AKC’s Herding program offers both tests and trials. The herding test is offered in a non-competitive pass/fail format as an Instinct Test, Herding Test, and Pre-Trial test. All are conducted within a fenced arena and includes the use of livestock such as ducks, sheep, or cattle. During a test, a dog must demonstrate the ability to move and control livestock by fetching or driving and be sufficiently trained to work at the proper balance point to move the stock forward on the course.
You can start your dog off with a non-competitive herding test that will measure his basic instinct and trainability. The initial test is called the “Instinct Test,’ and your dog doesn’t need any training before entering this class. The judge is merely looking for the dog’s ability to move and control livestock by fetching or driving.
If you decide to compete, your dog will demonstrate that he can perform useful functions inherent in the herding breeds. To compete, your dog must have training and prior exposure to move and control livestock before entering a trial.
Request a rulebook so that you are familiar with what will be required of you and your dog at these events. Go to a Herding event in person to get more familiar with them, and find club to take a preparation class and participate in one.
