Dusty Dogs Working Sheepdog Podcast is a space to share the journey of training working dogs
01/02/2025
Over the past 12 months, I interviewed 12 top sheepdog handlers. Every one shared insider training tips on preparing for sheepdog competition trials. It was a fantastic experience, so many brilliant handlers shared their solid training advice that listeners including myself have put into practice, thank you all! And now for some of the highlights!
Starting with our first interview with Mick Hudson - Mick Hudson Virtual Dog Training & Livestock Handling Education.
Listen and share the Dusty Dogs interview with Mick to spread around some great tips
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vtPTHgwnVfKMvsh5t6gd6
including my favourite highlights –
• Don’t say ‘I know’ (because maybe you don’t know).
• Educate the dog to know to be in the right spot.
• Most bad habits are learnt (through training faults).
• Timing, balance and distance – It’s crucial for the handler and the dog to have precise timing; the dog must have balance to be in control of the sheep, and it’s crucial that the dog’s distance from the livestock is correct and consistent, to keep them happy, treat sheep kindly.
• When you ask for a stop, you must get a stop, don’t keep saying it, you’ll teach your dog ignorance.
If you want more … take a look at Mick’s Virtual Training, on his page you’ll see some footage of handlers with Mick’s voiceover offering them some advice. A great model if you’re wanting some training help, so check out Mick Hudson’s DVDs and Virtual Training program https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088871453657
And of course you can see some of Mick’s work and dogs he’s bred in action in the next series of Muster Dogs on ABC .... very soon!!!! https://iview.abc.net.au/show/muster-dogs
