As you know, dogs were tamed by man in the era of the primitive communal system. Then they were used for hunting. But in the Bronze Age, when people began to engage in farming and animal husbandry, the requirements for four-legged companions changed somewhat. At the new stage, they were required, first of all, to protect livestock from predators. In different parts of the world, independently of each other, attempts were made to develop precisely guard qualities in pets. Thus the shepherd dog was bred.
The shape, size and color of these breeds are very different from each other. Collies, Shelties and German Shepherd, Australian Kelpie, Mudi, Welsh Corgi, Bernese Mountain Dog - this is only a small part of a long list of breeds of shepherd dogs. They are united by one thing. At the gene level, the animal is patronizing the herds assigned to it, betrayed the owner, is suspicious of strangers and is fiercely ready to guard the flocks. The shepherd dog is an invaluable assistant to the herdsman. Without it, it would be simply impossible to see all the animals, correctly direct them, fit the laggards.
Based on the natural conditions, terrain, climate of the area where the herds graze, the requirements for the helper depend. For example, a kelpie, or an Australian shepherd dog, was bred for the plains and prairies. The eyes of this dog are arranged in such a way that they allow to cover as much space as possible without even turning their heads. A cattle dog, or healer, was called upon to follow the straggling sheep. This breed was also bred in the southern continent. Portuguese Shepherd Dogs and Pyrenean Patu were created for cattle breeding in the mountains.
But the Old English bobtails were bred to protect cow herds and protect them from especially large predators. These fighting qualities led to the fact that the breed soon ceased to be a shepherd, and was used to protect the home. Approximately the same perturbations occurred with other races of dogs that once grazed cattle. Scottish shepherd dog collie and its miniature replica of the sheltie for the mind and unusually good-natured temper have become full-fledged residents of the cities. The miniature entlebucher Zennenhund also became a companion dog.
His original destiny still remains loyal to Patu, or Pyrenean shepherd dog. The breed is fully adapted to the harsh climate of the highlands. It is hardy in the sheep herding, capable of making independent decisions, is strong enough to repel the attack of large predators - wolves and bears. Huge, snow-white, with thick fur, which, by the way, tends to self-clean, smart and inventive, it became the ancestor of the current Landsires and Newfoundlands.
The Pyrenean Sheepdog has so thick fur that it is completely invulnerable in all weather conditions. Small ears hang from a large triangular head. The standard requires an immaculate white suit, beige, gray, and spots are not allowed. Also requires an intensive edge of the collar, paws and tail. The latter should be with a “suspension”, long, saber, slightly hanging. A shepherd dog may show distrust of strangers, but not aggression or cowardice.
Australian kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a small, very active dog, height at the withers 43-58 cm, weight 18-22 kg.
An excellent companion for an active sports enthusiast or a farmer, less athletic family members can not withstand the dog's temperament. Tireless day and night, in the daytime - in nature, at night - as a watchman.
White Swiss Shepherd
A strong and powerful dog, at the same time elegant and showy. The height at the withers of this snow-white miracle with brown eyes is 55–65 cm, weight is 25-40 kg.
An excellent companion, friendly and intelligent, tied to all family members, but unmistakably react to aggression and protect if necessary.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog loves to talk, using a wide range of voice signals, be prepared for noise. Long walks and daily combing are required.
White Swiss Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog is also called the Bernese Shepherd - it is a very strong and resilient dog with a calm character, loyal and faithful. Height at withers is 58-70 cm, weight 35-55 kg.
With proper upbringing and socialization, it gets along excellently with other animals, loves and protects children. Optimally contain in a country house for a large family.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Border Collie
An incredibly intelligent, smart, medium sized dog. Height at withers 46-56 cm, weight 13.5–22.5 kg.
Border Collie is very curious, can independently go for a walk with the slightest carelessness on the part of the owners. It gets along well with children of primary school age, but it may unnecessarily control the household and organizes everyone who will quickly move within its reach.
Polite with strangers, security features are activated when the tone of a conversation rises. Needs daily physical activity.
