Training the ACD to work cows?

 Honestly the AKC herding program isn;t at all designed for most real work.  I'd look for a trainer who trials in some of the other organizations (AHBA, USBCHA, etc.) and if they can't help with cattlework, I bet they'll know someone.  I'll do some hunting myself since I'm part of a board for working Border Collies and a cattle dog board and see if we can find you some contacts - where are you located (city/state or even just part of a state)?

Thanks! It seems strange that the AKC program is not designed for "real work" - after all, that's how the breed was/is used.  I am in central Vermont.  I'm not kidding when I say nobody around here even knows what ACDs are!  My Rusty has been called a "mutt" countless times! or people say "he's ugly!" because they don't like the speckled coat pattern! How rude!

 Do a search on yahoo groups using "cattle dog herding" or blue heeler herding or even just herding. There's a bunch of email groups on the subject where you can learn a ton, get advice on where to get training and so forth. you can also check you tube. There's lots of herding videos on there.

So far my contacts have mentioned checking out Stockdog Journal for resources.  I'll keep you updated as I get more.

Working cattle is extremely dangerous and you need good instruction for both of you for it to be safe.  There are some folks who have volumes of experience in ACDs.  Tenley Dexter in Conn.   Larry Painter (MO) and Cappy Pruitt (CO) are both breeders, judges and instructors of cattle dogs.  If you do a general search on stock dog clinics look for their names. I know they go to up state NY.  Tenly is likely to be the most active in your area.  She has working aussies.  All three were trained by Bob Vest who was one of the most knowledgable and friendly folks in the sport.  

Larry does a cow camp as does Cappy (in their home states).  These are 4 to 7 days of herding.  They usually take care of some continental breakfast and then lunch.  The rest of the travel and living expenses you need to cover.

 Clinics are great and you can often manage lessons prior to the start.  Those lessons allow you to focus exclusively on the skills and situations you and your dog will encounter.  This is the slow time of the year for training.  You could start doing some "dry work" but that really does not approximate working with cattle.

BTW  driving long hours for herding clinics and lessons is the norm, not the exception.  You could send your dog for training.  You can trust all three of these folks.  Your dog will come back to you well versed in the basics.  If you need a true working dog, consider that option and investigate the use of training as a business expense.

http://www.northeastherdinginfo.com/events.htm 

 Most trainers won't start a puppy as young as yours.  However, you can start on your own.  Your dog has the instinct, but it won't be long before he starts being a teenager and you'll have less control over him.  He needs an absolutely solid down, sit, and recall.  It's not difficult to get your dog to chase/herd/drive cows, it's hard to make him stop.  Work him now on calling him off of the cows.  Use exhuberant praise as a reward.  Call him off, do something fun, like tug of war.  Walk around the cows with him heeling, I'd use a ten foot lead to be safe.  Let him look at the cows, be interested, then call him off and abrubtly walk away from the cows, pulling him if necessary.  When he gives in, praise and play.  you don't want to teach him to ignore the cows, you want to teach him to forego his instincts and mind you.

One of those clinics mentioned would be great.  Call around and find out how old they want the dog to be and make arrangements from there.  Your dog will soon be worth his weight in gold.