A trained herd responds eagerly to both human caretaker and to livestock herding dogs. Through systematic introduction and inculcation of certain behaviors, such as responding to a bell or voice command, trained animals are tenable even in unfamiliar and “challenging” environments. Trained herds develop a bond with their care providers and learn to rely on their human allies for both food, water and protection. Often trained herds will follow their managers relentlessly, as if the human care provider were one of their own. This bond forms quickly in herd bound animals as these animals have innate responses to leadership hierarchies. Trained herds learn to respect the boundaries established visually through portable electric fencing. When trained properly the electric fence becomes more of a prop than an actual physical barrier.  Animals/Herds learn that all their needs are satisfied within the boundaries of the fence line and that there is no reason to trespass beyond its limits, nor the desire. The trained herd dynamic is such that animals will move willingly without effort or stress allowing these herds to integrate into both

rural and urban settings.   

The process of training involves repetition of behavioral cues including socialization of animals to people and a variety of environments. Animals also learn to load and unload from transportation trailers without being forced. Trained herds are routinely handled using specialized herding dogs, which quickly establishes a swift and imminent herding response in animals.

Subsequently we can utilize these trained and innate responses to different cues and stimuli to provoke certain behaviors, to move animals, to maintain a herds position in a certain area, and to quickly motivate animals toward a certain activity whether that be loading into a trailer or moving through dense brush in open space and wildland areas.

Many people have experienced the unique bonds that domesticated animals form with the human animal. Domestic animals, especially the herding varieties seem to accept, and what’s more, depend on their interactions with human counterparts. Understanding this proclivity allows graziers to utilize this bond in a very natural manner that facilitate stress free management. Consequently we are able to introduce and manage animals in a broad variety of settings and to utilize the biodynamic impact that animals can achieve in creative and often “unusual” ways.

Training and Animal Behavior