Training and Care 
69 
of the flock and must gradually be encouraged to go 
forward until he works around the head of the flock. 
The shepherd can then quickly change his position 
and call the dog in from the opposite side. Or the 
preliminary work may be given with two shepherds, 
always working the dog around the head and never 
the rear of the flock, and always giving him the 
command to go around or go over. After a while 
the dog begins to follow this command and it is then 
easy to utilize this in many ways in the handling 
of sheep or stock. For instance, in the case of strag¬ 
glers, these can be pointed out to him and the order 
given for him to go around, and this will work 
them back to the flock. A separate command should 
be given for the driving. This in itself is something 
that the dog will do instinctively, and it is only 
necessary to hold him in restraint with “Steady” or 
“Easy.” Another important part of the sheepdog 
is holding the flock at a given place. This is best 
done by having the dog in close proximity and set¬ 
ting the dog an example, urging him to Hold or 
Wear the sheep. After repeated lessons the dog 
becomes familiar with the command and will work 
at a greater and greater distance from the shepherd. 
It is always important never to confuse the com¬ 
mands or alter them for the familiarity of the sound 
with the work required, means a quick understand¬ 
ing and response, the dog naturally adapts himself 
to the work and the constant work with the shep¬ 
herd, and a demand on his part of a strict obedience 
soon develops a very valuable assistant. 