You can keep in the apartment, but you need long walks and the ability to run along the fence in the country at the weekend.
Border Collie
Welsh Corgi
The pets of the Queen of England with a sweet look and a joyful smile can instantly turn into an evil fury at the slightest threat to family members.
The smallest members of the shepherd family: height at withers 25-30 cm, weight from 10kg for Pembroke to 15kg for the cardigan.
Welsh Corgi love to eat tasty and never give up cookies or a piece from your table, which often leads to obesity. They have a cheerful character, they are smart and hardy.
Collie is an elegant, friendly and affectionate dog of medium height with a long muzzle. Height at withers: 51–61 cm, weight 18–34 kg.
Companion dog, gets along well with children, kind and docile, but at the same time an excellent watchman and guard. The Scottish Sheepdog needs frequent long walks, cannot stand loneliness and loves to “talk”, which can be a problem for neighbors.
Luxurious shaggy wool requires care and attention from the owner, be prepared to comb the dog 2-3 times a week, and during shedding several times a day.
Collie
Small, energetic and brave dog with an independent character. Height at withers: 38-47 cm, weight 8-13 kg.
Very playful and agile, obedient and not aggressive, an excellent guard and companion. Ideal for rural areas, when staying in an apartment requires long walks and physical activity.
It is advisable not to leave alone in a confined space, an excess of energy will not allow the dog to sleep quietly in the apartment during your absence.
Moody
Portuguese Shepherd
Charming shaggy dog of medium size. Height at withers: 42-55 cm, weight 17-27 kg.
A bold, resolute watchman, wary of strangers, ideal for the protection of a country house.
Strongly does not fit the content in the apartment. They love the company, enjoy playing with children and participate in active games. Unpretentious in content, wool is enough to comb once a week, because there is no undercoat.
Portuguese Shepherd
Large, powerful dog, bred to work in the mountains in harsh weather conditions. It has a proportional addition: height at withers is 59-73 cm, weight 50-65 kg.
Balanced, self-confident, independent, only friends with their household. Keeping in an apartment is absolutely contraindicated, with restrictions on freedom and insufficient physical activity can be aggressive to family members.
Romanian shepherd dog
Caucasian
A massive dog of impressive size, famous for its lack of fear and anger. Height at withers: 66-75 cm, weight 45-75 kg.
Resolute and intelligent breed that requires training and attention. Caucasian Shepherd is only suitable for experienced dog breeders.
You need a sufficient number of daily walks and the presence of a spacious booth in a private aviary. In this case, it will be a reliable guard and loyal friend to all family members.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Powerful lean dog of medium height. Height at withers: 55-65 cm, weight 25-40 kg. Unique universal pet with a hardworking and noble character. A wonderful friend and companion, watchman and guard, nurse and shepherd.
Central Asian
Terrible, large dog with a heavy scanning look. Height at withers: 65-78 cm, weight 40-80 kg. Uncompromising guard, trusts only his family members. In the absence of proper socialization and attention from the owner can fall into depression or become too aggressive.
The dog needs a spacious booth with a flat roof, which it will use as an observation post and an aviary that allows you to limit the movement of the pet on the site during the arrival of guests.
Central asian shepherd dog
Croatian
A harmoniously built, mobile dog of medium size with dark, very thick hair with curls. Height at withers 40-50 cm, weight 13-20 kg.
Intelligent and most adapted for shepherd's work or sports dog. Croatian Shepherd perfectly protects the house or apartment, quite unpretentious in everyday life. But the best place to keep is a farm where the dog will be able to lie on the doorstep and guard his charges.
Croatian Shepherd
South Russian
Breed with the most deceptive appearance, looks like a cute white giant lapdog. The height at the withers of this powerful dog is 62-72 cm, weight 48-56 kg.
The South Russian Shepherd Dog is distinguished by its wayward character, the dog of one owner. With adequate education will treat other family members with respect.
Any dog will happily live in your family, become a true friend and source of positive. However, when choosing a pet, be sure to think about what behavior you expect from it and whether you are ready to provide the necessary care, a sufficient amount of your attention and love.
