Looking for more info on herding with a Belgian Malinois?

Is it Possible? Yes! is it easy? No!

Not a ton of resources on the web either. I’ve decided to change that

I decided to put together a list of my favorite herding books for learning about herding, if you are a book nerd like myself, these might be helpful for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Hear my Voice: An Old World Approach to Herding

by Lynnette Rau Milleville

Want to learn about tending? this is THE BOOK. It focuses on the traditional European approach to sheep dog training called “tending,” which is different from the more common “gathering” style. The book covers the historical and environmental background of tending and provides a detailed guide to training techniques for this style. It also discusses topics like learning theory, the evolutionary basis of herding instincts, sheep breeds, poisonous plants, puppy instinct tests, and real-world tending applications. With a comprehensive bibliography, this book is essential for any herding enthusiast, regardless of their preferred breed or style.

2. Positive Herding 101: Dog-friendly training

by  Barbara Buchmayer (Author), Sally Adam (Contributor)

Like herding? Like positive training? Then this book is awesome. I was struggling to figure out some behaviors and this book was really great to help me clear up the picture for what I was asking for my dog.

3. Positive Herding 201: Advanced dog training

by Barbara Buchmayer (Author)

The Follow up to the above book. Expands on behaviors that were started in Positive herding 101 . Why I love this book? it includes step-by-step training plans, troubleshooting tips, stockmanship basics, advanced herding skills, a get-started-trialing guide, and on-farm skills. Really a great book for people getting started as well as more advanced folks.

4. Teaching the Rules of the Hunt: An Introduction to Herding

by Dawna Simms

This book is out of print, its worth a read on kindle.

We don’t teach dogs how to herd; they instinctively know. Instead, this book focuses on teaching the rules of the hunt. Written by renowned trainer Dawna Sims, it offers a phased approach to herding training suitable for every breed. From introducing stock to handling common issues, Sims shares her expertise to help you become a better partner for your dog. The book covers terminology, effective communication, training phases, practice exercises, and troubleshooting, providing a comprehensive guide to herding dynamics.

5. 76 Exercises to Improve Your Stockwork

by Kelly Malone

This book is written by someone that works German Shepherds. While Malinois and GSD are not the same in there working styles, they are close enough that I think this book as real value for a step by step course work to improve your relationship with dog and sheep. . From the beginning of working with your dog through to advanced trial work. The book is set up in easy to find and use sections that include: a before you start, foundation exercises, trial exercises, glossary, equipment and title explanation sections. “76 Exercises” can be of benefit to people wanting to find out about herding, people that are just getting started in herding, and people looking to problem solve or get a new take on a more advanced training issue.

6. The Art & Science of Shepherding

by Michel Meuret & Fred Provenza 

This book is perhaps for a true science nerd like myself. It goes beyond what the casual herder would probably want or need, but if you are really looking more for the science of herding, I love this book. Originally published in France, delves into the traditional world of shepherds, offering more than just a nostalgic look at their lifestyle. It demonstrates how the sophisticated art and tangible skills of shepherding are relevant to modern North American range and livestock management. Through academic study, analysis, and interviews with master shepherds, readers discover the deep connection between animal feeding needs, shepherds’ observational skills, and effective herd management. It highlights how traditional animal movement methods often outperform modern grazing and fencing systems.

7. From the Handlers Post : Competitive Strategies and Training Tips for Sheepdog Trialing

by Vergil Holland

While aimed a bit at border collie style herding, he does run some all breed dogs. I did get a lot of tips from this to help my handling style.

8.Think Like a Sheepdog Trainer: A Guide to Raising and Training a Herding Dog

 by Kay Stephens &  Beth Kerber 

This is a new book for me, so far I am really liking it. Why do I like it? Its integrating learning theory and behavior analysis. It aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of why and how training methods work. It equips them with the necessary tools to create and assess training plans and to address training challenges using a logical, evidence-based approach.