{"id":217,"date":"2025-01-29T06:38:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T06:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/?page_id=217"},"modified":"2025-02-10T23:11:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T23:11:38","slug":"herding-versus-trialing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/education\/herding-versus-trialing\/","title":{"rendered":"Herding versus Trialing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background-color has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7610749db6992ff21f53437df84f8a8e has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-site-logo\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/\" class=\"custom-logo-link\" rel=\"home\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/LHU-Chat-Image-e1738962545869.png\" class=\"custom-logo\" alt=\"Logo made up of a drawing of a Lancashire Heeler superimposed over a Lancashire rose.\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n<h1 class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-f1e98d6c897e424c7d4e8232ded39f0a wp-block-site-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"home\">lancashireheelersunited.org<\/a><\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><nav class=\"is-responsive items-justified-right wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-1 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Navigation Header\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open \" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.5\" width=\"16\" height=\"1.5\" \/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"15\" width=\"16\" height=\"1.5\" \/><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container  \"  id=\"modal-1\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-1-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive items-justified-right wp-block-navigation\"><li style=\"text-transform:none;\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item is-style-arrow-link wp-block-navigation-link wp-container-content-1\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/education\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Education<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"text-transform:none;\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item is-style-arrow-link wp-block-navigation-link wp-container-content-2\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/health\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Health<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item is-style-arrow-link wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/contact\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Contact<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Herding versus Trialing<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:0.8rem\">Martha O\u2019Connor and Bonnie Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Early Days<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The Lancashire Heeler (LH) is the smallest herding breed of dog. They are known for their talents as drovers\u2014dogs that drive stock from behind by nipping at the heels of stock and ducking out of the way of the kicks. This is why LHs are often called \u201cnip and duck\u201d dogs. Stock includes ducks, geese, and even chickens; sheep and goats; and cows. The dog moves the stock at the direction of the human handler. The LH can also hold stock in place while its human handler opens or closes gates or barn doors to keep stock from crowding the gate or door. There are many different herding styles that dogs use, and some breeds are more adaptable to certain styles than others. The LH is not a breed that works like a Border Collie or some of the larger breeds that sweep across large pastures to gather up all stock and head them toward a particular destination. The LH\u2019s legs are too small for those long sweeping outruns. LHs are very good at droving or moving stock down a lane or road for long distances. A good herding dog is also an intelligent dog that can \u201cread\u201d stock and in doing so knows where &nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>a particular animal is headed or when a particular animal is going to challenge him for authority. In fact, if you watch your dog\u2019s eyes, you\u2019ll soon understand that his awareness of stock movement is amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The LH breed has been around for several hundred years, working on small, humble rural farms in the Ormskirk area of Lancashire district in England. Historically, these invaluable little working dogs were used to move stock from the barn to the pasture or back again. They were used to hold stock back while one animal might be pulled from the herd for care. Chickens or ducks might be rounded up at night and placed in their coops to protect them from nighttime predatory animals. The little LH might be sent out into the family garden to chase off a rabbit or sent into the barn to find the mice and rats that carry disease and eat the stock\u2019s feed. With their acute hearing and awareness of their surroundings, they barked to alert their families to strangers arriving. For this, they are called \u201calert barkers.\u201d The LH was a protector of the farmstead and his people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Today, most people live in towns or cities and have herding breed dogs as pets. Because of the dog\u2019s need for engagement and activity, people are turning to performance training and events as outlets for exercising the dog\u2019s body and mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are performance events like Agility, Barn Hunt, Scent Trials, Obedience and Rally competitions that all aid in the formation of the bond between the handler and the dog. Herding is still an activity available to pet owners through what is termed \u201ctrialing\u201d your dog. Trialing provides herding breed owners and handlers with the opportunity to demonstrate that their dog still possesses the ability to work stock under the direction of a handler.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One of the best ways to find a competent trainer is to attend local herding trials in your area. To find these local events, Google herding trials near you. Herding trainers have the arenas and proper equipment and experience, and most importantly, they have dog-broke stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin exposing dogs to herding, stock is released into the arena and set up or staged in one area. The dog is then sent out to round up the stock, usually sheep or ducks and sometimes cattle, and drive them through a set course led or directed by a trainer. The handler and dog are allotted a set amount of time in which to accomplish the task.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Herding Titles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The beginning titles a herding dog can earn are <em>Herding Tested (HT)<\/em> and <em>Pre-trial Tested (PT)<\/em>. These demonstrate that the dog does have natural herding instincts. It can take two or three exposures to herding before a dog \u201cturns on\u201d to the stock in the arena. The dog is awarded a pass or fail for each attempt in the arena and needs two passes to earn each tile. If the dog fails, it can try again in another trial. We would like to encourage people with show dogs to at least acquire these titles on their breeding stock.