General characteristics of herding dogs
Herdsmen's assistants are of medium size, strong build, and physical stamina, which allows the herd to be guarded round-the-clock, dense and thick wool.
Certain requirements to the character and temperament are imposed on the representatives of these breeds: fearlessness, sensitivity, distrust of strangers, unlimited devotion to the owner. The animal should not be strongly developed hunter instinct, which can tear it from the protection of the herd or flocks and seduce the study of animal tracks or the pursuit of game.
Breed development
During its centuries-old history, the breeds of dogs (shepherd's dogs) we have undergone have undergone many changes: some species have completely lost their ability to protect pastures, becoming excellent guards of houses, guards, or just pets. Others, on the contrary, have developed their natural qualities and today still remain the best assistants to herders. Here we will also talk about them in this article. We will present you only the best and most common ones.
Shepherd portuguese
The dog appeared in Ribatero and Alentejo - areas of Portugal. Researchers of the breed believe that the animal originated from briar and the Pyrenean shepherd, probably mixed with blood and Catalan shepherd.
For a long time, shepherds value this breed for its excellent guard qualities, unpretentiousness to the vagaries of the weather and food. The Portuguese shepherd successfully copes with its responsibilities to protect not only sheep, but also horses, cows and goats. This dog chases the cattle with a loud bark while moving, and when the herd stops in the pasture, it silently bypasses its “fiefdom” and closely monitors that the animals do not disperse.
This dog is very curious, with strangers initially behaves wary and does not lose vigilance. With other dogs quite good-natured, does not initiate a fight. Many herders tend to acquire a representative of this particular breed. There are many herding breeds of dogs, and almost all of them, as a rule, are distinguished by their devotion to the owner. Portuguese Shepherd - a clear confirmation of this.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Shepherd has several other names: it is called a healer, a cattle dog. These animals are distinguished by strong muscles, a powerful musculoskeletal system. This allows them to actively move for a long time.
Having received a task from the host, the Australian Shepherd does not take its eyes off its charges. Another important quality of this herding dog is unpretentiousness. This is especially important for living on remote mountain pastures. Dogs eat almost everything, so there is no problem with food. Easy to get used to the new conditions.
Animals of this breed are known for well-coordinated and precise teamwork. They interact perfectly with each other, distributing tasks assigned to them. This, according to the shepherds, is the best option when moving cattle over long distances.
Tibetan Terrier
Do not be confused by the word "terrier" in the name of this breed. This shaggy dog has no blood relation to the terriers, rather it can be attributed to the Old English Sheepdog in miniature. Tibetan terrier today is more common as a companion, has a nice exterior and sociable character.
This is a medium sized dog that is easy to live in any home. The breed developed as a shepherd and watchman in the difficult climatic conditions of Tibet, where it is still very highly valued. In the West, about this dog learned after 1926. At first, she remained in the shadow of her closest relative, the Apso Lhasa, but today the Tibetan Terrier is well known as an independent breed.
Hyper Lancashire
Since ancient times, many breeds of dogs (shepherds) faithfully serve man. But the next dog is a relatively new breed. The Lancashire healer appeared in the 70s of the last century as a result of the crossing of two British breeds - the Manchester terrier and the welsh corgi cardigan. True, there is a version that this is a rather ancient breed, since ancient drawings depicting dogs very reminiscent of Lancashire healers were found in Great Britain. Their main function was to help people in pastures.
The existing standard was adopted in 1981, and a year later the Lancashire healer was presented in Blackpool at the International Exhibition. The dog has a strong physique with a developed musculature. The head is proportional to the body, legs are short.
The coat may be different: smooth and short or long and fluffy. The height of the animal does not exceed 31 cm, weight - about 6 kg. Color can be of two types - black or chocolate with burns. The animal is distinguished by endurance, high breed instincts, strength. These qualities help the dog not only to assist the shepherds, but also to successfully participate in mini-agility competitions.
Sheep guard dogs: dangerous exotics or just dogs?
