What exactly is Instinct Testing?
Instinct Testing is when an untrained dog or puppy is introduced to stock. This is usually done in a round pen, or a smaller enclosure. Generally sheep are used, however ducks are common for testing puppies. Cattle shouldn't be used to test dogs, as they are far to big, and cause damage (or death) to the dog and the tester!
Where can get your dog tested?
Usually dog clubs that promote herding will offer "Instinct Testing Days". This sometimes occurs before a trial or a clinic, however many clubs offer testing days as stand alone events.
Who is the "Tester"?
The tester is generally a stock dog trainer or a herding trial judge. While there is no "certification" of "Instinct Testers", the tester should be someone that has put titles on their dogs and successfully trials. If you are a "loose-eye, upright breed", make sure that your tester is familar with this type of dog, as they may not be able to accuractly test the dog, due to some differences in working style.
The tester should also have vast experiance with stock, with an understanding of prey/preditor relationships, as the herding instinct is really a "toned down" form of prey drive.
What does the Tester look for?
Every tester has their own ideas of what herding instinct is, and may rate your dogs skills according to the testors own preference in a dog. For example, as tester that prefers a dog with a very strong eye, might not score your dog that well, as they may feel that the lack of "eye" means that the dog doesn't have much interest in the stock.
Some things that a tester should be looking for are:
- Intrest in the stock
- Does the dog look at the stock?
- Does the dog want to "move" them?
- Or does the dog sniff, make no eye contact or
- is scared of the stock?
- Willingness to Work with a Handler
- Is the more interested in "chasing" the stock, or holding the stock to the fenceline?
- Or does the dog move off the pressure of the handler, and
- how responsive is the dog to the handlers commands, such as lie down, and come?
- Gathering
- Does the dog attempt to keep the stock together in a group?
- Does the dog split off one and pursue it?
- Gripping & Barking
- Does the dog grip (bite) the stock?
- Is it appropiate gripping, or is it biting flanks, heads or necks?
- Does the dog bark before gripping? Does the dog bark unnessarily?
Most testers will evaluate other aspects as well, however the above is a minimum of what should be rated.
Some people mistake "prey drive" with "herding instinct". If a dog is just chasing down the stock, with or without attempts to pull it down, with no reguard at all to the handler, that dog isn't really showing "herding instinct".. that is the "prey drive". It is very possible that with more exposure that a dog that "chases" can be trained to "herd", but the dog has to learn that herding is teamwork with the handler, and that chasing, and biting is a no-no, many dogs will first show "prey drive" when first introduced to stock.
AHHH The Tester has a Rake!
The tester will generally take a PLASTIC rake, a stock stick or a rattle (pop bottle with pennies in it on a stick, or a commerical stock rattle).. Don't worry.. It is not used to hit the dog! It is merely a tool so that the tester can apply greater pressure to keep the dogs away from the stock or get the dog to change direction.
My Dog didn't do anything!
Don't be to alarmed or upset if you dog doesn't take to stock the first time out. The dog is in a new element, especially if the dog is an "urban" dog. Many times on the second or even later exposures the dog will "click", and turn onto stock! If your dog is sniffing, or eating poo, don't scold him too much about it.. You don't want to "turn him off", be encouraging. Some testers will bring in a trained dog, to help "stir" up some action, or will try different stock (lighter sheep, ducks etc).
Earn your H.I.C (Herding Instict Certificate)?
Congratulations!! You know your dog is interested enough to train to work stock... However.. Keep in mind, that not all dogs will make "great" working dogs. Some dogs seem to "stall out" at the started levels, some of these dogs may be able to go on to higher levels of training, with ALOT of "mechanical" training, where you teach the dog the various skills, rather than the dog using their natural ability.
If your a breeder, and your breeding for herding ability, DO NOT CLAIM THAT YOUR DOGS OR PUPPIES ARE FROM WORKING LINES or PARENTS based on a HIC alone! It is VERY MISLEADING to new "stock dog" puppy seekers. A good working dog is one that you can take to advanced levels of training. These are dogs that take their job seriously, are extremely biddable and have the confidence to do work away from their handler. If you are looking around for a puppy to work stock, make sure that the breeder has dogs that are working at the advanced levels, don't accept an HIC as a guarntee that the pup will make an awesome working dog, as you may be disapointed.
So, What's Next?
If you want to pursue herding as either a sport or for helping on the farm, the next step is to find a trainer!, take lessons, attend clinics, and have fun forming a working partnership with your dog!
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