5 Best Herding Dog Training Dvds For Backyard Flocks

Managing a small backyard flock often involves more chaotic chasing than organized movement until a trained herding dog enters the picture. While a talented pup possesses the raw instinct to circle and gather, translating that drive into controlled utility requires a structured educational framework. These five DVDs offer the most reliable paths for transforming a high-energy dog into a focused partner for the small-scale farmer.

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The Way Herding Dogs Work by Derek Scrimgeour

This program focuses heavily on the philosophy of working with a dog’s natural desire rather than against it. Derek Scrimgeour is renowned for a “natural” approach that prioritizes the dog’s understanding of balance and “the bubble” around the sheep. Instead of relying on heavy-handed corrections, this method teaches you how to position yourself to influence the dog’s movement through body language and spatial awareness.

The visual demonstrations are particularly effective at showing how small shifts in a handler’s position can trigger a massive response in the dog. Scrimgeour breaks down complex maneuvers into logical progressions that favor a dog’s innate intelligence. This DVD is an excellent choice for a handler who prefers a quiet, low-stress working environment where the dog is encouraged to think for itself.

If the goal is to develop a dog that can work semi-independently with minimal whistling or shouting, this is the definitive resource. It is perfectly suited for those with sensitive dogs that might shut down under more traditional, high-pressure training styles. Purchase this if you value a partnership built on subtle communication and want a dog that truly understands the “why” behind every move.

First Steps in Border Collie Training: Glyn Jones

Starting a young dog can be an overwhelming experience, but Glyn Jones provides a calm, methodical roadmap for those critical first encounters with livestock. This DVD is designed specifically for the pup that has just discovered its “eye” and needs to learn how to use it constructively. Jones emphasizes the importance of basic obedience and control before the dog is ever allowed to see a sheep.

The footage captures the reality of young dogs—including the mistakes, the over-excitement, and the moments of confusion. By watching these raw interactions, you learn how to intercept bad habits before they become ingrained behaviors. The focus remains on building confidence in the dog while establishing the handler as the clear leader of the hunt.

For the hobby farmer who is starting with a blank slate and a high-drive puppy, this DVD serves as a vital safety net. It removes the guesswork from those first few months of development. This is the essential starting point for anyone who feels intimidated by the raw power of a young herding dog and needs a step-by-step plan to channel that energy.

Starting the Border Collie on Sheep: Bruce Fogt

Bruce Fogt offers a pragmatic, American perspective on herding that is deeply grounded in the realities of farm life. This DVD is widely considered a classic because it doesn’t just show the perfect runs; it shows the “messy” parts of training where sheep bolt and dogs lose their heads. Fogt provides clear, verbal explanations of what is happening in real-time, making it one of the most educational watches for a novice.

The program covers everything from the initial pen work to outruns and driving. There is a strong emphasis on “square” flanks and keeping the dog at a respectful distance from the stock, which is crucial for the safety of a small backyard flock. Fogt’s teaching style is direct and no-nonsense, providing a clear “if-this, then-that” logic to handling.

This resource is ideal for the practical-minded farmer who needs a dog to perform specific daily tasks like moving sheep into a shearing shed or through a footbath. It bridges the gap between trial-style finesse and everyday utility. Choose this DVD if you want a comprehensive, “warts-and-all” look at the training process that prepares you for real-world challenges.

Take Time: Sheepdog Training with Glyn Jones

As a follow-up to his introductory work, “Take Time” delves into the nuances of refining a dog’s performance once the basics are settled. The title itself is the core philosophy: giving the dog the time and space to work correctly without rushing the stock. This DVD is particularly helpful for correcting common middle-stage problems, such as “clapping” (dropping to the ground too often) or tight flanks.

Jones demonstrates how to transition from the round pen to the open field, a move that often causes dogs to lose their sense of balance. The instruction focuses on precision, teaching the dog to move sheep in straight lines and controlled turns. This level of control is what prevents livestock injuries and keeps the stress levels of the flock at a minimum.

For the hobbyist who has moved past the initial chaos and wants to polish their dog into a truly skilled laborer, this is the logical next step. It provides the “fine-tuning” tools that separate a generic farm dog from a precision herding partner. This is the right investment if your dog knows the commands but lacks the patience and finesse required for tight spaces and delicate stock.

Training the Working Border Collie: Tony Collins

Tony Collins provides a highly structured curriculum that covers the entire lifespan of a working dog’s training. This DVD is notable for its clarity and its ability to explain the “mechanics” of herding in a way that is easy to visualize. It covers the essential commands—”Come Bye,” “Away to Me,” and “Walk On”—with clear demonstrations of how these look from both the handler’s and the dog’s perspective.

One of the standout features of this program is the focus on “driving” sheep away from the handler, which is often the hardest skill for a dog to master. Collins breaks this down into manageable phases, ensuring the dog doesn’t lose confidence when it can no longer see the handler’s face. The production quality is high, making the subtle movements of the dog easy to track.

This is arguably the most “all-in-one” resource on the list, making it a great value for those who only want to buy a single DVD. It scales well as the dog grows and the tasks become more complex. Select this resource if you want a definitive, lifelong reference guide that you can return to every time you encounter a new training plateau.

