For over a century, herding breed dogs have been selectively bred to excel at specific traits and abilities. They have long worked alongside people, helping to control livestock across the world. Yet in many cases, these dogs have gone from hard-working farmhands to condo dwellers in as little as a single generation. While we love Border Collies, Cattle Dogs, and other herders, many of these breeds are clashing with modern lifestyles and are often misunderstood.
In this expanded second edition, you’ll trace their history, learn how they think, and fall in love with every part of who they are. You’ll come to understand your dog more deeply and become a better guardian because of it. Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC, CSB-D, CCBC—an internationally recognized expert in herding breeds in pet homes—guides you on a journey to meet your herding dog as they truly are.
Urban Sheepdog reveals why herding dogs do what they do, and the most common challenges families face when living with them. From genetics and puppy raising to adulthood, breed-specific behaviours, and the realities of modern pet life, this book helps you see your dog with fresh eyes. Whether you’re struggling with reactivity, exhausted from trying to keep up with your herder, or simply trying to give your dog the life they deserve, you’ll find practical, compassionate insight here.
Emily Priestley is a multi-certified dog behaviour consultant who has worked with and handled dogs professionally for more than a decade. She is a graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers and spent nine years with the BC SPCA, where she worked in shelter management and behaviour. Emily now specializes in herding breeds through her company, Wild at Heart Dogs. She lives on the west coast of Canada with her family, three (and a half) Border Collies, and an Australian Cattle Dog.
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Desperately Needs an Editor
I was really excited to delve into this book. I have a bearded collie, and he is my first herding dog and we live in the middle of a city. I am more accustomed to sighthounds like greyhounds and Afghan hounds. This book has some solid information for people who are brand new to dogs and maybe haven’t considered a dog’s emotional or medical needs. But any helpful information was buried in paragraphs of stream-of-consciousness writing. Chapter 3 has 59 pages, and no headings to break things up or suggest what subtopic the author is covering. There is a chapter listing a random assortment of herding breeds in no logical order? The description of conformation/dog shows was extremely inaccurate and misleading. I wish the focus of the book could have remained on behavior and training, which is what the author is most qualified to write about. I appreciate that this book attempts to explain the “why” behind common behaviors of herding dogs, and encourages people to not view their dog’s instincts as problems. But I had a really hard time making it all the way through simply due to the writing style and lack of organizational structure.
