McNab Shepherds are working dogs known for their athleticism and superior herding abilities. Their daily routine requires physical exercise to keep them active and engaged. Their intelligence and skillfulness make them highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and motivation.
They are capable of covering hundreds of miles in a day while managing their herds. Additionally, they often work in Search and Rescue, evidence retrieval, and in locating missing persons.
When to Train a McNab Shepherd?
Training for your McNab Shepherd should commence at a young age, ideally around 8 weeks old. Their intelligent nature makes them quick learners. As young puppies, their attention spans are shorter, so start with simple commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay.” Also, begin potty training and housebreaking them at this stage.
Once they reach 4 months old and have a grasp of basic training, you can introduce more complex commands like “spin,” “go fetch,” “bark,” “wait,” “stand tall,” and so forth. Gradually, you can incorporate additional activities like agility, dog sports, and dog racing.
Where to Train a McNab Shepherd?
Start their training at home, where they’re most comfortable with their surroundings. The initial training phase isn’t too rigorous, so even a kitchen can suffice. Choose a quiet place for training, as puppies can easily be distracted. As they grow, transition the training to an open space like a park or backyard.
If you’re struggling with home training, consider sending them to a training center. They can learn more skills and techniques there. Additionally, a training center provides opportunities for socialization and good behavior development.
How to Define Tasks for a McNab Shepherd?
When defining tasks for a McNab Shepherd, use simple commands. Initially, demonstrate the task yourself. For example, if you’re teaching the “sit” command, show them how it’s done and then have them repeat the action. Reward them with a treat whenever they correctly execute a command, which motivates them to do better.
For first-time owners, training might seem challenging, but with patience and consistency, it becomes easier over time. Remember to establish yourself as their leader, as they can be stubborn. With proper guidance, they make excellent companions for hiking, running, and jogging.
Training Methods
The best training approach for a McNab Shepherd depends on the owner’s preference. For first-time owners, easy and effective techniques are recommended. Here are some methods for training your dog:
Obedience Training
Obedience training is essential for all dogs. It involves basic commands and promotes good behavior, helps control temper, and encourages comfort around strangers.
Avoid Punishment
Regardless of how well you train them, if punishment or harsh words are used, your dog won’t exhibit the desired behavior. McNab Shepherds are sensitive, so consider your actions carefully. Harsh tones can lead to depression, and their behavior may become more aggressive and stubborn.
Positive Reinforcement
This method involves maintaining a positive attitude towards your dog. It helps build a strong bond and promotes a positive mindset throughout training. Reward them with their favorite food or toys when they exhibit good behavior to encourage the repetition of those actions in the future.