“Why did you get a dog of this particular breed?” - unfortunately, this question is still quite often put by trainers of dog schools to their clients, who are proud of their shepherd’s guard dog.
Recall common opinions about herding guard dogs: these dogs cannot be raised, these dogs act independently, these dogs obey only because of love for a person, etc. In addition, shepherd guard dogs are reproached with high readiness for aggression and the ability to become especially dangerous. Such opinions put amazing shepherd guard dogs in a false light.
Moreover, the "knowledge" of the types of herding guard dogs is further enhanced by breed standards. In the description of almost every breed, in the section “Character” it is said about their “distrust of any stranger”. Such descriptions have led some German politicians to conclude that it is necessary to place dogs of all herding guard breeds on the list of dangerous ones.
A German researcher of shepherd guard dogs, author of the book, Peter Creevey, writes: “... the mentioned restraint of these dogs should in no case be confused with aggressiveness and / or weakness of character and justify such anomalies with (incorrectly understood) breed standards. This quality can rather be called caution. It is partially fixed genetically. Caution has been and remains the quality needed to do the job. When breeding, growing puppies and during socialization, as well as when leading an adult dog, special attention must be paid to this quality. ” (meaning the cultivation of working dogs - author's note).
For a shepherd dog living in a family, in a “civilized” environment with a routine that is characteristic of it, this necessitates, even at an early age, a confrontation with everyday irritants and other environmental stimuli. Such a confrontation should take place gradually in order to "turn caution into a confident appeal."
Изучая стандарты пород, с удивлением обнаруживаешь в них характеристику «недоверие и агрессивная реакция на посторонних» (эта характеристика, по крайней мере, в описании овчарок, относится только к посторонним людям.). But, since shepherd dogs react with caution in any situations that do not occur in everyday life, it seems to me that the characteristic “cautious and restrained” is more appropriate and less confusing. The shepherd guard dogs are more of a restrained-observing type than a “cheeky upstart”. That is why good and comprehensive socialization is so important to them.
Who are the shepherd dogs? Dogs to guard the herd, dogs that help graze cattle?
This question has been long and hotly debated, although it is easy to answer:
There are dogs that help graze cattle and make sure that the herd is in the right place.
Another type of herding dog is security dogs. They accompany the flock, guarding it from attacks by predators and thieves. These dogs are deliberately bred with low motivation to hunt.
There is a third type - shepherd dogs, performing both types of work. But such dogs are an exception.
All these dogs are called shepherd dogs, as they all work for shepherds.
Typical features of herding dogs
Territoriality means that the dog shows a pronounced competitive aggression towards the territory in which she and her family live. This territory can be not only a house, a garden or a car, but also an area on which its walks regularly take place. If you are visiting a dog school with your shepherd dog, please do not be surprised if soon she will begin to protect the familiar place from other dogs. Therefore, it is important that the owner informs the dog that he does not need to intervene and independently defend the territory - he controls the situation well enough.
The shepherd's dog tries to take a place in the house from which she can observe everything that happens in the house. Often the impression is that the shepherd's dog is a phlegmatic person. She lies quietly in her place for hours and observes her surroundings. But if something seems dangerous to her, she will react with lightning speed and hot.
Shepherd guard dogs mature very late - in 3 - 4 years. During the period of maturation, they are quickly overloaded. A shepherd dog puppy, meeting with a roar in the dark corridor of the visitor, does not at all show “typical behavior for a shepherd dog,” as is commonly believed. He is just completely unsure of himself, he needs the help of a confident enough master.
In diffuse lighting shepherd guard dogs extremely attentive to what is happening around. Therefore, they have increased willingness to aggressive reaction. In this regard, at dusk, in the dark and during fog, they must be led on a leash.
