Seriously, if someone is asking for first-time training advice, he should wait on the chicken herding. Start with fetching slippers and frisbees.
If a dog is not performing training is over rated. Some people need to learn to train I agree but most people I know do pretty good just winging it. We never trained a dog to heard chickens. They would see us do it and pick it up on thier own. Sometimes in just minutes.
I also don’t believe anything is wrong with asserting dominance over a dog. Dogs are wolves who have never matured, thats what makes them domestic. They are fine with being submissive.
Razor sharp performance and competition requires good training I agree but as long as you are consistent with a dog, not abusive but assertive most of them will be fine. No doubt some people need a little help with this and some dogs are togher than others.
Right now he likes the job of getting belly and ear rubs . 
He broke his back leg (hit by car) but he should be back to normal by Christmas. I will start training once he gets the official all clear from the vet. He doesn’t show any signs of leg trouble now but the vet says he should just go on short walks for a few more weeks.
Dogs, properly trained, can do just about anything. I have taught my dog card tricks. He’s the life of the party!