Wave That Flag?

Flags have become increasingly popular as training tools in the herding world over the past few years. They’re light, safe, and effective—but are they suitable for every dog and in every situation?

🎯 The Magic Behind the Tool

Long before I ventured into herding, I explored various dog training techniques. Back in the early ‘90s, I attended a seminar at Guelph University focusing on dog behaviour and emerging training methods. One topic was “clicker training.” At the time, commercial clickers weren’t available, so I used Snapple lids as makeshift clickers for my first guinea pig class. The deal was simple: if the new technique worked, great! If not, students would receive another class using my previous methods. Fortunately, it worked, leading me to develop the first group clicker classes for pet dogs in North America.

However, this isn’t about clicker training. As the method gained popularity, trainers began applying it to various species, including llamas. One trainer used a brown manila envelope as a target, and the llamas responded enthusiastically. The envelope wasn’t magical; it was the training that made it effective.

🐑 Applying the Lesson to Herding

In herding, we’ve long used tools to appear “bigger” to the dog—sacks, pipes, sticks, bottles with rocks, paddles, ball caps. Each tool serves the same purpose. I choose tools based on the dog and the task at hand, adjusting as needed.

Joni Tietjen, a talented and experienced trainer, popularised the use of flags. Watching her work a dog with a flag is impressive. If you haven’t seen her in action, I recommend looking her up.

Many have observed her techniques and adopted flag use in their training. But remember, it’s not the flag that’s magical—it’s the training. A flag is merely a tool. Without understanding the principles behind its use, it can become just another object to chase your dog around with.

⚠️ The Importance of Disciplined Use

Used incorrectly, a flag can frighten some dogs, causing them to shut down. In other cases, it can lead to excitement and tension. Often, improper use results in the dog becoming desensitised, rendering the flag ineffective.

I’m not suggesting you avoid using a flag. Instead, build a solid foundation using pressure and release, and employ the flag in a disciplined manner to apply pressure. Aim to use the flag as little as possible, eventually weaning both you and your dog off it.

Monitor your dog closely. If they show signs of shutting down, become more disciplined in your flag use or switch to a “smaller” tool. If they become overly excited, the same advice applies. The key is discipline, timing, and emotional neutrality. We often focus on our dogs’ learning, but it’s equally important to hone our own skills. After all, we’re supposed to be the big-brained leaders!

My goal is always to make my dogs sensitive to my pressure to the point where I can speak softly or waggle my finger to make my point in most situations. By building a foundation methodically, they understand what I’m asking for—without being frightened of me. I may use a flag along the way, but I know it’s only a tool. It’s the training that’s the magic.

🐑 What’s Happening Around the Farm?

We have fresh lambs on the ground. I’ve only got a few bred ewes this year, which means a bit of a wait between each set. It’s certainly been relaxing (never thought I’d write about lambing being relaxing—sorry real farmers!), despite the less-than-ideal weather.

Aside from lambing, the dogs and I are prepping for demos at PetFest. Held at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, PetFest will attract around 10,000 spectators this year. Because I LOVE deadlines, I’ve been working on a new “trick.” Instead of tying the dogs this year, I’m teaching them to station. In theory, two will wait politely in the ring while I work the third. If it works, it will be a great demo. If it doesn’t work, it will be…very entertaining!

Other than that, I’m waiting for winter to FINALLY end so I can rework my round pen. I’ve got young dogs waiting to be started, and I want to record their progression for courses (so that the training you see is real, not canned with pre-trained dogs). The current round pen works for training, but it’s not perfect for recording (there are a couple of blind spots if the camera is on a tripod). I swear this is the last time I change our fences! #alwaysmorefencing

📣 Coming Soon!

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❓ Question of the Day:

Q: “I was wondering if you have any suggestions for preparing a younger dog to tie-out during a clinic. They often seem to tie them close to the arena or pen where the action is happening. How do they wait patiently for their turn (without having a meltdown e.g., whining/barking/wriggling) when other dogs are having all the fun?”

A: I start tying my pups out quite young. I begin by tying them in the living room while we watch TV, using a short tie-out and securing one end under the couch leg. I ensure they have a chew or toy and that it’s a comfortable spot.

I then progress to tying them out on the fence while I do chores, so they become accustomed to being tied out frequently and find it boring—much like crate training.

The tricky part is with dogs who’ve already learned that being tied out leads to working stock. If they start barking and then get to work, they associate barking with getting to the stock faster. Teaching them to tie quietly before they learn to bark is much easier than trying to stop them afterward. It requires patience and helps if they understand a verbal correction and how to avoid pressure. Some dogs never really learn to settle well when tied. There’s nothing wrong with crating them elsewhere while you wait your turn; it’s easier on the dog and everyone else in the clinic.