Welcome to Our Community: Getting Started
You have found your pack. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your time with us.
Eight years ago, I sat in my kitchen with a senior Collie at my feet and a question that kept me up at night: where do herding dog people go when they need real answers from people who actually understand these breeds? Not generic dog forums where someone suggests a shock collar for a Border Collie with herding instincts. Not social media groups that disappear into the algorithm. A real community.
That question led to the creation of what you are reading right now. The Herding Dog Community started with twelve members, a shared love for these remarkable dogs, and a commitment to being different. Today we have grown to 47 500 members across 34 countries, and that original commitment has never wavered.
What Makes This Place Different
Walk into most dog communities online and you will find a mix of helpful advice, conflicting opinions, and more than a little judgment. Someone asks about a behavioral challenge and gets told they should not own a dog. A first-time owner asks a basic question and gets mocked for not knowing better. That does not happen here.
Our community was built on a foundation of what I call "compassionate expertise" - the idea that we can share knowledge without looking down on those still learning. Every single one of our 42 moderators has made mistakes with their own dogs. Every experienced member remembers being overwhelmed. We hold onto that perspective because it makes us better teachers and better supporters.
"When we rescued our Border Collie mix, I had no idea what I was getting into. This community walked me through every challenge, from herding instincts to mental stimulation needs. Two years later, Luna is thriving."
- Sarah M., Colorado
Finding Your Way Around
The community is organized to help you find what you need without getting lost. Our main discussion areas are organized by topic - training and behavior, health and nutrition, breed-specific conversations, and general support. You do not need to read everything. Start with what matters most to you right now.
The search function is your friend. With over 128 000 questions already answered, there is a good chance your question has been discussed before. That said, if you do not find what you are looking for, ask anyway. Every situation has its own nuances, and fresh questions keep our discussions current.
The Help System
Every new member has access to our help system. This includes a dedicated mentor matching program where experienced owners volunteer to guide newcomers through their first months in the community. You can request a mentor by introducing yourself in the welcome section, or we will reach out to match you with someone who shares your breed and situation.
Our community guidelines exist to protect this space. They are not about restricting conversation - they are about maintaining the trust and respect that makes honest discussion possible. Take a few minutes to review them so you understand what we value and why. Two companion guides that most new members benefit from are our mentorship guide and our first trial preparation guide.
Your First Week
Here is what I suggest for your first week with us:
- Introduce yourself - Tell us about your dog, your experience level, and what brought you here. This is not required, but it helps our members understand your situation when you ask questions later.
- Browse the success stories - Our success stories section shows what is possible when people connect with the right support. It is also just plain inspiring.
- Ask one question - Even if you are not sure you are asking correctly. We have a whole guide on asking good questions, but honest attempts are always welcomed.
- Reply to someone else - If you see a question you can help with, even partially, contribute. You probably know more than you think, and participation builds the community we all benefit from.
A Note About Herding Breeds
If you are new to herding dogs, you have chosen a remarkable group of companions. These breeds were developed over centuries to work alongside humans, making decisions, solving problems, and managing animals many times their size. That heritage means they come with intelligence that will surprise you, energy that will challenge you, and loyalty that will move you.
It also means they are not always easy. The same instincts that make a Border Collie brilliant at sheep trials can make them chase children or fixate on shadows. The drive that makes an Australian Cattle Dog fearless with cattle can make them pushy with guests. Understanding these traits - not fighting them - is what separates frustrating dog ownership from the deep partnership these breeds offer. Our breed clubs guide can connect you with experts who specialize in your specific breed.
You will find people here who understand this deeply. People who have worked through reactivity and motion sensitivity. Who have found outlets for dogs that needed jobs. Who have learned that exercise alone does not solve everything, but the right mental challenges can transform behavior. Their experience is your resource.
Our Promise to You
When you post here, you will be treated with respect. Your questions will be taken seriously. Your struggles will be met with empathy and practical advice. Your victories, no matter how small, will be celebrated.
This is not just a website. It is a community of people who chose these demanding, rewarding, sometimes exhausting dogs because we could not imagine our lives without them. You belong here because you made that same choice. When you are ready to connect with others in your area, our guide to organizing local meetups can help you find your pack in person.
Welcome to the pack.