corbinam
Moderator
Some of you may remember that a few years ago (3, maybe?) we took Bentley and Lexi herding. They both showed instinct, but unfortunately the closest place for classes was 2 hours away. With us spending as much time on agility that just wasn't feasible.
Recently a woman we know got some sheep and has decided to start bringing someone in to offer lessons. Not sure how we'll fit it all in, but we did decide to go ahead and take the dogs for the fun of it.
The day was spent working on getting the dogs interested and asking for controlled downs (or waits, as you'll see). Bentley was Mr. Consistent, as he is everywhere! He never got too excited, but worked the sheep calmly. He wasn't a huge fan of downing (typical for him), so we used "Wait" and he was a star. He needs to be a bit pushier, but knowing his personality that's not his style!
Lexi was great. If she can gain confidence I think she may be the best of our 3. She was a little worried about getting too close to the sheep lest they make sudden moves, but when she had a job and was moving them she was seriously in the zone--head down, etc.
Enzo, I was the most surprised by. He's never seen sheep before, but knowing his personality I expected crazy. Instead, he was really focused and actually seemed to get a little frustrated because he wasn't sure what to do. He'd move them for a bit, then if they stopped moving he would get distracted and eat sheep poop (obviously a delicacy). Half the time I think he was hoping the sheep would throw a toy for him!
The lady did say he has instinct, just needs to learn what his job is. He did show tremendous confidence (the most of the 3) and was able to get one of the more stubborn sheep to back down consistently.
I brought my camera and got some great photos (entire set here), but attached are a few of my favorites.
Recently a woman we know got some sheep and has decided to start bringing someone in to offer lessons. Not sure how we'll fit it all in, but we did decide to go ahead and take the dogs for the fun of it.
The day was spent working on getting the dogs interested and asking for controlled downs (or waits, as you'll see). Bentley was Mr. Consistent, as he is everywhere! He never got too excited, but worked the sheep calmly. He wasn't a huge fan of downing (typical for him), so we used "Wait" and he was a star. He needs to be a bit pushier, but knowing his personality that's not his style!
Lexi was great. If she can gain confidence I think she may be the best of our 3. She was a little worried about getting too close to the sheep lest they make sudden moves, but when she had a job and was moving them she was seriously in the zone--head down, etc.
Enzo, I was the most surprised by. He's never seen sheep before, but knowing his personality I expected crazy. Instead, he was really focused and actually seemed to get a little frustrated because he wasn't sure what to do. He'd move them for a bit, then if they stopped moving he would get distracted and eat sheep poop (obviously a delicacy). Half the time I think he was hoping the sheep would throw a toy for him!
The lady did say he has instinct, just needs to learn what his job is. He did show tremendous confidence (the most of the 3) and was able to get one of the more stubborn sheep to back down consistently.I brought my camera and got some great photos (entire set here), but attached are a few of my favorites.
