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Performance Week 2014 | a day in the life

Central Penn Herding Clinic and Instinct Test

The Central Penn Collie Club held its first herding clinic and Collie Club of America herding instinct test at Scarlets Mill Farm on August 23, 2014.

The following members had dogs who qualified:

Sharon Mayes and Willow
Barbara Cutler and Emma
Alan and Dotti Gesford and Maddie
Elaine and Robert Holley and Paige and Posh
Suzanne Benchoff and Dennis Cronin and Bell
Caryln Fasnacht and Seolait




From the COLLIE CLUB OF AMERICA HERDING INSTINCT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Herding Instinct Certification Tests
A Herding Instinct Test introduces Collies and their handlers to herding at the basic level. It is
designed to show whether or not a Collie, who may have never had any exposure to livestock,
still has the natural instinct to perform the function for which the breed was initially created. It is
a non-competitive introduction to carefully selected and easily handled livestock under favorably
controlled conditions.

It is to be remembered that many dogs through simple inexperience
will make mistakes in their first exposure to livestock, but at all times the tester must see clear-cut evidence of herding instinct.

At a Herding Instinct Test, a person experienced with stockdog training supervises the introduction of individual dogs to livestock, usually ducks or sheep, to ascertain the dog's reaction. The tester guides the approach of the dog to the stock and encourages the dog to herd the stock. The owner stays near the tester, but usually does not take an active part unless experienced with stockdog training. The dogs are typically tested first with lead dragging and then may be let off lead

A dog who, after a period of introduction, shows sustained interest in herding livestock, either
circling or attempting to gather it, or following it about to drive it, will pass. A dog who works
quietly, who barks (either a little or a great deal), or who may feint as though to nip is
acceptable. A dog may be loose – eyed or may show some degree of eye. A variety of
approaches and styles is acceptable.

It is to be remembered that many dogs through simple inexperience will make mistakes in their
first exposure to livestock, but at all times the tester must see clear-cut evidence of herding instinct.

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