Association Promotes Herding Breed Dogs

Association Promotes Herding Breed Dogs LIVESTOCK DOGS The American Herding Breed Association AHBA is internationally known for promoting practical herding trials and providing exceptional resources for owners breeders and handlers of herding breeds of dogs There are more than 230 members in the U S and about 30 more in Canada England and Europe Association president Linda Rorem says the AHBA was organized when a small group of breeders held herding instinct trials in 1986 then expanded their activities by developing improved standards training courses more competitions and national awareness The AHBA now holds junior trials advanced trials and championship competitions for several dog classes throughout the U S and other countries where its members are located Rorem says many breeds are eligible for herding training and trials with Border Collies and Australian Shepherds the most common in the U S Rorem says dogs in training are all instictively hard-working loyal strong and smart They also possess a need to be useful “They love the work they do and their good genetics make training much easier ” says Rorem “Young herding dogs start preliminary training as puppies and more specific training begins at 6 mos with smaller livestock like sheep ” Herding dogs can compete in their first instinct trial at just 6 mos old and can advance to Junior Herding tests at 9 mos As more technical training is worked into the dog they can enter full trials when they’re about a year old Rorem says “a good herding dog is evaluated and chosen on several characteristics including breeding temperament and the types of animals they’ll be working with A lot depends on the individual dog too ” AHBA members typically breed and train stock dogs for both trail and farm or ranch work The AHBA provides resources like events and trials newsletters and a community facebook page A significant function of the AHBA is member networking and sharing unique skills of the dogs and their owners Rorem says “trials provide a benchmark for training allowing people to see how far they’ve progressed They also bring people together to exchange ideas and socialize and learn from others ” Many of the herding trainers offer instruction for dog owners as well as the animals Rorem says it’s important to teach owners good handling skills and the correct commands so they and their animal “speak and understand the same language ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup The American Herding Breed Association www ahba-herding org; ph 650 355-9563; pacifica 19@gmail com

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