A showstopper of a sheep has been proving a hit on a farm with crowds flocking to see him perform tricks “better than a dog”.

Flause, a one-year-old Dutch Spotted Sheep, has surprised his trainer after responding well to clicker training, a form of positive reinforcement typically used to coach canines.

Millie Clark, from Leysdown-on-Sea, has been working as a one-to-one farm tutor at Yew Tree Farm School in Sittingbourne for a year and says she has never seen anything like it.

So far she’s been attempting to train pigs, horses, goats and sheep, but says Flause has responded better than any other animal – including their dogs.

“The goats are pretty good,” she explained. “They do what he does but with a lot less enthusiasm.

“Pigs respond okay, but they do bite if you don’t give them the food quick enough!

“I’ve found out sheep are much more complex than any other animal on the farm.

“The pigs and goats are stubborn, and the horses will just push through you.

“I’ve tried to train the dogs, but it takes much longer than it does for a sheep – which is crazy!”

The spotted lamb first arrived at the school just after April, from Burden Bros farmers in Sheerness.

Initially named Floris, it was changed to Flause – a Dutch name – after he turned out to be a boy.

“When he was younger he was scared of people, and I really wanted him to get closer all the time,” Millie said.

“I was constantly making an effort with him.

“At the time, a load of other female sheep were sent off to be inseminated and Flause was left alone.

“Sheep are herd animals, so he sat with the dog and myself most of the time. He became really friendly.”

The 26-year-old has been able to teach Flause to confidently come when called, walk backwards, circle both ways and go through legs, as well as jumping through hoops and arms.

She added: “Even now, I can shout his name when he is in a herd and he will come running over, all excited.

“I’m trying to get him to jump up onto a table and also learn to shake my hand.

“I’d like to get him walking on a lead or harness, because he wants to follow you around all the time.

“We could offer sheep walks at some point in the future.”

During the school’s open days, the pair have become a hit with the guests – performing a planned routine in front of spectators and getting everyone involved with tricks.

Dubbed ‘the show sheep’, Millie says Flause is now the highlight of the event with people coming to the farm just to see him.

She added: “Flause just wants to please you and waggles his ears because he is so excited. He’s always trying to get my attention when I’m working.

“He didn’t care that there was a big crowd of people, he’s brave and wasn’t fazed at all.

“People are quite shocked when they watch us perform.”

The one-year-old was supposed to be returned to his original farmer but has been allowed to stay due to his popularity.

You can watch Flause perform at the school’s next open day, which takes place between April 5-8 and 12-15.