Page 49 - The Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi Worldwide Magazine

Also, the primary reason for docking Pembroke United States, they do it with goats or even
tails was for safety reasons, as pems have long ducks.
tails and can be easily stepped on by cattle,
causing severe injuries. In many countries where people are interested
in this activity, they can try herding at special
They tend to be vocal, especially when they are training centres.
excited, but it is better to teach them to work
silently and bark only if needed, as we can Some clubs even organise herding competitions
communicate with them much more easily. under their official rules, and there are different
classes where handlers can enter their dogs
Sheep that haven’t met Corgis yet tend to be depending on the dog’s level. We can talk about
more afraid of these little dogs than middle-sized a real canine sport, where both species have to
dogs—another reason why it is so important to be respected and understood.
teach the dog self-control. In a calmer way, he
can approach a flock more closely. Many tasks must be completed during a
competition, like crossing a bridge, driving away,
These dogs can be energic and fast. Teaching defending the flock from traffic and many more.
them to move in a trot is very useful. Corgis may not be great working on big fields
with big flocks, but they can be wonderful
Finding a good trainer and tame sheep used farmdogs and they can prove their skills on
to dogs and humans is highly advised. First trials too.
meeting with a flock/ herd can be crucial, so
what experience the dog will have is essential.
If a young puppy gets hit/scared by one of the
animals, it can cause such a trauma he will
never want to herd again. My experience is that
puppies around 4-5 months old can be tested,
but mostly, they are ready to meet sheep after
6- 7 months of age.

First meetings can be chaotic; the dog may run
around the sheep, but it is important to stay calm
and try to slow down the dog a bit, especially
if the flock is stressed. A positive experience
is needed, so it is necessary to cue reward the
dog and stop/recall him when needed. If the
dog is afraid, it is better to leave and not force
anything; eventually it can be tried again after a
few weeks if it is an adult and a few months if it
is a young dog. If the dog is not interested at all,
the trainer will know how to help turn on that I Sing Bohemian Rhapsody Valhalos Sargas
instinct if the dog has some.

Most corgis do not work livestock at home today, One thing has to be understood: a corgi will
but many get the opportunity to show they still never be able to face a flock that doesn’t know
have herding instinct by participating in instinct dogs on a big open field. It is always about the
tests or herding tests and trials. breed, the animals and the circumstances. Their
original purpose was not to work on big open
In European countries, we use sheep for herding fields with sheep that don’t have too much
aptitude tests, working exams and trials. In the contact with dogs or humans.

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