1.

Theory

History and principles of herding

4

2.

Theory+

Practice

Livestock behaviour and welfare

5

3.

Theory

The Border Collie as a herding breed

3

 4.

Theory+

Practice

Dog–livestock interaction

6

5.

Reading the animal and the dog

5

6.

Herding mechanics and movement patterns

6

7.

Practice

Practical herding applications

4

8.

Practice

Farm practice and livestock handling tasks

3

9.

Theory+

Practice

Cattle herding

2

10.

Sheepdog trials and professional practice

2

Module

structures

1.    topic: History and principles of herding

·        the development of herding in traditional and modern livestock systems

·        the emergence of the border collie as a working dog

·        the role of sheepdogs in modern agricultural systems

·        the development of sheepdog trials and their relationship to practical farm work

·        ethical considerations and animal welfare principles in herding

2.    topic: Livestock behaviour and welfare

·        basic sheep and cattle ethology

·        natural behaviour patterns and group dynamics

·        flight zone and point of balance

·        interpretation of livestock body language and movement

·        indicators of stress, calmness, fatigue, and flow

·        importance of grazing, rest, and growth

·        maintaining welfare during movement, handling, and housing

3.    topic: The Border Collie as a herding breed

·        breed history and selection for working traits

·        differences between border collies and traditional working sheepdogs

·        instinctive behaviours: eye, balance, gathering instinct, pressure

·        motivation, confidence, and welfare of the working dog

·        differences between trial herding and practical farm work

4.    topic: Dog–livestock interaction

·        the role and influence of the dog in livestock movement

·        core elements of herding behaviour: gathering, driving, balancing, holding

·        dog–sheep interaction dynamics

·        basic principles of dog–cattle interaction

·        management of pressure, distance, speed, and timing

5.    topic: Reading the animal and the dog

·        interpreting livestock responses to dog movement

·        recognising stress, resistance, and loss of flow

·        reading the dog: focus, confidence, and intent

·        decision-making based on real-time observation

·        continuous adjustment of handling strategies

6.    topic: Herding mechanics and movement patterns

·        how dogs initiate and control livestock movement

·        movement lines and balance

·        pace and drive

·        working in open fields and confined spaces

·        managing pressure under varying environmental conditions

7.    topic: Practical herding applications

·        guided observation of trained dogs at work

·        safe handler positioning and movement

·        supervised sheep work

·        directional control and pace management

·        small-group problem-solving exercises

8.    topic: Farm practice and livestock management tasks

·        supervised farm-based training with sheep and cattle

·        daily livestock movement and routine tasks

·        sorting, holding, penning

·        handling livestock in open and confined environments

·        adapting to terrain, weather, and farm infrastructure

·        problem-solving in real working conditions

9.    topic: Cattle herding

·        safety principles in dog–cattle work

·        interpreting cattle behaviour and intent

·        low-stress cattle movement using dogs

·        supervised cattle herding exercises

·        adjusting dog distance, speed, and eye

·        maintaining safety for livestock, dog, and handler

10. topic: Sheepdog trials and professional practice

·      historical development of sheepdog trials

·      contemporary structure and purpose of trials

·      trial course analysis and strategy

·      precision, line control, and teamwork

·      translating trial skills into practical farm efficiency and welfare-based handling

Assessment: Theoretical and practical exam