Raising puppies is one of my favourite things about training stock dogs; it is here where a puppy can be built or torn down if done incorrectly. We don't let our dogs just be puppies - as many famously quote. Every day is a lesson; and an opportunity.
'When you have a dog's heart, you have their feet.' Jack Knox
Rapport
Relationships make the world go round. This is true no matter where you go; it is doubly true with your stock dog. As Jack Knox said famously, in order to move your dog, you need to have his heart. This is a lesson applied in many contexts. It is, however, one of the most important ones in working with dogs. The bond between handler and dog is pertinent.
Obedience
We do no obedience whatsoever. No leash training. Nothing. You see, your relationship with your dog is meant to be organic not rigid. Every day you are teaching your dogs, in tiny ways what the expectations are. You do not need to force them into an obedience lesson filled with treats for them to understand what you want, need, or require. All it really requires is some time and some patience with your puppy.
101
The very basics of what makes a decent stock dog is consistent exposure to stock. Socialization - which means exposure to dogs, people, sounds, and different experiences. Socialization also entails knowing appropriate dog engagement. Dogs growing up with other dogs is not socialization, and this is a key component many people disregard in their training.
Our dogs are able to be in any environment and thrive because they experience proper socialization in many contexts. Different experiences, noises, dogs, people, other animals.
Exposure to livestock is not the same as starting a dog, it does mean they are surrounded regularly by livestock, they understand the chores, the value of that livestock, and how to engage appropriately with livestock.
Recall
We do not teach recall in the traditional sense. We do not leash train, we do not use long lines. This comes back to relationship. When a dog is bonded to you, they want to be near you at all times. When you leave livestock, they want to leave too. Dogs like this, that simply want to please you are the easiest to train. They have a strong bond to you, and therefore they want to do what you want them to with minimal effort.
Trust Your Gut
The best advice you can ever get is this. Trust your gut, trust what you know about yourself and your dog. Anyone can tell you that your dog isn't great, or that they are great. Some of the best dogs we have seen are the ones every handler in the book would quit on before they saw their greatness. Raising puppies, or stockdogs comes down to this. Know what is in your kennel, and know what to keep and what to let go.
