The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club
of the Garden State

herding instinct

Last herding event held on:
November 7, 2009
25 Stokes Rd
Shamong, NJ

Corgis participating must be at least 6 months old. For the Herding Instinct Test, dogs need have NO training on stock. Any corgi endangering stock by biting or excessive chasing will be excused. Any dog showing aggression toward people in or out of the ring will be asked to leave the grounds. All corgis must have proof of current rabies vaccination available for inspection if requested. Bitches in heat may take part in the test, but must wait until all other dogs have participated. Dogs must be on leash at all times except while competing. For their safety, children must be under supervision at all times, and not allowed to run around the farm or climb on fences or equipment. Unruly children will be asked to leave the grounds.

DIRECTIONS

• NJ Turnpike South to Exit #7/BORDENTOWN/TRENTON US-206 South
• Go 8.3 miles south of the Red Lion Circle (i.e., the intersection of Rt 206 and Rt 70).
• Turn right toward Medford onto Stokes Rd (also called Rt 541).
• House is third on left. Brown house with a brown fence that goes right up to the road

The following dogs passed in 2009:

For those of you who like to keep track of how we do, our history is shown below:

Commonly Used Herding Terms

Style

Gathering: a style of bring animals to the handler, sometimes called “fetching”, or, in Australian usage, “heading”.
Driving: taking the livestock away from the handler, or from one side to another at right angles to the handler, either naturally or upon direction from the handler to do so.

Approach

Approach: the manner in which the dog comes in to the stock, a “smooth” approach being most highly prized, that is, the dog moves very steadily and surely without bounding around, weaving or jumping in aggressively.
Wide Running: a dog that makes wide passes around the stock, naturally keeping a good distant off the stock.
Close Running: a dog that runs in very close to the stock, trying to get as close as possible as it passes off the stock.

Wearing

Wearing: the side-to-side movement of the dog, in a pendulum motion or half-circle pattern, to keep the herd or flock grouped.

Bark

Eye

Power

Heading: nipping at the heads of livestock to turn them.

Heeling: nipping at the lower part of the hind legs of livestock to move them forward.

Wool-pulling: nipping or gripping at the bodies of sheep, marking the flesh by tearing out hunks of wool (called “body biting” on cattle); biting at the body of any type of stock is a fault.

Outrun: the dog leaves the handler’s side and move around to the other side of stock located some distance away.

Lift: the approach to the stock to start it moving after completion of the initial outrun.

Fetch: the dog moves the stock toward the handles.

Gather: the entire outrun/lift/fetch.

Balance: the position taken by the dog, well back from the stock, which enables the dog to control the direction of the stock and cover any attempts by the stock to break away.

“Go By”: the traditional Scottish command to direct the dog to move clockwise around the stock.

“Way To Me”: the traditional Scottish command to direct the dog to move counter-clockwise around the stock.

Adapted from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
“Herding Instinct Certification Program” (May 15, 1998)

PWCCGS Herding Instinct Test Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What training or experience does my dog need? It has never seen sheep.

A: No prior experience or training is required. However, your dog must be able to run for 5 minutes.

Q: Do I need to participate?

A: Yes, you will be in the ring with the dog.

Q: What training or experience do I need? We do not own sheep.

A: No prior experience or training is required.

Q: Why is the test conducted?

A: Many Corgis have a natural herding instinct. Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle.

Q: How is the test conducted?

A: You and your dog (on a leash) are placed in a pen at least 50 feet in diameter with 3 sheep, the Tester, and a stockdog (frequently a Border Collie) which helps the Tester manage the sheep between dogs, and during if necessary, for a maximum of 15 minutes. Your dog must herd the sheep for a total of 5 minutes. If your dog does not show interest, you will be encouraged to 'herd' or chase the sheep to show the dog how.

Q: Is the test strenuous for the dog?

A: The dog must be able run for 5 minutes. If your dog is overweight or out of shape, this can be difficult.

Q: Is the test cancelled if it rains?

A: No, the test is held rain or shine.

Q: Can I receive a refund if I can not attend?

A: No refunds are provided.

Q: How often do you hold the test?

A: The PWCCGS sponsors a Herding Instinct Test once a year, in the fall.

Q: Is the Test only for Corgis?

A: The PWCCGS Herding Instinct Test is open only to Pembroke Welsh Corgis, 6 months and older.

Q: Can I enter my Cardigan Welsh Corgi?

A: No, the PWCCGS Herding Instinct Test is open only to Pembroke Welsh Corgis, 6 months or older.

Q: Can I enter again next year if my dog does NOT pass?

A: Yes, you may enter as often as you like.

Q: Can I enter again next year if my dog does pass?

A: Yes, you may enter as often as you like.

Q: Do I have to be a member of your club to participate in the test?

A: No, the test is open to all Pembroke Welsh Corgis, 6 months or older.

Q: I am the dog's owner, can my son or daughter handle the dog?

A: Yes, anyone over the age of 12 may act as a handler.