Book Review:
STOCKDOG SAVVY
Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor and Ty Taylor

by Elsie Rhodes

Stockdog Savvy is packed full of helpful information from the first page to the last. A quick glance at the table of contents will give readers an overview of the quantity of information contained. As readers move from page to page they will soon be impressed with the quality of the information too. The range gives the beginner or experienced trainer ample opportunity to learn plus food for thought.

Training procedures, from puppyhood to the dog learning to drive and shed, are excellent; the methods and techniques described are tried and true. They will guide new stockdog owners as well as more experienced dog owners through a logical progression, one skill building on the next. The training techniques and methods will produce a dog that is a good working partner, and together dog and handler will be able to move and control livestock on the farm, ranch or in stockdog trials.

A feature of this book that will prove extremely valuable to each trainer, is sections called “Problem Solving.” A method of approaching a particular training technique is explained, and then the many things that will or might happen are addressed under the heading “Problem Solving.” This feature makes Stockdog Savvy incredibly helpful to the trainer, for no dog follows training exactly like another. Dogs are individuals and training must be tailored to help them progress and grow in methods that work for them. Jeanne and Ty do an excellent job of presenting ways to vary a technique to cover many situations that may arise as the dog progresses.

Of equal importance, the authors move on to cover livestock. First, they point out that all livestock are living animals, not training tools, and go on to point out that they must be treated accordingly; this struck a positive note with me. There is a great section giving important insight into how livestock see and perceive things happening around them. This includes essential knowledge about flight zones and how they can differ under various conditions. This information is indispensable to the trainer in helping the dog learn to be in the correct position to move stock effectively. Jeanne and Ty go on to help readers understand the uniqueness of each type of livestock; sheep, goats, poultry, and cattle. And, within the livestock types, they point to the breed characteristics to give readers a better understanding of the nature of various breeds.

“The Appendix: Breed profiles” is absolutely fantastic. It covers the herding dogs you see all the time. More than that it covers dogs we often don’t see in the US. It is an education all in itself, and just this section makes the cost of the book worthwhile.

This is a must read for all herding enthusiasts’ and a must have for all herding enthusiasts’ libraries. It is the book I will recommend to all my students. Every reader regardless of their skill level will find something valuable in this book.