Shepherd dogs often need a large individual distance. This is manifested in the fact that they need more space to show neutral behavior. It is necessary to know this so as not to put the dog in a situation where she would feel threatened. “The guest unknown to the dog, the staff at the restaurant or passers-by in the pedestrian zone should be instructed not to speak to the herding dog and, moreover, not to stroke it on their own initiative, without the permission of the owner. Ignoring with the avoidance of direct contact with eyes prevents the dog's socially motivated attacks, that is, the expression of its discontent in the form of a growl. Most shepherd guard dogs want to be left alone and, after careful socialization, are neutral ”(G. Bloch, 1999). In this regard, it is important that the owners often enough (but avoiding overloading) touch and stroke the puppy, creating a positive association with touches. Now and then it happens that adults, not only children, touch the dog without asking permission from the owner. If the owners want to avoid problems in everyday life, they must train the puppy to tolerate touch. Naturally, this behavior on the part of strangers is wrong. But you do not want to consciously risk that your dog will react to the touch with an attack? Of course not!
A shepherd dog must have sufficient tolerance for frustration. This quality must also be developed by the owner with his dog. Giving instructions on training in this case would be useless and even dangerous: each family of the owner and the dog should be consulted individually. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Raising a shepherd dog in any case will be even more difficult if the dog is taken from a shelter. But by establishing mutual trust, one can learn many types of behavior and mitigate or, perhaps, even solve all the problems.
In shepherd dogs, there is often an increased readiness for aggressive behavior on a leash as they pass by dogs and people. The reason for this is often too small individual distance. It is clear that this distance can be learned in order to increase the tolerance of the dog. But at the same time it is impossible to try to “break” this dog in order to make it a “universal favorite”.
Upbringing is easy enough if the owners take the dog as a puppy from a breeder who has made enough efforts to socialize it, and the dog has already become acquainted with the playing children, adults who caress the dog, various types of noise, etc. The more incentives a dog learns in early adolescence, the more everyday situations become a routine for him, the more confident he will feel in his environment.
Unlike dogs that work in pastures, shepherd guard dogs living in modern cities must be more resistant to stress in order to successfully cope with modern urban life and actively participate in it. Therefore, increasing stress resistance and good socialization is an absolute must!
What is commonly called the “high threshold of irritability” and “good nerves” is absolutely necessary if you want to keep these amazing dogs in our habitat. The choice of a shepherd’s security dog of all types, after all, is influenced by personal preferences. But it must always be remembered that the shepherd guard dogs always retain their particular repertoire of behavior, even if they were bred in cities for the role of companions for many decades. Through special testing conducted by specialized clubs, it is difficult to determine the nature of the dog and its reactions: situations during testing can only see the specific reaction in this particular situation. Therefore, the test results, by right, cause distrust. (everything changes flexibly, stress response ...). Nevertheless, it is possible that such tests help to exclude individuals from the breeding that react in the everyday situation especially aggressively or fearfully.
Many herding dogs willingly bark Therefore, they are difficult to keep in apartment buildings and in densely populated villages. If the dog comments on everything that happens in the house, on the street or in the garden, he does his job. It was just for this and deduced. But this is unlikely to please your neighbors.
Shepherd dogs very sensitive to exclusion from the circle of the family - whether it is content in an open-air cage, isolated life on some territory or prolonged disregard for the purpose of “education”. As a result of this content, especially in transitional age, all the bridges in the dog, which internally connect it with social partners, collapse in the dog. It must be emphasized that no dog should live in isolation - this does not correspond to the psychological characteristics of dogs as social animals and therefore is a mockery!
Shepherd dogs prone to separating members of their family - people and other animals - from outsiders. If this happens, the owner should ask himself whether he told the dog that he is strong enough to be independent. This behavior of the dog has nothing to do with the protection, as they always protect the weaker - and the owner of the shepherd's dog should not be weak, at least in everyday life. Ignorance of the reasons for this behavior leads to the fact that the owner, on the contrary, is proud of the dog’s behavior and still reinforces it. After a while, no one can approach them - neither the man nor the other dog - the shepherd’s dog itself fully controls the situation. Saying "Please do not stretch my hand to me - this is not like my dog" can, of course, be perceived as a joke, as far as outsiders are concerned. But if the case concerns a relative, the situation will become serious! Such socially motivated aggression, however, is often shown by small dogs - and not just by large ones.
