These are probably not all of the commands used by herders at various times and once you start exploring
the world of shepherding, you will run across many variations on them. The use of whistles for commands is a skill that requires practice and a good memory but is very useful in many situations.
At this point, few other commands should be needed if the dog is giving a quick and appropriate response
to those. However, in the course of things, prompt and accurate responses to the basic commands occasionally do not happen. At that point handlers start becoming frustrated and new, and often creative, commands start to ap- pear. Here are a few that I have heard over the past few years.
Get around: Generally used when you can’t remember away or bye. Ahaank!: Don’t bite—most often in a high panicky voice. Watch it!: same as bad dog—means little to the dog unless consequences have been paired in the past. As
a general rule, unless immediately followed by a specific command, has little effect on the dog.
Watch the sheep (or whatever stock): Another effort to get the dog back on target when his attention has wandered.
Get over here: Used when That’ll Do doesn’t work. Gen- erally followed by a rather sharp Now. Sometimes gets the desired results—not always.
Listen to me: often used by very frustrated handler after dog has repeatedly refused the handler’s commands. Gen- erally not very effective. However, let’s the handler yell at the dog without resorting to socially unacceptable exple- tives of which most judges seem to take a very dim view. Probably intended as an attention getter—sometimes works. However, also sometimes gets that “I am listening, but you’re not making contact with my brain.” look. If im- mediately followed by a command the dog does under- stand, often gets the desired results.
Are you brain dead?: Gets basically the same response— none.
Spit that sheep (duck, whatever) out—now!: One I have used on several occasions—but then, I work an Aus- tralian Cattle Dog, what can I say?
The Other Way: Sometimes used when the dog goes Bye
on an Away command. Occasionally causes the dog to reverse directions. The chute (gate, pen) is over here (or there): An effort (sometimes successful if lots of pointing is used)
to focus the dog and get him back on target. Bring those sheep (ducks, cattle--) back here!: Dog has stock all over the place and handler has
reached frustration peak. Rarely works. Don’t lick the duck! Or Stop licking the duck!: cattle dog handlers use this more often than you would
expect and, surprisingly, it does, more often than not, get the desired results. It also frequently gets the handler a dirty look from the dog.
Shit head: Frowned on by judges. Not sure what response is expected. Often ignored by the dog. If repeat-
ed often enough may become a term of endearment. Dummeresel: (Had to put this is, because I actually heard one handler use this in a herding trial.) This is
German for super jackass. Yell dog’s name: Same as two above with about the same results. Get out of the sheepberries!: Dogs eat sheep (and other animal) feces when frustrated, distracted, or
sometimes just because they like them. If followed up with a dire consequence (throwing the plastic bottle at
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