Circle training?

I know that many folks, when it comes time to train there new stock dog, will seek out a reputable trainer. They then will take their dog to the trainer and leave it for a time. The time of course will be dependent on the readiness of the dog and other factors. So many of these trainers will have a training pen, usually 60ft in diameter. Usually, sheep are brought in and the training begins. Force the dog to go around the sheep. Once the dog start then the trainer will attempt to stop the dog. You get the idea.

Well my thoughts on this are: You get a dog that when it is in doubt will be a very good circling dog. This is particularly so when the dog has low self esteem. 2 thoughts on this. 1. Learn how to train your dog yourself. 2. Don't use a round pen.

Why?

First off, training your dog your self not only establishes the pack leader roll, but builds a bond that is very strong. You get a dog that wants to work with you and also builds on the understanding of silent communications between handler and dog. This is how things work in nature, like real life.

Secondly, using a square pen or open field is also reality. More on this later

This is just the beginning. There is so much more that this may take awhile.