shepherding

Shepherding is the practice of tending and guiding a flock of grazing livestock, typically sheep or goats, to meet their needs and protect them from harm. A shepherd oversees health, welfare, and safe movement, and may supervise breeding, feeding, and sheltering. It is common in pastoral economies with large, mobile flocks.

Tools include a staff or crook and one or more trained dogs, often border collies, used to gather and drive animals. Helpers, whistles, and routine commands aid movement. Fences, gates, portable corrals, and designated lambing or shearing pens support handling and sorting.

Daily tasks cover grazing management, health checks, tagging or marking, and seasonal duties such as docking, vaccination, and de-worming during lambing. Predator protection varies and may involve guards, alarms, or sheltering at night. Movement between pastures follows local grazing plans.

Shepherding has ancient roots in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia and contributed to the rise of pastoral societies. In many regions it persists in traditional forms and in modern agriculture, ranging from family-run operations to commercial enterprises.

Ethical and welfare considerations shape modern practice, with codes of humane handling and animal welfare standards. The role also intersects with ecology and land management through responsible grazing and habitat maintenance.