The videos and articles in this section feature insights into every aspect of training sheepdogs.
Videos and Articles
A Compilation of unedited work sessions and trial runs including The Nursery US National & Away to Me SDT. Mirk is featured in the full length production Videos: Preparing to compete with your dog in Novice Mirk: Shaping Flanks + 1st time working bulk of Sheep: Exercise for Developing Confidence with our Nursery Dogs
A Super Effective Exercise for developing Mental Fortitude and cool headedness in difficult situations
Tess 14 mos. old, developing outrun, flanks, the follow and a super effective method for encouraging dogs to cover a side they don't prefer
Bute , 12 Mos. old, first exposure to sheep and her journey to becoming ready to train
Super effective cone exercise for shaping flanks at the Pen
This includes examples of our hugely successful method and technique for teaching the shed
Haig is 12 mos. old and this video chronicles the development of his outrun, getting solid on flanks and starting to drive,
This video illustrates how we execute, Foundation Method for Shaping Flanks, in a regular work session.Â
It’s also analysis of Mirk working a bulk of sheep for the first time.Â
Craig is 20 months old and a son of Alasdair's Tweed. In this video, Alasdair commentates and analyzes his first time away from home
Article
This super effective cone exercise is for nursery to open level dogs.
Alasdair narrates and discusses as Patricia demonstrates a novice course
Our proven, super successful method for Teaching Bends
Our super effective foundation method for squaring or shaping flanks
A super effective cone exercise to shape flanks at the shed, pen and turn at the post
A follow-up to training Moss Part 1 and Part 2
This super effective cone exercise is designed for pushy, excitable dogs heading sheep on the drive
The ability to teach your dog how to pull-in on a lot of sheep is useful to all dogs and this video details our teaching method
This video details a super effective practice to help tighten wide outrunning dogs
This video chronicles development of his outrun, getting solid on flanks, starting to drive, and the beginning of starting to shed
This video chronicles his 4th time on sheep through the start of his outrun.
This video details a highly effective cone exercise to improve and develop your ability to read sheep
This video details an excellent and highly effective cone exercise to improve 6 key trial elements
A highly effective cone exercise to ensure success at this very important aspect of the course.
This cone exercise improves the shape of the outrun for dogs that have not yet come with their natural width.
With 5 variations, this is suitable for dogs just starting all the way to seasoned open dogs
This video chronicles Scot, from his 6th time on sheep, to developing the outrun, starting to drive and starting to shed.
Our incredibly effective method for getting dogs to come in positive at the shed
A very effective exercise for all levels cross driving
A super versatile driving exercise for all levels
Our intuitive method to get dogs keen on holding sideways pressure
This video explains the system we employ to achieve smooth, thoughtful flanks.
This video analyzes and discusses our approach to successfully penning with breaking range sheep and difficult fine wools at the National.Â
How we compartmentalize the pen into 3 parts to increase success.
The “secret” to teaching this important phase of work.
“The Channel”, our 3 Step Exercise that develops the 5 essentials for success at setting up the shed.
This video teaches you how and where to move your dog to stop the ribboned or marked sheep and still encourage the plain ones to go.
What working a single can tell you about YOUR dog.
An in depth analysis of how handling one aspect on the fetch can profoundly impact your dog's enthusiasm,enjoyment of work and performance at the trials.
2 full length International Sheds from the Bluegrass with analysis, judging & discussion.
Ted is now 13 months old and we chronicle extending the outrun, teaching flanks, starting to driving and starting to shed.
This proven method for "reducing eye" has been especially effective for our own dogs including, my Max and Alasdair’s Tweed
“In and Out of the Dusty Blue Bells” is highly effective for improving your dogs overall precision, small flanks and off balance flanks.
This exercise will help your dog to become more positive, confident and effective at pushing and applying pressure to sheep.
Using teaching software, we analyze 3 critical aspects of Jim's single at the Steve Munson Memorial SDT
In part 2, Jake is 11 months old and we chronicle teaching flanks, starting to drive and starting to shed.
This exercise is designed to square flanks, as well as teach dogs to drive straight lines and then release, as you would at the trials.
This video details the first step of teaching the Drive, “The Follow”.
In part 1, we chronicle Ted's 5th time on sheep through the development of his outrun
Our proven 6-step formula to effectively and intuitively teach pace to your dog while keeping your dog positive and confident in his work.
In part 1, we chronicle his 2nd time on sheep through the development of his outrun.
This video chronicles Chip's 8th time on sheep through the development of his outrun, start of driving and his first time coming through at the shed.
An exercise for introducing flanks and structure to your young dog.
This video explains 2 key commands we use exclusively at hand.
An analysis of Wisp’s flanks and shed.
We employ the use of distraction, rather than correction, when starting our young dogs.
Our 4-step formula to effectively and intuitively developing the outrun with your young dog.
This video teaches you how and where to move your dog to stop the ribboned or marked sheep and still encourage the plain ones to go.
It is especially important to have good working sheep to ensure a good foundation for your young dog.
An analysis and comparison with Moss and Niamh.
How to teach the "Lie Down" command off sheep with our 4 step formula, and how to transfer it to sheep.
Following Niamh, from just starting on sheep to a winning Nursery run.
Developing and encouraging the outrun properly is especially important.
Desire before discipline is an extremely important concept.
How to practice fetching when your sheep won't stand well at the top of the field.
Jim illustrates a 90 degree bend on his outrun.
Important qualities that can be assessed when shifting ewes with lambs
The lie down - how it helps you, help your dog at every stage.
Increase your dog's enthusiasm and confidence at the shed.
The more perfection that is demanded at the start of training, the more risk of detrimental consequences to your dog.
Balance point is the foundation of the MacRae Way System and the key to helping your dog become the very best sheepdog he or she can be!
A comprehensive chat with Alasdair on the principals of shedding, as well as how we introduce it to our young dogs.
Working a single is both an excellent and important way to evaluate your dog.
Alasdair analyzes a shed by Nell in slow motion.
Why introducing turnbacks when your dog is young will increase his enthusiasm and confidence.
