<<<<<Since starting in a round pen with stock close up is how most trainers begin, I would recommend starting with a puppy in that type enclosure, quickly graduating to the larger arena, once and only once the puppy has the commands down. Because without firm obedience and when the dog is off lead, there is absolutely no way, no way you will be able to keep up with a DS on course. I say starting with a puppy in the round pen because I have found that my adult DSs and my GSDs are so overly equipped in agility and strength, compounded by high prey drive that the drive intensifies in a close area with the stock. Hence, resultant chaos and destruction. >>>>
Gee Whiz!!!! I've been out of town and off line for a few weeks and the herding chatter goes nuts!!!!! I sure missed out on the fun.
Thank you so much for relating your experiences with your GSD. In addition to my Belgian Laekenois, we also have a four year old GSD bitch that has very high prey drive. In the presence of stock, even the most accomplished obedience trained dog is not reliable. Stock changes everything! My herding instructor has trained and succeeded at trials with her GSDs. She does not believe in using round pens to train, especially in the case of a dog with high drive. The more the dog moves and increases her speed after stock, the more charged up and out of control the dog becomes. This is SO true in the case of my bitch. What worked like a charm and made a more thoughtful, responsible dog was stall work. You walk each side with two heavy sheep and stop, wait - and move to the next side of the rectangle and repeat. This is also useful to teach your dog to head. If the sheep move off you, put the stick in the right position to make the dog correct the problem. Stall work has also helped me understand where to place my stock stick. This came in handy at our recent trial. It wasn't pretty, but my Laekenois puppy picked up two of his AKC started legs at the Mid South Herding Trials in MS. Stall work is thought to be boring, but it is invaluable in learning the basics as a handler. The close proximity of the stock to the dog is immense pressure for the dog and should only be done in short sessions. The lesson must end on a positive and successful note or the lesson is meaningless. Also if you are not willing to commit to consistently correcting your dog's bad behavior, you're wasting your time and setting bad habits. All and all herding training is truly hard work, but worth it. Both my GSD and Laekenois have become happier and mentally sounder dogs from their lessons!
I'm enjoying catching up with you all!
Diane Koontz Bresee
Walland, TN
PS - This is a re-post. Don't believe I did this right the first time.
I'm still trying to get the hang of this forum.
But yes, you're right Marjolein! I'm a tad concerned, but the trainer is very experienced with err.... drivey... dogs, so I hear.
:dswink"
I know of one of my (sold) pups that thinks she does anyway. Just don't tell her that the clydesdales she messes with, would have gone to the barn anyway, since their food is being put out that time of day. 
Some other DS owners use their brindles around the farm, and maybe some have actually gotten herding titles?[/quote]
I wonder how I could find out, just for curiosity. 
Judith Van Neerland Dutch Shepherds 
He knows my dog, so we'll see how it turns out! 
Here is the site, http://www.ewe-topia.com/WhatIsEwetopia.htm Not a lot about the trainer/stockman though.
Facebook page.