What age to take a herding instinct test?
Does anyone out there know? |
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| I do not believe there is a minimum age to test. Two of the common groups that offer tests are the AHBA (American Herding Breed Assoc.) and ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America). Other groups offer tests as well, I know these 2 have web sites where you can get more info.
Our Oliver tested as an adult, I believe as a 3 yr old. We have sheep, but I never had heard of any classes or events near us prior to that. Chewie tested as a 13 month old. Neither had done any classes before testing. Chewie was the wrong age to work our bossy ewes as a puppy. When Chewie was old enough and had enough presence to start, our ewes were lambing. They are super protective and aggressive to dogs at this time. NOT the time to start a new pup on sheep! We plan on working him more this fall. Your instructor should be able to give you input on when you should start. I would definitely go and at least have him observe. Lots of times they will let a young pup run around out there while an older dog is working. It gets their enthusiasm up and builds confidence. Good luck! Oliver: 
Chewie:  |
| I would just ask the place you're going.
Where we go... we see puppies in the ring just to get used to the sheep. Yuki was 1 when she started, I believe... but once she turned 2, she showed a huge difference. She actually paid attn to the sheep!!!!!!  |
| It is a place called Drummond Ranch in Acton, Calif. It is near by and they charge once for the instinct test. He will have many chances on that one fee. I am in a fairly suburban area, and have no land, though there are places close. |
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