Pure Dog Talk

Herding Dogs: “Eye,” Competition and Genetic Instinct Tammy Van Deusen works with Shetland Sheepdogs in herding trials. Herding dog trainer and Shetland Sheepdog breeder Tammy Van Deusen joins host Laura Reeves to share her knowledge. "Give 'em the Eye" We talk about “eye” contact, the way Border Collies and Kelpies control stock, versus “loose eye” breeds such as Shelties and the Belgian breeds, that control the stock with their movement. Van Deusen takes us through all of the testing options, what they are and how to train for them. And most importantly, she talks about the loss of genetic instinct in herding breeds. Van Deusen’s first advice is to find a good instructor. Check out the facility before you sign up, she said. She works with clients who want to see if their dog has herding instinct. She’ll often give them three to four lessons with her “school sheep” to see if the dog will “turn on” to stock. If the dog doesn’t have a lot of drive on stock, Van Deusen said, it can still be successful in ot