How to catch a sheep...with Sheepdog School

How to catch sheep… The tups are out with the ewes, and as such we can turn our minds to lambing time and all that entails. For some lambing time can be the busiest time of year for the dogs, particularly if outside lambing. A well-trained sheepdog is invaluable at lambing time, making the capture of any ewe less stressful for both sheep and shepherd. Sometimes people resort to chasing the sheep down with a vehicle whilst asking the dogs to “grab it.” Although this works, it is hard on sheep, dog and man and can be dangerous. Running down a sheep with a prolapse in an excitable manner can end in disaster. It is preferable to perfect a technique that keeps the sheep calm to make sure we can get the best outcome. To make the best catch, it is wise to set yourself up properly to start with. Quietly separating the ewe and steering her towards a fence will help and also indicates to the dog which sheep you want. Sheep, when feeling vulnerable often run downhill, often to water, so it is wise to go with the behaviour rather fight against it. Parking a quad or vehicle against a fence to make a right angle can aid in reducing the escape routes, add a trailer and you can even create a funnel to aim the sheep into. When using your dog, try to keep it just outside the sheep’s fight bubble. Once a dog gets too close, it inevitably ends up in a stand-off and possibly a grip. You want to try to make sure that when the sheep decides to stand and fight that you are there to take advantage and to grab her. Be prepared to help your dog, it’s a team game. If you haven’t already got a super crook I would wholeheartedly recommend one, the self locking foot catch has revolutionised our lambing. With the super crook you can catch a front or back leg with ease and little skill. All you need if for your dog to hold the attention of the ewe so you can sneak close enough, or even snag one on the run as they dart past. Once caught you can also lock two legs together to immobilise the sheep allowing you to gather up lambing supplies. A well-trained dog has the ability to stop and wear a sheep towards you, often distracting the sheep enough that it will forget you are there until you are able to make the grab. Top tips Single the sheep out quietly, so your dog is aware of which sheep you want. Use the terrain and fences to your advantage Get a super crook. Keep your dog from confrontation until you are close enough to take advantage. For top tips to get from chaos to control and a complete guide to training your sheepdog head to Sheepdog-school.co.uk Links for Super Crook... https://www.pasturetec.co.uk/product/... https://georgemudgeshearing.co.uk/pro...