An important part of a farm dog’s behavior comes to light during novel, uncommon or high-drive situations. In these situations, I see farm dogs fall broadly into two categories. In the first category are dogs who look to the handler to decide what to do. These dogs begin offering behaviors until the handler gives them feedback that they are doing the right thing. In the second category are dogs that begin to act in their own self-interest during novel, uncommon and high-drive situations. They become unmanageable and unproductive. Until training remediates the undesirable situation, dogs from the second category enjoy less freedom on my ranch and will not be bred. Dogs from the first category are what I’m looking for.
Dogs in the first category, who look to the handler for guidance and are responsive to feedback, are more desirable for a working farm environment. These dogs demonstrate an eagerness to learn, strong communication skills, and a level of trust with their handler that allows them to navigate new or high-pressure situations with confidence.
On the other hand, dogs in the second category may not be as well-suited for a working farm environment. Their tendency to act in their own self-interest can make them difficult to manage and potentially disruptive to the overall efficiency of the farm. Limiting the freedom of these dogs and not breeding them helps to ensure that future generations of farm dogs continue to exhibit the desirable traits that contribute to a successful working relationship between dog and handler. Some dogs can be trained to mitigate this type of behavior.
To cultivate the desirable traits in farm dogs, early and consistent training is fundamental. It is essential to establish a strong bond and trust between the handler and the dog, as well as to reinforce positive behaviors through praise and rewards. By doing so, one can increase the likelihood of developing working dogs that are reliable, adaptable, and effective in various situations on the farm.