How to Match a Herding Breed to Your Small Flock

Selecting the right breed for a backyard environment requires a balance between the dog’s intensity and the livestock’s temperament. Border Collies are the gold standard for precision, but their high “eye” and intense stare can sometimes paralyze a small flock of three or four sheep. Conversely, breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler) or Corgi use more physical presence and “nip,” which can be too aggressive for flighty, light-boned sheep breeds.

Consider the following factors when matching a dog to your specific setup: * Space Constraints: High-intensity gatherers like Kelpies need room to run; they may struggle in a cramped 1/4 acre lot. * Stock Type: Heavy, stubborn sheep might require a dog with “push,” while light, flighty sheep need a dog with a wide, gentle “sweep.” * Handler Time: Border Collies are “workaholics” that require daily mental stimulation, whereas some English Shepherds may be more content with a “part-time” job.

A common mistake is choosing a dog with too much “power” for the number of animals being moved. If the dog is constantly over-powering the sheep, the livestock will become chronically stressed, leading to poor health and difficult handling. Always aim for a dog that matches the “speed” of your flock to ensure a harmonious working relationship.

Essential Safety Measures for Training Young Dogs

Safety in herding training is a two-way street that protects both the canine and the livestock. Young dogs are prone to “crashing” into the sheep when they get excited, which can lead to broken legs for the sheep or defensive kicks to the dog’s head. Using a long line (a 20-30 foot light rope) during early sessions allows the handler to intercept a charging dog before an impact occurs.

Heat exhaustion is a non-obvious but deadly risk, especially for high-drive dogs that will literally work themselves to death. Training sessions in the backyard should be kept short—usually no more than ten to fifteen minutes for a beginner. Always provide a “cool down” area with fresh water where the dog can decompress away from the sight of the sheep.

• Never train on a single sheep; use a group of at least three to five to prevent the dog from “targeting” one animal.
• Ensure the training area is free of farm debris, loose wire, or low-hanging equipment that could snag a collar.
• Check the sheep regularly for signs of extreme distress, such as heavy panting or “blank” staring, and end the session immediately if they appear blown.

Setting Up Your Backyard Training Arena Safely

A proper training environment prevents the “ping-pong” effect where sheep bounce off corners and dogs lose control. For a backyard setup, a round pen with a diameter of roughly 40 to 60 feet is the gold standard. The lack of corners prevents sheep from huddling in a “dead zone” where the dog cannot get behind them to move them.

The fencing must be solid enough to discourage the dog from trying to crawl through and the sheep from trying to jump over. Using “t-posts” with plastic mesh or sheep hurdles is common, but ensure there are no sharp edges or gaps at the bottom. The ground should be level and provide good traction; mud or slick grass can lead to ligament injuries during high-speed pivots.

If a permanent round pen isn’t feasible, use a small, rectangular paddock but “round off” the corners with temporary panels or hay bales. This setup keeps the livestock in a predictable flow and allows the handler to stay close enough to the dog to provide corrections. A well-designed arena does half the work of training by managing the physics of the movement for you.

Understanding Core Herding Commands and Signals

Consistency in language is the bedrock of a working herding dog. The two most vital directional commands are “Come Bye” (move clockwise around the flock) and “Away to Me” (move counter-clockwise). These are not mere suggestions; they are the steering wheel of the dog, and they must be practiced until the response is instantaneous, even when the dog is at a distance.

Beyond directions, the “Lie Down” or “Stop” command is the most important safety tool in the kit. A dog that cannot stop on a dime is a liability that can run sheep through fences or into traffic. The “Walk On” command tells the dog to move toward the sheep with steady pressure, while “Get Back” or “Get Out” instructs the dog to widen its circle and give the stock more breathing room.

• Come Bye: Go left (clockwise).
• Away to Me: Go right (counter-clockwise).
• Lie Down: Stop all forward momentum immediately.
• That’ll Do: The job is over; return to the handler.

Using a whistle can eventually replace vocal commands, as the sound carries better over wind and distance. However, for a backyard flock, a clear, calm voice is usually sufficient. The key is to avoid “chattering” at the dog; give a command once, ensure it is followed, and then remain silent to let the dog focus on the stock.

Transitioning Your Dog From DVD Theory to Practice

Watching a DVD provides a mental blueprint, but the first time you step into the pen, that blueprint often feels like it’s written in a foreign language. The most common hurdle is the “reaction time” gap—realizing a second too late that the dog is about to break. It is helpful to narrate the DVD out loud as you watch, identifying the exact moment the trainer gives a command, to sharpen your own timing.

Expect the dog to be “sheep-drunk” during the first few sessions, meaning they may be so focused on the livestock that they temporarily forget their names. This is not defiance; it is an overload of instinctual drive. Be prepared to go back to basic obedience in the presence of sheep for several weeks before attempting to actually “work” the animals.

Progress is rarely a straight line in stock dog training. You will have days where the dog looks like a professional and days where they act like they have never seen a sheep before. Success on a small farm comes from patience and the realization that you are training a partner for the next ten years, not just for the next ten minutes.

Developing a herding dog is one of the most rewarding challenges a hobby farmer can undertake, turning a chore into a choreographed dance. By utilizing the expert guidance found in these DVDs, you bypass common pitfalls and build a foundation of safety and mutual respect. With a bit of time and a lot of consistency, your backyard flock will be managed with the quiet efficiency that only a well-trained dog can provide.