AboutAnne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about the Aussie breed and temperament, and basic information about working lines versus show lines, training your Aussie, grooming your Aussie, and what it's like to live with a dog breed that's smart and versatile, but isn't for everyone.
Experience Professional trainer, and Aussie owner.
Education/Credentials B.S., Diploma in Dog Obedience Instruction, Graduate, NY School of Dog Grooming, CPCT
I recently got a Border/ Aussie mix. She is extremely intelligent and loves to train. She is 12 months old and has no training. I'm just teaching her the basics (sit, stay, down, off, lead on left) but I'd like to teach her to herd. I don't have any sheep, goats or cattle but I do have 14 hens and was wondering if she can be trained to herd the chickens and if so what is the best way to train her to do this? Thank you.
Answer Well, both Aussies and Border Collies are used to herd ducks, so you probably can. I'm not a herding trainer, but my advice is to find one who can help you. Also, be aware that even though you think you may have a Border/Aussie mix, other mixes can look like that combination, so you have to consider that your dog may have additional genes, and may not have the innate herding ability, or as repressed a "kill instinct" as those breeds tend to have, so the chickens might look like "lunch meat" instead of livestock to be herded.
