The below definitions are guidelines to help buyers determine the ability of the dog they would like to purchase and will vary from dog to dog. They are intended as a guide only and buyers should use their own judgment when purchasing a dog.
Please note that when purchasing a trained or started dog, it is imperative that the new owner bonds with the dog before expecting the dog to perform. We believe a reasonable bonding time is around four (4) weeks, however this time will vary depending upon the dog's ability and age. We suggest that the new owner takes the dog everywhere with him/her and gives the dog as much praise as possible.
Ready to Go
Around 16 weeks of age (4 months).
Comes to name.
Ready to start training on sheep - approx. 1 lesson per week.
Started
Understands basic commands, ie. come to name and starting to understand sides in yard.
Keenness to work may override obedience.
Shows interest in stock and going around them to point of balance in yards only.
Works according to natural ability and handler is required to be on foot to work dog.
Minimum time per lesson - approximately 5 minutes.
Well Started
Unsettled in unfamiliar places.
Confidence on a small mob of sheep, however may not handle a big mob.
May require a short period to settle down when working.
Adequately balances a small mob of sheep to handler / still learning to drive sheep as sometimes goes to the head of the mob.
Happy to ride on a motorbike or vehicle.
Requires discipline and plenty of praise and encouragement.
Can be worked from bike, on foot and starting to work from a vehicle.
Makes a few mistakes.
Dog should now understand all basic commands ie. comes to name, sit down, stop, speak and side commands.
Structured lessons stop and practical work has begun.
Time is required for dog to bond with new owner.
Fully Trained / Going
Mature look.
Shows confidence working the type of stock dog is used to working and in the conditions the dog is used to working (ie. if paddock dog - in a paddock; if a yard dog - in yards).
Keeness to work, however this will depend upon breeding of dog.
All commands are understood and dog has reached an acceptable level of obedience.
Dog comes off sheep easily.
Yard dogs - have force when required and plenty of back and bark.
Paddock dog - handles a large mob of sheep and is happy to either balance or drive sheep.