Shepherd's breed
Today there are many breeds, whose representatives are excellent shepherds. We will talk about some of them.
- The Swiss shepherd's dog or as it is also called the Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a strong and confident dog. Sennenhund is used not only as a shepherd, but also as a “cab driver” - the representatives of this breed like to do hard work, they are happy to take part in power trials, and even engage in mountaineering with the owner.
- Languedoc shepherd's dog is from France. However, it is considered to be the largest and more durable than any other French herding dog. The dog is not suitable for the role of a pet, as it is suitable only for service.
- Home to the breed of collie is Scotland, for this reason it is also called the Scottish shepherd. The dog has a thick long coat that protects it from the weather. Representatives of this breed have high mental abilities, do an excellent job with their herding duties.
- Bobtail is a furry breed of shepherd dogs. Their specialty is cattle. The big dog is from the UK. Today, they are more likely to start up as a pet.
- The English shepherd originates from the times of ancient Rome. Sheepdog used for guarding and grazing livestock, as well as a caretaker dwelling.
- The Turkish breed Kangal is a shepherd of pure water. A bold, hardy and very intelligent dog is incredulous about strangers, but it will never snap or growl at a stranger. This native breed from time immemorial lived in the territory of Asia. All the data about this shepherd indicate that the dog is from Turkey, but this country is denying the breed. But be that as it may, it is the Turkish cattlemen who note the excellent herding qualities of kangalu.
Features of shepherd dogs
The shepherd dog breeds have their own behavioral characteristics that can be noticed even in puppyhood. In order to check whether your dog has the instinct of shepherd's work (which we will talk about below), it is enough just to watch a pet. Immediately get out with the animal in the place where the sheep graze, it is not necessary. The latter may scare an untrained dog. Check out a four-paw friend, for example, on a flock of ducks. If a dog is interested in a bird, perhaps this is the call of blood.
A special feature of shepherd dogs is also close attention, because the flock must be monitored. Also, the animal must have a highly developed obedience. The dog will not work alone, it must carry out the commands that the shepherd gives. The hunting instinct also does not hurt, because the dog will have to protect the herd. For this reason, experienced shepherds recommend developing the hunter's instinct first, and only then proceed to training.
Signs of a shepherd's instinct
So, already eight-month-old puppies are showing signs of a laid down herding instinct. Pay attention to the following behaviors of the baby:
- the puppy often runs in an arc, as if trying to patrol what is happening around,
- the dog watches the children, looking for those who need protection and control,
- the baby pushes the ball with the spout or forelimbs, forcing him to move in a given direction,
- the dog examines the territory, driving out of the "aliens" from the yard,
- the animal is chasing birds and passing cars
- imitate the behavior of the hen in relation to people and animals.
When to start learning
The owner must be patient, because in one day even the simplest command cannot be consolidated. Starting training is not too early, because the pet will forget all acquired skills. We have already said that the shepherd's dog must be very obedient. Therefore, learning begins with simple commands.
In 1 month you can already learn to respond to the nickname. From 2 months and up to half a year, communicate tightly with your puppy so that he learns how to react to you. Already from 8 months you can begin to introduce a course on obedience, and from 10 months you can begin to engage in specific training. However, it is important to understand that the puppy not only learns, but also imitates. If the kid watches other shepherd dogs from an early age, he will learn a lot on his own.
Process and commands
The following special skills are available for the shepherd’s dog training:
- schooling herd
- lagging behind animals,
- herd picking
- patrolling and leveling.
To accustom to the flock you need from puppy age. It is enough if the baby will just accompany the mother during the grazing. The main thing is not to allow the young "student" to barking and chase grazing cattle for no reason. It will be more difficult to teach an adult pet to a flock.
Customize those who strayed from the herd, the dog must team "Goni!". Training begins with a visual display. They take the dog on a long leash, allow some lamb to fall behind, and then give the dog a command “Drive!”. It is also important to work out the moment of the stop of the rut so that the animal develops the habit of running away from the dog pursuing it in the herd, and the dog stops the rut when the "fugitive" approaches the herd. At first, the shepherd can help the dog by shouting while the cattle are trained to obey the dog. As a result, the pet must see the stranded animal without a command and drive it into the herd.
