Sheep herding

**Sionnachdubh** · 20th October 08, 05:34 PM

Does anyone know anything about Shepherding? I intend to get into it one day and would like to do some research on sheep dog training and commands, and were to aquire said dog. I would also like to know something of the nature of shearing the animal and basically anything else on a need to know basis, any info is welcome. Is there someone among the rabble with experience in this area?

**BoldHighlander** · 20th October 08, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by Sionnachdubh

Does anyone know anything about Shepherding? I intend to get into it one day and would like to do some research on sheep dog training and commands, and were to aquire said dog. I would also like to know something of the nature of shearing the animal and basically anything else on a need to know basis, any info is welcome. Is there someone among the rabble with experience in this area?

Are you talking sheep dog trials or just herding out of the public eye?

The lady we got our Smooth Collie from does sheep trials year round (& has her own herd to practice with). She said "Sassy" has the ability to be a good herder, unfortunately I don't have the property for such a venture

I would point you in the direction of American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) for information regarding herding. Also, join the AHBA forum. There are many herders on there who can assist you, point you in the right direction.

Good luck & let us know how it goes

**auld argonian** · 20th October 08, 05:54 PM

Okay...I'll be a wise guy...

http://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Book-Han...4550113&sr=1-2

...it's not exactly "shepherding for dummies" but it does have a foreword by Garrison Keilor...so there's your dummy.

I'm going with:

http://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Small-Sc...ref=pd_sim_b_2.

...a Chicago lot is only 50X135 feet so I'd better keep it real small.

Seriously, though, it's a great aspiration...sounds like a very satisfying hobby.

Best

AA

**BonnieT100** · 20th October 08, 05:57 PM

Well, if you have the Discovery Channel, Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs is doing the sheep thing Tues night - 9 PM Eastern. I studied animal science at Purdue. I've sheared a sheep, done lambing, and both collected semen from a ram and artificially inseminated a ewe. Of course, this was about a decade ago, so I'm kind of rusty. Shearing for amateurs is something of a two person job. One basically wrestles with the sheep while the other tries to shave the wool off with a device that is somewhere between an electric razor and a hedge trimmer, while trying to avoid cutting your partner. I had a scar on my arm from the over zealous young lady I was partnered with. My uncle keeps 4 sheep right now - he grew up on a farm in WI, but is an electrical engineer for Delphi Electronics right now. Sheep are pretty easy for the most part. They don't damage fences like cattle. As far as diseases, I'm really really rusty. I know scrapie is one of the more important diseases to avoid. Beyond that, I can't recall. Lambing is fun - just can't be afraid to getting dirt, wet, sticky, and putting your hands in places you never expected.

**BoldHighlander** · 20th October 08, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

I'm going with:

http://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Small-Sc...ref=pd_sim_b_2.

...a Chicago lot is only 50X135 feet so I'd better keep it real small.

Since I don't have enough room I'm going into beekeeping....though *not* while wearing a kilt!!

Still would like to do sheep dog trials though {sigh}

**Southern Breeze** · 20th October 08, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Since I don't have enough room I'm going into beekeeping....though *not* while wearing a kilt!!

Still would like to do sheep dog trials though {sigh}

Kilts + Beekeeping= no problem. Been there, do that. Don't ask for pics!

Back on topic- I picked up a copy of Stories Guide to Raising Sheep several years ago. One of my nieces was doing livestock judging with the 4H club and I got it to learn a bit about them. Worth a look.

http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide-.../dp/1580172628

**Jock Scot** · 20th October 08, 11:16 PM

I, until recently, used to have 5000 of the damn things, the best advice I can give anyone about sheep, is don't bother! No doubt you will ignore this advice,so PM me if you think I could help with the odd helpful(?) tip or two!

**David Thornton** · 21st October 08, 05:08 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I, until recently, used to have 5000 of the damn things, the best advice I can give anyone about sheep, is don't bother! No doubt you will ignore this advice,so PM me if you think I could help with the odd helpful(?) tip or two!

5000? I suspect the only flocks that large here are out west. We kept 30-60 head on a small farm in Kentucky, enjoyed everything except killing predators. About every 7 years or so we had to shoot a lot of dogs, mostly strays, but occasionally a pet running with the others. Now guys around here keep Commodores and the like for that work. And the predator is now coyotes.

Lots of good info at the Universities and Ag extension offices, might try there if you are serious.

Any other secrets to reveal Jock?

**Sionnachdubh** · 21st October 08, 04:54 PM

If I can get the sheep from point a to point b without anything blowing up , catching fire, or getting lost and going into a bog (No joke I have seen that one almost happen once. A pipe band attempting to herd sheep without a dog is a comic sight indeed . please don't ask.)

**Tetley** · 21st October 08, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Since I don't have enough room I'm going into beekeeping....though *not* while wearing a kilt!!

Still would like to do sheep dog trials though {sigh}

My landlord was a beekeeper for many years and his comment was that treated correctly, you could work with bees in shorts and tee shirt. Something to do with calming them down with smoke.

I wouldn't like to try it!

Mark