Teaching people dog training

My clinics are different. Firstly, numbers are limited to 35 people; it is important that everyone is able to hear and see clearly and I find in a smaller group people are more inclined to ask questions.

There are several reasons attendees don't bring dogs: I don't think it is fair that a lot of strange dogs come onto a farmer's property, possibly bringing infections, etc. Barking, whinging dogs are distracting for everyone and, most importantly, there isn't time to do anything with them.

Covered yards are a must, enabling us to go ahead regardless of the weather. Start is 9am sharp, with a break at lunchtime and going through until about 4pm. The whole time is taken up with demonstrations, with everything explained in full: it is important you understand why you need to do something. Everyone remarks how much there is to take in and how exhausted they are from trying.

And that is why I wrote the booklet; it is not detailed, only a reminder of the important points we have covered and everyone gets a free copy; this enables people to relax and learn, not having to worry about taking notes or forgetting.

We go through everything I do to train a dog to have an all-round ability for day-to-day stock work.

I had good mustering dogs, but I was not a top dog trialist. If that is your aim, I'd recommend tuition from someone who is. However, that is not to say you won't pick up a few little gems from the day.

What do I cover? Everything from the basic 'must have, can't live without' commands like a recall, stop, and right and left mob sides, ie when working close to stock going either clockwise or anti-clockwise around them.

Then I'll cover other dog skills I have found invaluable; like teaching a dog to calmly walk up to within an inch of a sheep's nose. This gives dogs the confidence to get close and not be afraid, as well as not rushing in and biting at every opportunity. Stock respect confident dogs.

'Careful' is a command I use to go from a gallop to a trot, from trot to walk, to a very slow walk -- saving the stop command for stopping only; most people over-use a dog's stop.

Have you wondered how to teach your dog 'running sides' ie kicking further out to the right or left when he is running in a direct line to stock some distance away, or used when you want to redirect him from the stock he is on, to others further away?

I'll show you how I teach a dog to 'run' a fence-line; this is really handy in both small and large paddocks and invaluable for teaching a dog 'distance' (I know many of you have trouble with this); it is also a confidence booster for teaching a dog to run 'blind' when he can't see any stock.

This is only a smidgin of what we cover. You may decide to follow my method to the T— you may use parts of it. But if you come, I guarantee you will go away exhausted, happy, inspired and with a few new dog training tricks, as well as a greater understanding of your dogs.

• Anna Holland is teaching people dog training. For more information www.annaholland.co.nz or Ph. 06) 212 4848 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.