18/12/2025
“Off Duty” Protocol for Herding Dogs 2 - Down-Stay to Settle Around Dogs (Fenton the Corgi and Co.)
https://youtu.be/LwSGfyE9Tf4
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Need help teaching a herding dog, or other highly motivated dog, to settle in the presence of other dogs or busy situations? Check out this exercise with Fenton the Corgi and professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA).
When understimulated or lacking an outlet, herding dogs often default to micromanaging their environment (as they were BRED to do). This includes controlling the behavior of others dogs or children (or even adults), excessive barking, guarding, and destructive behaviors. These behaviors signal that an outlet is needed to fulfill their desire to maximize their autonomy and control their own actions.
First, be sure to give physical exercise and mentally-stimulating activities such as enrichment, scent work, skills training, off-leash work, etc. However, even with proper exercise and mental stimulation, herding dogs often still struggle to relax and disengage. This is because herding dogs often have a difficult time knowing when they are “off duty” and no longer need to exercise their natural instincts to work. The importance of teaching highly motivated dogs to RELAX cannot be understated. Many owners tend to give tons of stimulation to these dogs without also prioritizing their ability to switch to “off duty” mode and relax. This leaves the dog feeling anxious and unsure of WHAT they are supposed to be doing, often creating a cycle of undesirable behaviors or anxiety issues.
A strong Down-Stay skill, initially trained with high value rewards, is an effective way to help a dog switch to “off duty” mode and actually relax. Fenton has an EXCELLENT Down-Stay skill. This skill can be a practical outlet for teaching him that he doesn’t need to corral the other dogs or otherwise manage their behaviors. A positively trained Down-Stay is helpful in desensitizing a dog to stressors, easing the stress of transitions, and otherwise going “off the clock.”
Need personalized help with “off duty” relaxation or other training goals? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com
Need help teaching a herding dog, or other highly motivated dog, to settle in the presence of other dogs or busy situations? Check out this exercise with Fen...