Advisor on the Agricultural Catchments Programme, Kevin Madden tells how a sheepdog training course is helping to not only gather the flock but is also gathering traction in Mayo and Galway.
Sheepdogs have played a vital role in agriculture for centuries, using their natural instincts and intelligence to help farmers manage livestock. While herding may be in their blood, even the most promising dog requires proper training to become an effective working partner. Sheepdog training blends genetics, patience and consistent practice to unlock a dog’s full potential in the field.
The origins of our sheepdog training course date back to 2002, when former Teagasc employees Eamonn Egan and Gerry Murphy brought together local farmers from across Mayo and Galway. Their goal was to teach the fundamentals of training young sheepdogs. The course ran successfully for a number of years and laid the foundation for what it has become today.
It was during one of these early sessions that Declan Tierney, now a client of the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme, first learned the art of sheepdog training. In 2022, he purchased a young and promising dog and approached us with the idea of reviving the course for local farmers. Declan generously offered the use of his own facilities, and after consulting with the Newport shepherds, they agreed to share their expertise in all aspects of sheepdog training.
The course was relaunched with modest beginnings. We initially advertised it by word of mouth and limited participation to 10 individuals.
Fast forward to 2025, and the course has grown significantly. Declan has developed into a highly skilled dog trainer and now runs the course almost full-time. He also serves as the tutor for all participants. We now promote the course through Teagasc offices across Mayo and Galway, as well as via local radio stations. This year, the course welcomed 20 participants.
This is one of the most unique training opportunities in the country, offering one-on-one instruction and the chance to develop a valuable life skill. By the end of the course, each participant is equipped to provide any future sheepdog with the fundamental training it needs.
About the sheepdog training course
The 2025 course began on May 30th with an induction day, where Declan demonstrated key skills using trained dogs in a round pen. Participants were introduced to foundational concepts such as the dog’s point of balance and basic herding commands. These include:
- Come Bye – move clockwise around the flock
- Away to Me – move counterclockwise
- Lie Down – stop and stay
Following the induction, each participant received a time slot for one-on-one training with Declan every second week until the end of August. As Declan often notes: “No two dogs are the same, and no two handlers are the same.”
Over the course of the summer, dogs gradually progress from the round pen into open fields, where their new skills are tested in real-life conditions. As the dog matures, the complexity of the training increases, from basic herding drives to more precise and demanding manoeuvres. More often than not, it’s the human who needs more training than the dog!
Find out more about the sheepdog training courses in the below video:
Overall, the course has been a phenomenal success and has been warmly received by all participants. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the 2025 handlers for their dedication, and especially Declan, for sharing his time, knowledge, and expertise. We look forward to continuing the tradition in 2026. If anyone wishes for further information on next year’s course, you can contact Teagasc Ballinrobe on 094 9541125.
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