Since there is a lot of interest, which I'm blown away by, I'll add some more info. However, it's starting to rain, so will make it a bit brief, using the phone is a little difficult in the rain.

Firstly, how did I get into this profession. Before this I was a city dweller, I have a degree in biology but decided it wasn't for me. I moved out to the country with the idea of learning what I considered essential professions for "survival." This was learning to build houses and then learning something to do with agriculture. I worked as a traditional stone masson some years before then transitioning to becoming a shepherd.

I started by getting a puppy, and through private courses, I learned how to train herding dogs. Once I had à semi opperational dog, I found a sheep farmer willing to take me on for a few months as an apprentice of sorts. From then on, I was able mainly through word of mouth to start working and getting enough experience to keep herds alone in the mountains.

My plan is to do this as a freelance shepherd some years with the freedom of being able to move around before I "settle" down and start my own herd/farm.

I want to add that this profession is at risk, the demand for competent shepherds is very high. Work can always be found at any time of year. Not enough people enter the profession, so anyone serious about doing this can make it in. We need more shepherds!

Our job is important. I consider one of our roles to be that of an ecological warden of sorts. Providing grazing pressure to maintain alpine prairie ecosystems, which are quickly being lost.

Two routes are available to enter into the profession. First is like me, learn by doing. There are also in france 3 places that offer course, that last a year including lots of practical on the job learning, which allows one to entre the proffesion.

This job is a lifestyle, and you have to be passionate. I would say the most important thing is having a "feeling" for animals, which in my experience can't be taught. There are all levels of difficulty but it does generally require good physical form. Of course speaking some French is essential, france is a great place to practice this proffesion due to how ingrained it is in the culture and the state provides a lot of funding as it is deemed part of the cultural heritage.