, they will develop a stronger herding response.
For example, if you live on a busy street, just seeing other people could trigger their herding instincts. “Having a herding breed in an environment where they constantly see people passing the house can heighten their natural suspicion for new people,” Nutkins says.
Lastly, socialization plays a big role in how a dog acts on their herding instincts. Nutkins explains that positive and correct socialization done early in a herding dog’s life can ensure they see humans and other animals as a family rather than “cattle.” Plus, she says good socialization skills can help herding breeds feel less suspicious and encourage them to interact with other dogs, people, and household pets.
What Problems Can Arise From Herding?
Herding behavior can prove problematic inside and outside the home when not managed correctly. Although herding dogs aren’t typically aggressive, Nutkins explains that their actions can be “viewed as aggression by someone who doesn’t know dogs.”
Without an outlet to engage in their natural instincts, she adds herding dogs corral family members and other pets in the home. Additionally, they may engage in nipping or ankle biting, especially during playtime with pet parents or other dogs at the park.
Not only can this lead to the dog causing accidental hurt, but it could result in a bitten dog “turning back and biting the herding dog in response,” Nutkins notes. Unfortunately, these negative experiences can also change a dog’s happiness around new dogs.
Redirecting is your best training tool
Some dog breeds naturally exhibit herding behaviors. Associated herding actions, such as nipping and biting, are instinctive, and the dog should never be punished for them. Instead, look for ways to redirect their behaviors through fun activities you can do together.
If your pup is not responding to training and management approaches, meet with an experienced dog trainer or behaviorist. Siegfried says that professional intervention is particularly crucial if your pup engages in more dangerous herding behaviors, such as chasing cars or biting.
