Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Sheepdogs are the livestock herding dogs, selected over the centuries to move livestock such as sheep, cows and goats easily and with the least possible stress. In Italy the term is used to indicate the practice of training these dogs for farm work or to partecipate to Sheepdog Trials: a series of exercises, each assigned a score, that simulate farm work. The most precise dog that loses the fewest points on each exercise, wins the test.

The most suitable and used sheepdog breeds are: • Border Collie • Kelpie • Australian Shepherd • Cattle Dog • Belgian Shepherd etc. Be careful not to confuse the Herding Shepherds with the Guard Shepherds ! These are two opposite tasks! Dogs such as the Maremma Sheepdog, the Sila Shepherd, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, etc. are breeds that have been selected to be an integral part of the flock or herd and to guard them against possible dangers. They are therefore NOT suited to carrying out the task of moving livestock as sheepdogs do.

Generally, we start working dogs from about 6 months, in order to have a minimum of physical and mental maturation of the puppy. But it depends on the dog and is very subjective: there are dogs that may need to mature up to a year before they can start working properly, others that are more precocious. Don't have hurry! It's always better evaluate the dog individually to understand whether or not he is ready to begin the training process.

Every dog, even of the same breed, has its own learning times that must be respected and not forced! For this reason there is no precise timing, the factors that can influence it are many, including: • Breed line • Working frequency • Character predisposition • Learning capacity and speed • Handler's skills

Training by appointment on the following days: • Monday afternoon • Tuesday morning • Thursday morning • Friday morning and afternoon The availability of the hours depends on the period, according to the temperatures. In the summer we work mainly in the early morning and late evening.

The duration of a single training is approximately of half an hour, depending to age and level of preparation of the specific dog.

The Center is located in Monastir, in the province of Cagliari, in the locality of "Santa Lucia". A few kilometers from Cagliari with access from the main Sardinian road, the SS 131 .

You don't need to bring anything, Sheepdog is a self-rewarding activity for the dog: the reward is the very act of working with the sheep!

We usually dedicate our weekends to participate or organize competitions, courses and events. Therefore, depending on our various commitments, we occasionally organize some extra training days, which we advertise on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/sheepnusa).