Herding instinct test

The herding instinct test evaluates a dog's natural ability to gather, control, or move objects, including people. During the test, a dog is encouraged to herd by gently guiding or herding a group of people or objects, observing its response. This instinct is common in breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, reflecting their historical role in cattle herding. The test helps identify a dog's innate herding tendencies, which can inform training methods and suitability for certain tasks or working environments. It is a non-invasive way to assess behavioral traits related to control, focus, and herding drive.