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dog owners who want to go forward with herding will begin with the Started category. Often, ducks and sheep are used because these animals want to stay together and are easier for the dog to move. (Cattle can be more difficult and expensive and require heavy fencing and gates.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The handler and dog will need to learn the basic commands used in herding: Come By, Away, Wait, Lie Down, Steady, and That\u2019ll Do, among others. The dog is encouraged to work the stock under the direction of the handler by their trainer. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In <em>Started<\/em>, the dog will still need a lot of help because it will be chasing stock; this will eventually change to real herding as the dog and handler gain experience in the arena. What one is looking for is the formation of a working partnership between dog and handler. Eventually, the dog will learn to work in partnership with even more commands, directing stock through more complicated setups to earn a <em>Herding Champion<\/em> title.&nbsp; The categories are <em>Started, Intermediate, and Advanced <\/em>on stock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cattle can do a lot more damage to humans, dogs, fencing, and each other. It\u2019s hoped that the dog and handler partnership is stronger, and that the handler will know the quirks of the dog and know how to keep everyone safe. Be forewarned. Working all stock can have safety risks. Cattle are the most expensive and are harder to manage.&nbsp; Exciting stuff in the arena is bad herding. Stock can be dangerous when pressured too hard by the dogs while herding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Competition and Entry Fees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>When competing in trials the short-legged breeds like the Lancashire Heeler may have much difficulty competing against longer-legged breeds like the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie. If possible, try to find trials just for short-legged breeds like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Swedish Vallhund.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of all the performance events available to herding breeds, trialing is the hardest and also probably the most expensive. Fees for lessons <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>average in 2025 about $45\/half-hour of training, and trial entry fees run about $50\/run\/stock. For example, to enter a trial in Started Sheep would cost $50. But the opportunity to compete in ducks at the same trial would also run $50. A trial is usually held on both days of the weekend, so entry fees alone would cost $200. Entry fees are high because they cover stock, feed, equipment, and care of the stock. Trials take a lot of labor, and volunteers are always needed. (2024 pricing)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Books on Trialing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those interested in trialing their dog and want to learn more about the sport, here are a couple of good guides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The American Kennel Club has a publication titled&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/rules\/herding-test-and-trial-procedural-manual\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Herding Test and Trial Procedural Manual<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One of the best books still in print is Vergil S. Holland\u2019s&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/book\/show\/1396.Herding_Dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Herding Dogs Progressive Training<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8d8a304d21175ba3f6f53fc70c0b3d3c wp-duotone-unset-2\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);min-height:100vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-contrast-background-color has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Photograph of a Lancashire Heeler moving cattle\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-336 has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Herding-01.png)\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-1 wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f4841c6cb23c85008ee1156329875d54 is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left alignwide has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:clamp(27.894px, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 2.094), 48px);line-height:1.2\">Herding in Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Better in Person<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Videos, of course will never be a good substitute to meeting an LH in the flesh and talking with people who live with them. The best thing to do is visit events\u2014dog shows and dog sporting events\u2014within a reasonable driving distance from you. Whenever you spot a Lancashire Heeler, introduce yourself, admire the Heeler(s) in front of you, and ask what the dogs are like at home. On the balance, Heeler people love to talk about their dogs. If it doesn\u2019t naturally come up in conversation, ask about Lancashire Heelers and dog sports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Video Links<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YQ2QCMYzENs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YQ2QCMYzENs<\/a> <br>In this video by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@katjaylinen\">Katja Ylinen<\/a> we see how Pinka, a two-year-old untrained dog, is tested to see if she might be good candidate for herding sheep. <br>Katja, her handler is listening to people give her instructions from off camera. &#8220;Thats why I am stiff like robot \ud83e\udd2d,&#8221; she explains. &#8220;But, yes, my Pinka had some ideas what to do with sheeps. Naturally, not trained at all. And I did not understand anything what I am doing \ud83d\ude00,&#8221; she adds.<br>Notice that as Pinka gets closer to the stock, the stock become more agitated; the farther away she is, the calmer the stock is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OYDqSGY9wT0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OYDqSGY9wT0<\/a><br>In this video, we see how Inca, a dog owned by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@SuzannaCramptonIreland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Suzanna Crampton<\/a> of County Kilkenny, Ireland, does a bit of herding with <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zwartbles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Zwartbles<\/a> sheep. Her task is to move the sheep our of their pen and into their pasture for the day. <br>Inca comes from a line of excellent ratter Jack Russell terriers with a cross of chihuahua. Suzanna trained  her to herd from behind as this breed of sheep are very easy to lead but can be slow to move forward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Herding versus Trialing Martha O\u2019Connor and Bonnie Smith In Early Days The Lancashire Heeler (LH) is the smallest herding breed of dog. They are known for their talents as drovers\u2014dogs that drive stock from behind by nipping at the heels of stock and ducking out of the way of the kicks. This is why LHs [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":86,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-no-title","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-217","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=217"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":514,"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217\/revisions\/514"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/86"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}