[Zeiff]

It looks like Ranger will be having an Instinct test in June. I was wondering what reactions are looked for and for typical reactions. Also is pedigree involved (his dam has her PT title http://www.plumridgetc.com/isis/herding.htm )? He has a very strong prey drive with birds, small animals, and even deer but we walk within feet of cows daily and he responds with cautious curiosity but has not gotten excited. Could either of these be a possible indicator of aptitude?

Thanks

 

[TooneyDogs]

From what I've read in herding articles the first thing they look for is focus on the livestock and handler control of the dog...not herding commands...just basic control. You need both. A dog that can focus but, just chases the livestock into the ground (ignoring the handlers commands) will do far more harm than good.
A somewhat typical reaction is no interest in the livestock...they find other things more interesting.