Our dog's post-traumatic sheep disorder is a hilarious result of a sheep awareness training session. It's another scorching day, and the dog flattens itself against the cool floorboards after returning from the farmer's pen. The story begins with a frantic call from my wife, stuck on the M25 after a day of sheep training.
The Sheep Awareness Training Session
My wife had signed up for a farmer's course in Kent that promised to cure any dog's interest in sheep within an afternoon. The farmer, a real farmer in farmer's clothes, started in a tiny pen half the size of our kitchen. With two sheep and the dog on a short lead, predictably the dog went nuts—barking, straining, trying to get at the sheep.
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The Farmer's Method
The farmer used a plastic bottle full of pebbles, shaking it and shouting simultaneously. Within five minutes, the dog sat there trying not to make eye contact with the sheep. Then they moved to a bigger pen, and the process continued. The result: post-traumatic sheep disorder, as my wife called it. The dog now avoids sheep entirely, but also seems traumatized by the experience.
| Before Training | After Training |
|---|---|
| Dog chased sheep, barked, strained | Dog avoids sheep, lies flat, avoids eye contact |
| No fear of livestock | Extreme fear of sheep |
| Uncontrolled chase instinct | No interest, but trauma |
Key Takeaways from the Training
- Post-traumatic sheep disorder is real—your dog may develop avoidance behavior
- Farmer's method uses noise and shouting to interrupt chase instinct
- Short, intense sessions can change behavior quickly
- Dog may become fearful of sheep, not just obedient
- Consult a professional before trying on your own
FAQ
What is post-traumatic sheep disorder?
It's a humorous term for a dog's fearful avoidance of sheep after a traumatic training session. The dog becomes completely disinterested but also scared.
How does the farmer's sheep awareness training work?
The farmer places the dog in a pen with sheep, using a plastic bottle of pebbles and loud shouting to startle the dog. The dog quickly learns to ignore the sheep to avoid the noise.
Is this training effective for all dogs?
It can be very effective for chase-prone dogs, but results vary. Some dogs may develop fear rather than simple obedience. Always consult a professional trainer.
This anecdote from Tim Dowling's column shows that even with the best intentions, training can lead to unexpected outcomes. The dog now has post-traumatic sheep disorder, but at least it no longer chases sheep. Whether that's a win or a loss depends on your perspective.
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