First Steps In Border Collie Sheepdog Training [DVD]

I knew nothing of sheepdog training or herding or generally the use of a sheepdogs. I only heard of it at the age of 32 by a colleague who herself has always 3 (border collie) dogs that she trains with and has had several participations in big herding/tracking/obedience trials with quite some prizes as well. In addition, she is also a breeder and as a big dog lover i got to meet several of her pups/litters. I was lucky enough to get bits and pieces about general dog training from her (who i consider an excellent dog owner btw) which i also applied on my previous dogs. I was never really interested in the breed until i saw one of her dogs that she got back at the age of 2 from an unhappy buyer. I fell in love with the dog and my first aim was to train agility with her. But i could also see that the dog comes from a very good line of herding BC and since i wanted to respect its nature i started training in herding. The breeder helped/helps me a lot but i must admit that after having watched the DVD i understood a WHOLE LOT more about the nature of dogs, the needs of a border collie, the way their mind works and how to approach them. I like the fact that the first DVD handles the most elementary issues such as the use of the whistle or how to build your own training area as well as presenting the dogs that Andy Nickless works with, their three different characters and their different "faults" and how he tackles them in order to make all three of them good working dogs. As a chemist, and thus a nerd, i also like the fact that he presents everything in detail, and the fact that he doesn't use another already trained dog to train the new ones. I would recommend this DVD to anyone that wants to start with the sheepdog training, or even to get more understanding on border collies and why they are the way they are.I'm still a beginner but i like the activity more and more and i don't think i will ever stop being amazed of what this magnificent breed can do especially when they work with what they were bred for: sheep!!

I have never reveiwed anything before but i had to on this one, i have trained a dog to work cattle and found it hard work and when i read Andy's reason of why he made this dvd i.e(Struggling on our hands and knees in the base of a hedge one day), i thought it was just me that couldn't follow the manuals, so i got it straight away and if i was to sum it up in one sentence it would be; Well laid out step by step guide and detailed plan on how you can set up your dog to suceed. Starting with the handler, setting up the training ground, type of sheep, etc., three different types of dogs (styles) and how to bring the best out of them. excellent dvds for livestock farmers or potential trial handlers that will help make training more stuctured with a better outcome, and lastly it's fun to watch.

When I bought this dvd I did not know it would not play in the United States. So when it came in the mail (a week late) I made sure to look at the region it would play. It says all regions. I looked on the internet before returning it and all regions says it plays any area and on any DVD player. That is not true. It won't play on the four DVD players I tried. The information is great and Andy Nickless keeps it fun and easy to understand. If I was to order it again I would spend the extra money and get it for our region.

A brilliantly presented and easy to watch training DVD. Not often does someone show you the good, bad and the ugly but Andy does. It helps put you at ease knowing that even the pro's get it wrong so to speak. In comparision to other training DVD's this isn't monotonous with only footage of a handler working a dog and then a voice over after. Andy gives a great commentary all the time so you can understand what you are seeing and then they play it back in slow motion too. There's no doubt that this is a must have purchase for any first-time-would-be sheepdog trainer as you can see how to and how not to do it. Absolutely brilliant. Just one complaint....where's the 'Second Steps'....?

Format, content and flow are beautifully done. In addition to the learning value that is conveyed, it is a true pleasure to watch the trainer, dogs, sheep and country side all interact as it should. It was asthetically pleasing to watch, the content was exciting and a great deal of knowledge/technique is shared. All very practical. Andy gives excellent examples of approach of when things don't go so well and he also provides a broad diversity within the dogs with their unique personalities and demonstrating how you adjust the training to the dog. This is where the real teaching/learning begins.

I would recommend this DVDs to anyone who is starting to train a working dog and has no previous experience. The approach is simple, any dog can be trained, there are plenty of tips, examples and mistakes. It actually shows you how to use your dog's own abilities. After watching it I can easily go out and put things into practice, I know now what I have been doing right, how to correct what I have been doing wrong and best of all what tipe of dog I have and how to utilise her potential.

This is an excellent DVD packed full of detailed advice and good quality filming. Andy Nickless is honest enough to show what happens when things don't go according to plan, which is especially useful as you learn much more from that than when everything looks effortless. Every step in training is explained in great detail, without being patronising in any way. This is an interesting DVD to watch if you just like dogs, and it is a tremendous asset if you're trying to train your own Collie to become a sheepdog. Worth every penny.

For any collie fan these are incredibly clever dogs and they are truly worthy of the title 'mans best friend'.The collie dog is generally acclaimed as being a highly intelligent dog breed but they can become bored all too easily and then in turn be a real challenge to keep under control. However, they need to work and they love to work therefore given the basic training and an opportunity to perform they are a joy to their owners. This DVD is well made and very useful to any collie owner. I would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in working collies.

I got this for my husband for Christmas and he loves it.

Its good and useful for birder collie trainer