As they are an upright worker, they prefer to sit or stand rather than lie down while stopping. Some will bump and shoulder stock. Most will turn stock from the head rather than the heels. They are quiet workers, seldom barking. A novice dog may bark in excitement or frustration, but generally quiets with more experience.
Briards tend to circle and work close to moderately wide when first exposed to stock.
Cattle are generally wary, ducks will move off to another area. Initially, some may try to nip and scatter stock, but will attempt to keep the stock bunched. In France, patrolling is part of the farm dog's training if the dog will be working the narrow graze strips between crops. This was a trait selected by French shepherds, thus the ease of Briards to learn this manuever. Since Briards are eager and keen, it is advisable to release them from leads as soon as possible.