I Herd You – And You – And You: Herding Breeds, Behavior Problems and the modern pet home

Why do so many herding dogs seem to struggle in modern pet homes? Because many of the traits we now label as “problems” were originally selected because they worked. This course takes a closer look at herding breeds and the behaviors that often show up as barking, chasing, nipping, controlling movement, environmental sensitivity, and difficulty settling in busy homes.

Using the L.E.G.S. framework, this presentation explores how vigilance, motion sensitivity, stamina, persistence, and responsiveness to sudden environmental change can become stressful when a dog’s biology is mismatched with everyday family life. Rather than framing these dogs as disobedient, obsessive, or “too much,” the talk helps participants understand herding behavior as phenotype meeting modern conditions. Professionals and families will gain a more realistic, welfare-centered way to support these dogs through environmental planning, meaningful outlets, and expectations that honor the dog in front of them.