They're derived from the positions on a clock. "Come by" is "By the clock", or clockwise. "Away to me" is "Away from the clock" or counterclockwise. They were probably derived from handlers using the circular patterns of a clock as a visual for the roundabout movements of the dogs as they sweep the stock on either side.
Come by is from 'by the clock' and 'away to me' is away from the clock... anti-clockwise. These are both only in reference to the sheep, not actually to the handler. .... They mean circle the stock clockwise (By), and circle the stock counterclockwise (Away). It is confusing if you are trying to rationalize with the handler as the reference point since left and right 'flip' sides when the dog is facing you vs. facing away with its back to you.. Hope that helps.
@nichins Sorry for not replying sooner- These commands have traditionally been used for such a long time, people have accepted them. However you can use any words you chose, if you find them easier to use. I have another set of verbal voice commands so that I can work 2 dogs independently in the brace /doubles class. They are left= "heere" and right= "get"
I thought so too....but it seems the commands don't actually mean Left and Right, but actually clockwise and counter-clockwise - - so "Away" does mean Right most of the time, until around 20 to 12ish, when it starts to look like Left... I think...I mix up left and right anyway, so I don't know why I'm trying to explain it.
They're derived from the positions on a clock. "Come by" is "By the clock", or clockwise. "Away to me" is "Away from the clock" or counterclockwise. They were probably derived from handlers using the circular patterns of a clock as a visual for the roundabout movements of the dogs as they sweep the stock on either side.
SO helpful! Thank you.
I've heard the same commands when I've watched English, Irish and American shepherds on TH-cam. These commands must be at least 300 years old.
Come by is from 'by the clock' and 'away to me' is away from the clock... anti-clockwise. These are both only in reference to the sheep, not actually to the handler. .... They mean circle the stock clockwise (By), and circle the stock counterclockwise (Away). It is confusing if you are trying to rationalize with the handler as the reference point since left and right 'flip' sides when the dog is facing you vs. facing away with its back to you.. Hope that helps.
Yeah, that threw me off lol
How to train a Border in Puberty, our Dog has got this "i listen when i want" Phase, hes 10 Months now and very hard to control sometimes D:
@nichins Sorry for not replying sooner- These commands have traditionally been used for such a long time, people have accepted them. However you can use any words you chose, if you find them easier to use. I have another set of verbal voice commands so that I can work 2 dogs independently in the brace /doubles class. They are left= "heere" and right= "get"
Great video.
What's the history of away to me /come by? Who came up with that? Why use that for left and right?
Do you happen to have a dvd that ships to the us?
(My notes)
Come by - Go left
Away - Go right
What kind of breed are the sheep? *curious*
there herdwick sheep
Grand job
/a-wey. Lie dow. Come bye. I will not forget this, human. Thank you for the knowledge.
Nice 👍
I think Herdwick by the look of them
Tenerife,
Spain.
In this clip it looks like he's mixing up left and right, does it not?
The commands are based on the dogs directions. So if dog is facing him it may seem backwards but it's from her perspective
I thought so too....but it seems the commands don't actually mean Left and Right, but actually clockwise and counter-clockwise - - so "Away" does mean Right most of the time, until around 20 to 12ish, when it starts to look like Left... I think...I mix up left and right anyway, so I don't know why I'm trying to explain it.
I wish my Australian Shepherd could do that. Shes too smart for her own good as soon as she knew she is off the leash shed be gone.
That's just poor training lol... nothing about being to smart
We have a 8 month old Red Merle Aussie. She will stay with me off leash no problem.
you can comment on 117 0500