Working with Border Collies By Sally Thomson

In this episode of The Stockman Grass Farmer Podcast, longtime SGF contributor and Texas sheep rancher Sally Thomson takes us behind the scenes of life with one of ranching’s most indispensable partners—the Border Collie. From everyday gathers to competitive sheepdog trials, Sally shares 40 years of experience raising and training these extraordinary dogs alongside her husband, Chris, on their Central Texas ranch.

Listeners will hear vivid stories of instinct, intelligence, and sheer determination—from a dog named Amos who refused to leave stragglers behind, to the way a well-trained collie can replace two ranch hands and cut chore time in half. Sally explores not just the skills that make Border Collies unmatched in stock work, but also the deep working partnership and trust between dog and handler.

🔑 Key Points Covered:

• The history and heritage of the Border Collie, from the hills of Scotland and England to ranches across America.

• How instinct, “eye,” and natural herding ability set Border Collies apart from other working breeds.

• Real-life ranch stories showing the breed’s intelligence, problem-solving, and sometimes stubborn streak.

• The essential skills a Border Collie brings to sheep and cattle work: fetching, driving, sorting, and loading.

• The balance of pressure and partnership when working with livestock—knowing when to hold back and when to grip.

• Safety, teamwork, and mutual respect between handler and dog in challenging situations.

🌱 Actionable Insights for Stockmen:

• A trained Border Collie can drastically reduce labor needs and improve handling efficiency.

• Stock work is a partnership—both dog and handler must read the livestock and adapt together.

• Instinct can be nurtured from puppyhood, but patience and years of training are key to producing a reliable working dog.

• Respect the dog’s natural abilities while guiding them to work within your system and terrain.

📌 Resources & Links:
For more articles, insights, and training stories from Sally and other contributors, visit:
The Stockman Grass Farmer Podcast Archive

🎧 Tune In:
Listen now on your favorite podcast app and discover why a good Border Collie is worth their weight in gold—both in the field and in the heart of a rancher.