Pace is about much more than teaching a stock dog to slow down. It’s the ability to find the right speed, pressure, and position to move and control stock effectively, whether working with light, flighty sheep or cattle that are reluctant to move. In this conversation, learn how pace influences a dog’s feel for stock, how to recognize the stock’s pressure bubble, and why developing a smooth, balanced pace can help solve many common training challenges. The discussion explores how to build pace from the beginning, develop a reliable “steady” command, and help dogs maintain the right amount of pressure without overworking the stock.

Topics Covered:

What pace really means in stock dog work How pace differs from simply moving slowly

Understanding the stock’s bubble and finding the right working distance

Recognizing and adjusting pressure for different types of stock

Using pace to improve flanks, reduce excessive wearing, and create smoother movement

Building a reliable steady command and smooth transitions out of a stop

Teaching dogs to move forward while maintaining control

How good pace helps stock settle and builds confidence in the dog

Applying the principles of pace to ranch work and trialing

Why balance matters and how over-practicing one skill can create problems elsewhere

Why Pace Matters:

Good pace helps a stock dog stay connected to the stock, make better decisions, and maintain control without creating unnecessary pressure. It can improve everything from gathering and driving to sorting and shedding. Most importantly, the right pace helps keep stock settled and moving well. Learn how to recognize pace in action, understand what the stock is telling the dog, and see why this often-overlooked skill can make such a difference in stock dog training and handling.