The Natural Way is the technique developed by Julie Hill to train the working sheepdog.  She worked out this system by watching her border collies interact as a pack and her method builds on the social order and communication system that dogs use with each other.

The Natural Way uses body language combined with appropriate and correctly-timed pressure and release from that pressure to show the dog when it is behaving correctly and also when it is making a mistake.  Because the dog understands this language, it quickly learns how to respond appropriately to any situation.

By watching and understanding what the dog and sheep are communicating both with each other & with herself, Julie is able to work with her dogs in an effective, efficient partnership that minimises stress to the sheep.

There can be a fine line between an excellent working dog and one that will act as a predator that could kill stock. If the dog respects the handler, the former will prevail and a good shepherd's dog will safely herd the flock even when it is working out of sight and a mile away from the shepherd.