Herding dogs are natural-born shepherds and flock guardians. Harnessing their instinct with structured training unlocks extraordinary teamwork between dog and handler. This guide, over 1,200 words, covers essential herding commands, hand signals, training sequences, troubleshooting strategies, breed-specific insights, real-life field stories, and practical tips for both beginners and experienced handlers. Learn how to train sheepdogs, border collies, Australian shepherds, and more with clarity, confidence, and calm command.
Why Specialized Herding Commands Matter
- Precision control: Herding requires coordinated movement, stops, turns, and distance—handlers use cues to guide dogs across varied terrain.
- Safety: Sheep, cattle, and other livestock can be unpredictable—clear commands prevent chaos and maintain control at a distance.
- Efficiency: A well-trained dog responds instantly to single-syllable cues, reducing stress and labor in the field.
- Building bond: Working in tandem on livestock cultivates trust, mutual respect, and powerful canine instinct in a structured context.
Core Herding Commands (Verbal & Signal)
| English | Verbal Command | Hand Signal | Description & Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk On | Walk on | Arm straight ahead, palm flat forward | Signals dog to move out and gather livestock. Used when starting the flock moving. |
| Come By (Right) | Come by | Arm extended right, palm sideways | Dog moves clockwise around the flock to align on your right side. |
| Away to Me (Left) | Away to me | Arm extended left, palm sideways | Dog moves counter-clockwise around the flock to your left side. |
| Steady | Steady | Hand palm down, pushed slightly forward | Dog slows and moves cautiously—you need calm control near animals or obstacles. |
| That’ll Do | That’ll do | Two-handed clap toward handler | Release command; dog releases stock and returns to handler for rest or next instruction. |
| Lie Down | Lie down | Hand sweeps down to the ground | Dog lies out of the way—used during lambing season or when livestock must rest. |
| Stand | Stand | Palm forward at chest height | Freezes dog in position—used for inspection or when handlers reposition stock. |
| Get Back | Get back | Hand swept back toward handler | Dog is too close to stock—move back the appropriate distance. |
| Back | Back | Hand circular back motion | Redirects dog behind livestock for repositioning. Useful when livestock sit or crowd. |
| Bring In | Bring in | Hand sweeps inward with palm up | Used to close the gap, bring in strays, or move the flock toward handler. |
| Quiet | Quiet | Finger to lips | Reduce barking—essential to keep livestock calm and minimize stress. |
Why Hand Signals Matter in Herding
- Visual cues travel farther in open fields.
- Minimal vocal cues keep noise down around stock.
- Silent control becomes critical when working multiple dogs.
Training Approach
1. Start with Stockless Training
Begin without animals. Teach commands using toys or dummy mannequins. Work on directional cues and position control in unobstructed spaces.
2. Introduce Small Groups of Livestock
Once the dog consistently responds, bring in lambs or small groups. Continue using Walk On/Get Back to shape movement without panic.
3. Build on Distance & Control
Gradually increase distance. Combine Come By, Away To Me, and Bring In to direct a full flank circuit around the flock.
4. Add Distraction Drills
Simulate real-life unpredictability—introduce gates, noise, other dogs, or wandering stock. Teach Steady and Stand to enforce calm compliance.
5. Sequence Full Runs
Practice full gather-unite-drive sessions. Sequence: Walk On → Come By/Away to Me → Steady on the move → That’ll Do to finish.
6. Maintain & Vary Scenarios
Work across terrain types—hills, paddocks, open fields—to reinforce command reliability under varied conditions.
Breed-Specific Training Tips
- Border Collie: Quick, intense focus—monitor drive; give rest often.
- Australian Shepherd: More physical energy—include frequent breaks and recall training.
- Hungarian Puli / Mudi: Herd at distance; build confidence in movement cues first.
- Bearded Collie: Calm steerers—emphasize distance and voice leniency.
Common Issues & Fixes
Dog Overdrives Stock
Problem: Dog too fast, not responding to Steady or That’ll Do.
Solution: Use a smaller gather; enforce Walk On + That’ll Do sequence until compliance is blank.
Dog Loses Focus at Distance
Problem: Dog becomes distracted, wanders off.
Solution: Drill Come By/Away To Me closer in, gradually open distance over repeats.
Dog Barks Too Much
Problem: Barking unsettles livestock.
Solution: Teach Quiet at the first bark. During training, reward silence.
Dog Hesitates to Approach Stock
Problem: Lack of confidence.
Solution: Walk alongside dog using dummy or calm stock; shape approach using Calm Voice + Walk On.
Real-Life Herding Scenarios
- Farm Start-Up: A novice handler used short Walk On sessions with lambs weekly; by the fifth session, their border collie gathered a small flock calmly and used That’ll Do reliably.
- Competitions: In UK trials, handlers use silent hand signals to direct at a distance—gaining points for precise lines and calm stock movement.
- Working Trials: A senior Australian shepherd was taught Steady and That’ll Do after repeated field passes—calming stock for inspection.
Daily Integration Tips
- Select 10 minutes of off-leash training—practice commands in open spaces even without stock.
- Use direction commands during walks—e.g., “Come By” to circle around a bush or group of ducks.
- In busy households with multiple dogs, use hand signals quietly during recalls (“Come By”, “Away To Me”).
- Encourage mental work with invisible herding exercises like flanking around garden beds or moving objects in the yard.
Troubleshooting Chart
| Issue | Potential Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No Response to Walk On | Low motivation or confusion. | Break into short U-turns; praise and reintroduce command immediately. Small praise treats help. |
| Turning Too Wide | Lack of directional understanding. | Drill Come By/Away To Me through cones; signal + one step at a time. |
| Pushing Through Stock | Aggression or drive overflow. | Use Steady repeatedly; reduce drive with breaks and reward quiet eyes instead of movement. |
| Running Past Handler (Get Back) | Poor handler focus. | Drill handler recall and reward back to side before continuing down stockline. |
Conclusion
Training herding dogs demands patience, clarity, and instinctual alignment. With these commands—Walk On, Come By, Away to Me, Steady, That’ll Do, and more—you gain a structured approach rooted in tradition and enhanced by modern technique. Short daily practice, paired with consistent verbal and hand cues, builds reliability. Use breed-specific insights, troubleshoot wisely, and celebrate every milestone—from a controlled gather to calm release. Whether working on a farm or at trials, your dog will learn to dance in sync with livestock and handler alike.
Ready to begin? Choose one command like “Walk On” or “Come By” and start small. Practice today, build tomorrow’s team success, and share your story in the field—your partnership is your power.