WORKING WITH THE ICELANDIC SHEEPDOG
By Ralph Biggs
Introduction: The early settlers of Iceland valued their herding dogs because their lives
depended on their working abilities. They were ruthless in maintaining the desirable qualities
and would eliminate any dogs that didn’t show these qualities. To survive, the Icelandic
Sheepdog, above all, had to have a superior temperament as well as be mentally alert,
physically sound, agile, willing and eager to work.
Training: Traditionally, young dogs begin training at approximately one year of age. As is
the case with most “active” breeds, it takes time for them to settle down and get to business.
When they begin to tire, they will start listening to their handler better. The Icelandic
Sheepdog needs a job. They can be excellent herders and are used with cattle, sheep and
horses. Some learn to herd at a young age by moving ducks.
Herding Style: In Iceland, Canada and some parts of the United States, the sheep are
gathered and brought down from the mountains in the fall. That is when you see the Icelandic
Sheepdog in its bliss. They work along with people who are on foot or on horseback and
bring the flock home for winter.
Typically, Icelandic Sheepdogs work behind the herd along with the shepherd.
They are upright drivers using their voices instead of eye contact like the Border Collie.
As the shepherd uses a variety of signals like voice, whistling and hand signals, the
Icelandic
Sheepdog will move animals easily.
Most shepherds allow the dogs to think and work independently. Although clearly
subordinate
to the shepherd, Icelandic Sheepdogs are expected to work using instinct developed over
thousands of years. They are a highly intelligent breed and are capable of problem solving.
Some herders use only one Icelandic Sheepdog while others use two or more. The challenge
is
getting out of the driveway with only one or two as they are always ready for a hard day’s
work.
They are skillful when herding through pastures, brush and trees. They cross water and
other
natural barriers with ease as they have been doing since AD 874. They cover ground very
quickly and efficiently. They are adept in corrals and close quarters but are more suited to
working in open spaces.
These loyal dogs are courageous and fearless herding dogs. When accidentally kicked by an
animal, they will not give up easily.
During the winter, when livestock is near the house, the Icelandic Sheepdog will chase any
animal that gets into the yard back to the pen or pasture.
After a long day of herding the Icelandic Sheepdog will come into the house and quietly lay
under the family’s feet. They are a beloved member of the family.
By Ralph Biggs
Introduction: The early settlers of Iceland valued their herding dogs because their lives
depended on their working abilities. They were ruthless in maintaining the desirable qualities
and would eliminate any dogs that didn’t show these qualities. To survive, the Icelandic
Sheepdog, above all, had to have a superior temperament as well as be mentally alert,
physically sound, agile, willing and eager to work.
Training: Traditionally, young dogs begin training at approximately one year of age. As is
the case with most “active” breeds, it takes time for them to settle down and get to business.
When they begin to tire, they will start listening to their handler better. The Icelandic
Sheepdog needs a job. They can be excellent herders and are used with cattle, sheep and
horses. Some learn to herd at a young age by moving ducks.
Herding Style: In Iceland, Canada and some parts of the United States, the sheep are
gathered and brought down from the mountains in the fall. That is when you see the Icelandic
Sheepdog in its bliss. They work along with people who are on foot or on horseback and
bring the flock home for winter.
Typically, Icelandic Sheepdogs work behind the herd along with the shepherd.
They are upright drivers using their voices instead of eye contact like the Border Collie.
As the shepherd uses a variety of signals like voice, whistling and hand signals, the
Icelandic
Sheepdog will move animals easily.
Most shepherds allow the dogs to think and work independently. Although clearly
subordinate
to the shepherd, Icelandic Sheepdogs are expected to work using instinct developed over
thousands of years. They are a highly intelligent breed and are capable of problem solving.
Some herders use only one Icelandic Sheepdog while others use two or more. The challenge
is
getting out of the driveway with only one or two as they are always ready for a hard day’s
work.
They are skillful when herding through pastures, brush and trees. They cross water and
other
natural barriers with ease as they have been doing since AD 874. They cover ground very
quickly and efficiently. They are adept in corrals and close quarters but are more suited to
working in open spaces.
These loyal dogs are courageous and fearless herding dogs. When accidentally kicked by an
animal, they will not give up easily.
During the winter, when livestock is near the house, the Icelandic Sheepdog will chase any
animal that gets into the yard back to the pen or pasture.
After a long day of herding the Icelandic Sheepdog will come into the house and quietly lay
under the family’s feet. They are a beloved member of the family.
| Do you have a picture of your ISD's herding? If so send us the picture and we will post it here isaabrcc@gmail.com |
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| Click on photos to enlarge |
