What age to train a cattle dog to work?

Question

i have a 12 month old heeler, shes a great dog. we live on property so she spends alot of her hime riding the motor bike or running around with the goats. i have dont ALOT of training with her and she is very smart. i have also been reading alot into working dog training, and she knows almost ever command (eveything that can be learnt without using stock). she has not been used on stock as of yet, but being in the agriculture industry, and in need of a working dog in the near distant future, instead of getting another pup i was wondering what age is too old to start teaching cattle dogs to work stock? and in my case, given she has done most of the training, is there hope for her to pick it up? or any other tips in getting her ready?

cheers!

Answer 1

its not too late to teach her. Patience & rewarding the behavior you want is the way to go.  

Answer 2

there is no such thing as "You cant teach an old dog new tricks"...its just going to  be harder since she is older.  the prime age to  train any dog is between 12 weeks and 6 months. It learns all critical skills in that time frame....but if you have the time and skills to train her...it can be done.  

Answer 3

She will herd if you put her with a herd of almost anything.  My brother's 3 heelers herded his kids, each other and even tried to herd the motorcycle - he never taught them to do this.  She may need a little direction as to where you want them herded, but they herd by instinct - it's their job.  They are so intelligent that she should pick it up very quickly.