Think Like a Sheepdog Trainer: A Guide to Raising and Training a Herding Dog

I totally wish I had this book to read long before starting my first border collie. I have a collection of many herding books and this is IMO the best. It's thorough, science based, with a deep understanding and explanation why something does or doesn't work in terms of how dogs respond to pressure and the absence of pressure. What pressure is and how to recognize it. Pressure being a foundation principle regarding stock work, it is well explained here.In real practice and honesty, I've had the blessing of being taught in person by Dr. Kay. Her methods don't just sound great in a book, they work in reality to resolve problems before and after they present themselves.I love the Journaling examples because tracking progress is challenging if going by memory from one lesson to the next.This book has great diagrams and photos to help the reader visualize them lesson. Kay provides a while chapter to understanding sheep and why and how they react the way they do. How to read your sheep is so important.Can't recommend this book enough.My only compliant is the font print could be larger for those of us with aging eyes so I added the kindle book.

This book presents a clear training plan, and doesn’t skip over the essential basics of the psychology of training.

This book is a detailed how-to guide for the specific activity of training Border Collies to herd sheep and to subsequently compete in USBCHA style herding competitions. It will take you through the process step-by-step with learning aids like sample exercises, flowcharts, and training logs. There are real life examples of problems and how to fix them. Additionally, the first section is such a comprehensive and well-researched discussion of modern dog training science, it is a must-read for every serious dog trainer with any type of dog.

Written like the author is talking directly to you in simple language, great diagrams and easy steps.

This book is the best and most comprehensive resource I've read on the subject of sheep herding. Excellent job!

Very informative! I have learned a lot from this book. I however, have a more "hands on" discipline strategy, that goes against what is suggested in this book so if that applies to you, you may want a different option.

My mother trains border collies for herding and this book is by far one of the best guides and science based training books out there. A must read for anyone that relies on their bc at the farm, does herding trials or even pet owners wishing to better understand the drive and intellectual scope of their bc.