How to Train a Dog to Stop Chasing Sheep

If you’ve ever walked your dog in the countryside and noticed them getting overly excited near sheep, you’re not alone. Whether you live in a rural area or simply enjoy countryside strolls, it’s natural to feel concerned or frustrated by this behaviour. Understanding why it happens is the first step towards addressing it effectively.

In this guide, we’ll explore why dogs behave this way, how to address it safely, and what steps you can take to ensure your dog becomes a calm and respectful companion around farm animals.

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Dogs are natural predators with strong chase instincts, especially breeds originally developed for herding or hunting. Border Collies, German Shepherds, and even terriers can feel compelled to chase sheep simply because it’s hard-wired into their instincts.

From the dog’s point of view, the chase is thrilling. The movement of the flock triggers an adrenaline rush, reinforcing the behaviour each time it happens. But this isn’t just playful behaviour. Sheep can suffer serious harm, or even death, when chased. The stress alone can be fatal, particularly for pregnant ewes.

Attacking sheep, whether through biting, chasing or causing injury, can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. In the UK, under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, a farmer has the legal right to shoot a dog that is worrying sheep if there’s no other way to stop it. You may also be liable for damages, and police involvement is not uncommon. Prevention is not only important for your dog’s well-being but also for legal and ethical reasons.

Training your dog not to chase sheep requires commitment and consistency. You'll need to build trust, reinforce calm behaviour, and practise regularly in safe, controlled environments.

This kind of training is about reshaping your dog’s mindset so that it sees sheep as animals to be ignored rather than pursued. And that change is entirely possible, no matter your dog’s breed or age.

Training a dog not to chase sheep isn’t always quick or easy, but it is achievable with the right approach. The steps below are designed to help you build trust, set clear expectations, and encourage your dog to behave calmly around livestock.

If your dog is young or new to the countryside, begin setting boundaries straight away. Let your dog know that sheep are not to be interacted with, and always remain calm but firm when correcting interest or excitement. Even casual glances or subtle body language towards sheep can be the early signs of a problem. Interrupt and redirect these before they escalate.

A long training lead (10–20 metres) gives your dog room to move while still keeping them under control. Use it in open areas where sheep are visible but safely fenced off. Practice walking calmly, rewarding your dog for staying focused on you and ignoring the livestock. Gradually reduce the lead length as your dog improves.

Teach your dog to look at you on cue, using commands such as “watch me” or “focus”. This helps you interrupt unwanted attention on sheep before it becomes fixation. Start in your home or garden, then gradually build up to more distracting environments. High-value treats like cheese or cooked chicken work well as rewards.

Whenever your dog displays calmness around sheep, even something as simple as walking quietly on a lead, mark that behaviour with praise or treats. Over time, your dog will learn that being relaxed brings a reward, while chasing does not.

Rather than just saying “no”, give your dog something else to do. For example, teach them to lie down, heel, or sit when sheep are nearby. This encourages a shift from reactive behaviour to thoughtful obedience.

If your dog gets too excited or reactive near sheep, you’re probably working too close. Increase the distance until your dog can stay calm, then gradually decrease it as training progresses. Stay within your dog’s comfort zone to ensure learning happens positively, not out of fear or stress.

If your dog has already chased or shown strong interest in sheep, consider enlisting the help of a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist. They can offer tailored support, help you read your dog’s body language more accurately, and create a structured training plan suited to your dog’s temperament. If you’d prefer to learn these techniques yourself, our Dog Training Diploma Course offers expert guidance and practical strategies you can use at home.

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. A loose lead, a missed cue, or a momentary lapse in focus can result in your dog chasing livestock. If it happens, it’s essential to take the situation seriously and act promptly.

The first priority is to stop the chase. Call your dog back using a firm but calm recall cue. Try not to panic or shout, and avoid running after them, as this often encourages the chase further. If your dog won’t respond, wait until the chase ends, then approach slowly and clip on the lead. Avoid punishing your dog in the moment; what’s needed now is clarity, not fear or confusion.

As difficult as it may feel, you must inform the farmer as soon as possible. Even if no sheep appear injured, stress alone can cause harm, especially to pregnant ewes. Be honest about what happened, apologise sincerely, and offer to cover any damages.

Take time to think about how the incident occurred. Did you overestimate your dog’s training level? Were you too close to livestock without a lead? Did your dog ignore cues you thought were well established? Identifying weak points in your dog’s behaviour or your management approach is essential for progress.

Once you’ve assessed what went wrong, it’s time to make changes. This might mean:

Whatever your next steps, take them seriously. A dog that has chased once is more likely to do so again unless new boundaries and skills are firmly established.

The worst thing you can do after a chasing incident is return to the same environment with no changes. Each time your dog gets the thrill of a chase, the behaviour becomes harder to reverse. Take a short break from countryside walks if needed, and rebuild your dog’s skills in a more controlled setting.

Biting behaviour around sheep is the most urgent issue to address. If your dog has already shown signs of aggression, professional help from a qualified dog behaviourist is strongly advised. But you can also take immediate action:

Unless your dog has undergone extensive training and you have permission from the landowner, dogs should always be kept on a short lead around farm animals. Even a normally obedient dog can be triggered by the sudden movement of a flock. 

Both tools can be highly effective when used correctly. A whistle can serve as a strong recall cue, especially at long distances. Clicker training is great for marking desirable behaviours, like staying calm or making eye contact instead of fixating on sheep. The key is consistency. Introduce the tool in a distraction-free setting, pair it with rewards, and gradually build up to more challenging environments.

Punishment is not recommended for chasing sheep. It may create fear or anxiety, which can actually make the behaviour worse or damage your bond with your dog. Instead, focus on prevention and positive reinforcement. Redirect your dog’s attention, reward calmness, and build better behaviour through structured training. If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, seek professional support rather than resorting to negative methods.

Dogs with high energy and strong instincts need outlets for their drive. Instead of chasing sheep, offer your dog controlled, rewarding activities such as:

It might take more time, especially if the chasing habit is deeply ingrained, but with patience and the right support, it’s possible. Focus on gentle desensitisation, consistent cues, and plenty of positive reinforcement. You may find that older dogs, with lower energy levels, respond even better to calm routines and focused training sessions.

If you're ready to deepen your understanding and become a confident, knowledgeable trainer, consider taking the Dog Training Diploma Course with Centre of Excellence. Whether you're a dog owner, aspiring trainer, or simply passionate about canine behaviour, this course offers comprehensive guidance suitable for all levels. And right now, you can enrol for just £29.