Flight zone: livestock response and working distance

An explanatory concept

The term helps an observer think about working distance without assuming that every sheep or mob has an identical invisible circle. In a note or diagram, show the actual stock and dog positions and describe the response. Avoid attaching a precise radius simply because an illustration in another context used one.

A hypothetical contrast

Compare two imagined clips: in one, the dog approaches and the sheep begin travelling together; in another, a similar-looking approach produces scattered movement. Before blaming one feature, ask what differs in the stock, space and intended route. The concept is a way to organise questions, not a remote assessment of the animals.

No permission to test by provoking

A spectator should not enter a working area or approach stock to find their flight zone. Follow the host’s viewing instructions. For training, use an experienced instructor and suitable facilities. When discussing a judged run, preserve the official result separately from your interpretation of why the stock moved.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Dogs Australia — herding rules and glossary (opens in a new tab)

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