The herd is collected by the team "Circle!". Training begin at the fenced site. Initially, the coach leads the dog on a leash in a circle, gradually weakening it, while the dog should not move away from the fence. Next, the trainer skips the four-legged assistant a little forward, gives him the command “Circle!”, And he himself quickly goes to meet the pet. Having met, encourages the dog a treat.
Patrol and level the herd on the team "Forward!" And "Equal!". Initially, the skill is practiced without a herd, sending the dog, for example, to cross the bridge. They start patrolling when a four-footed assistant learns to quickly execute the “Forward!” Command. The dog must not allow sheep or cattle to approach dangerous places, such as ravines.
In addition to the above skills, the shepherd's dog must be able to track down the lost sheep, turn the flock left or right, and also guard and protect the flock from predators.
Upbringing
In connection with the above qualities of shepherd dogs, in the process of their education it is necessary to take into account several important points. Here I can not fail to cite a few generally accepted statements - I need to answer them.
"The shepherd guard dog acts independently"
What does this mean for everyday life? What, the dog goes shopping? Or make a financial report? Even a working dog must first learn its work. To do this, she is socialized as soon as possible with the herd, which she will later have to guard. In the ideal case, a young dog focuses on older, experienced dogs or a shepherd, who shows her that she is allowed and what is not. Only after the dog learns how to reliably perform its task and reliably learn the rules of behavior is it assigned to guard the herd independently.
"Shepherd guard dogs tend to find people of little interest and go their own way (literally)."
But the owner’s task is to prevent the dog’s alienation. Despite the fact that the education of dogs in many ways can be compared with the education of children, there is still a certain significant difference: children are raised so that they become independent, when raising dogs, you need to focus on the fact that they will stay with a person for life. Therefore, the expression “acts independently” should relate only to the performance of work, after appropriate training and in no way be thrown to the common life with the shepherd's dog in modern human habitat!
The shepherd guard dog is “the patient partner of the children he loves most in the world.”
Dogs are born neither by fans of children, nor by detonators. All determines the experience of the dog, received at puppy age and later. Thus, a tolerant attitude toward children is not a breed property of herding dogs. Therefore, such breed descriptions are just a marketing ploy.
Shepherd guard dogs obey out of "affection and love"
Shepherd dogs must clearly know the limits of what is permissible. Even if you do not like my opinion: these dogs must understand the consequences if they violate these rules. Do not worry: it has nothing to do with violence. Shepherd dogs are masters in testing their masters. Снова и снова они «спрашивают», насколько сегодня действует мнение хозяина, которое было у него вчера или позавчера. Такое качество мы называем упрямством. Поэтому хозяин должен терпеливо и последовательно все время подтверждать собаке существование установленных правил.
The shepherd's guard dog "defends the flock and only delays and bark at the offender, not attacking him"
This is true while working in the herd. In this case, as a rule, one presence of the shepherd's dog and its barking is enough to scare off the danger, first of all, since a herd is usually accompanied by several dogs at once. In such a situation for the offender struggle would be extremely disadvantageous. Therefore, both sides are trying not to aggravate the conflict situation.
But for dogs living in cities, this opinion cannot be relied upon. In some cases, the dog may well react attack. (In order for the dog not to attack at the meeting, it is important to immediately increase the distance to it and to the objects protected by it, that is, to move away - approx. Per.)
Conclusion
Where does shepherd guard dogs have such bad fame? Working as a dog trainer, I constantly encounter owners who have misconceptions about life with herding dogs. After hearing popular opinions about the features of these dogs, they did not even try to integrate the dog correctly into the family.
On the forums you can read that raising a guard dog with a shepherd is still impossible, they are very independent, etc. Unfortunately, there are very few coaches who know shepherd dogs well and are able to competently advise the owner.
