7 Best Stock Dog Training DVDs for Success

You’ve got the dog, you’ve got the stock, and you’ve got a problem. The pup is running circles, the sheep are scattered, and you’re left standing in the middle of the pasture wondering if this was a huge mistake. A good training DVD is like having a seasoned handler whispering in your ear, offering a roadmap when you’re lost in the weeds. For less than the cost of a few in-person lessons—which might not even be available in your area—a well-chosen DVD set can be the single best investment you make in your first year.

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Starting Right: Key Features in a Training DVD

A good training DVD does more than just show you a finished dog working perfectly. The best ones show you the mistakes, the corrections, and the "aha" moments. You need to see the process, not just the polished result.

Look for a program that breaks things down into small, logical steps. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so a clear progression from basic commands in a small pen to more complex work in an open field is crucial. The key features to watch for are:

• Problem-Solving Sections: What do you do when the dog won’t stop, or when it splits the flock? A DVD that addresses common failures is worth its weight in gold.
• Clear Explanations: The trainer should explain why they are giving a command or making a correction, not just what they are doing. Understanding the principle of pressure and release is fundamental.
• Variety of Dogs and Stock: Seeing a trainer work with different temperaments—a shy dog, a pushy dog, flighty sheep, stubborn cattle—is far more useful than watching a single "wonder dog" do everything right the first time.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a teacher whose philosophy resonates with you. Some trainers rely on firm, immediate correction, while others build skills through positive reinforcement and shaping instinct. Neither is wrong, but one will likely feel more natural for you and your dog, and that alignment is the foundation for a successful partnership.

Ben Means’ Perfect Stock Dog: A Solid Foundation

Ben Means’ series is all about building a dog from the ground up with a clear, systematic approach. If you’re someone who likes a logical, step-by-step plan, this is your starting point. It’s less about abstract concepts and more about "do this, then do this."

The real strength here is how Means explains the concept of pressure. He demonstrates how your body position, movement, and energy influence both the dog and the livestock. You’ll learn to read the situation and apply just enough pressure to get the desired response, then immediately release it as a reward. This is the core language of stock work, and he makes it understandable.

This set is ideal for handlers who are new to stock dogs and want a reliable, repeatable method. It establishes a solid foundation of control before moving on to more complex tasks. If you follow the program, you will build a dog that listens and understands its job. It’s a blueprint for creating a dependable working partner.

Scott Glen’s The Natural Way for Instinctual Work

Where Ben Means provides a structured blueprint, Scott Glen teaches you how to read the map. His approach, "The Natural Way," is focused on shaping the dog’s inherent instinct rather than imposing a rigid set of commands. This method requires more observation and feel from the handler.

Glen’s philosophy is about partnership. He shows you how to put your dog in a position to succeed, letting it figure things out while you make small, timely corrections to guide its choices. It’s a fluid, responsive style of training that can feel less mechanical and more intuitive once you get the hang of it.

This DVD is a great fit for someone who already has a bit of "stock sense" and wants to develop a dog that thinks for itself. It can be more challenging for a complete novice because it relies on your ability to read subtle cues. However, the payoff is a dog that works with you, anticipating the needs of the stock, not just waiting for your next command.

Virgil Holland’s Practical Guide for New Handlers

Virgil Holland’s training is the definition of no-nonsense. His DVDs are geared toward the practical realities of farm work, focusing on the tasks you’ll actually need to do every day. This isn’t about trial-level perfection; it’s about getting the job done safely and efficiently.

You’ll see a heavy emphasis on real-world scenarios: penning, sorting, moving a small group through a gate, and loading a trailer. Holland is direct and his methods are straightforward, designed to create a useful chore dog in a reasonable amount of time. He doesn’t get bogged down in theory, he just shows you what works.

This is the set for the hobby farmer who needs help now. If your primary goal is to have a reliable partner for daily chores and you’re less concerned with the finer points of competitive herding, Holland’s practical approach will get you there. It’s a masterclass in functional, everyday stock work.

Geri Byrne’s Positive Herding for Gentle Training

For handlers who are uncomfortable with traditional pressure-and-release or correction-based methods, Geri Byrne offers a compelling alternative. Her "Positive Herding" series is built on a foundation of positive reinforcement, using rewards and clicker training to shape herding behavior. It’s a different language, but it can be incredibly effective.

This approach is fantastic for building confidence in a sensitive or soft-natured dog that might shut down under too much pressure. It breaks down complex behaviors into tiny, achievable steps, rewarding the dog for each correct choice. The focus is on making herding a fun, engaging game for the dog, which fosters a strong desire to work with the handler.

The tradeoff is that this method can sometimes take longer to produce a fully reliable working dog, especially with tough, stubborn stock. It requires immense patience and precise timing from the handler. However, for the right dog-and-handler team, it creates an enthusiastic, joyful working relationship that is truly special.

Lowery’s Classic Method for Border Collie Focus

If you have a Border Collie, you owe it to yourself to study the classics, and Hubert Lowery’s methods are foundational. This is old-school training at its best, honed over decades of work on the hills. The focus is on precision, control, and the iconic outrun, lift, and fetch that define the breed.

Lowery’s instruction is meticulous, with a deep emphasis on establishing a perfect "stop" and directional commands. He teaches you how to get your dog to work far off the stock with confidence and accuracy. While the production quality might feel dated compared to modern videos, the information is timeless and pure gold for a Border Collie handler.

While the principles are universal, the application is heavily geared towards sheep and the specific working style of the Border Collie. A cattle handler with a Heeler might find some of the techniques less directly applicable. But for anyone wanting to understand the nuances of distance, pace, and pressure that make a top-tier Border Collie, this is an essential piece of your education.

Jack Knox’s Training the Young Heeler on Cattle

Working cattle is a different game, and Jack Knox is a master of it. His DVDs are specifically designed for the breeds that excel at it, like Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers), Kelpies, and Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs. He understands that these dogs need to work closer, be tougher, and use grip in a controlled, effective way.

Knox’s training directly addresses the challenges of working heavy, often stubborn, cattle. He teaches you how to build a dog’s confidence and how to teach it when and where to bite—a necessary tool in cattle work that is often discouraged in other herding disciplines. You’ll learn how to read cattle and teach your dog to control their heads, not just their heels.

This is a must-have for anyone who plans to work their dog on cattle. The techniques shown for working sheep simply won’t be as effective and can even be dangerous. Knox provides the specialized knowledge needed to create a safe, effective cattle dog that knows how to handle itself and its stock.

Pope Robertson’s "That’ll Do" for Trial Prep

Pope Robertson’s series is for the handler who has mastered the basics and is starting to think about the next level. This isn’t a "start from scratch" program; it’s a finishing school for the promising young dog and handler team looking toward competition.

The content dives deep into the finer points of trial work: navigating a course, handling the pressure of the clock, and polishing commands for absolute precision. Robertson is a master at refining a dog’s work, turning a decent farm dog into a competitive trial dog. He shows you how to add that last 10% of polish that separates the good from the great.

If you’re in your first year, this DVD is likely your goal, not your starting point. But if you and your dog are progressing quickly and you have an interest in trialing, it’s an invaluable resource. It gives you a clear picture of what’s expected in the trial arena and a plan for how to get there.

The right DVD is a guide, not a gospel. No single program will have all the answers for your specific dog and your unique situation. The best approach is to watch, learn, and then go outside and apply the principles, adapting them to the animal in front of you. Your greatest teachers will always be your dog and your livestock; a good DVD just helps you understand their language.